Oxytocin as a Possible VEGF Inhibitor for Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

Author

Daira Yepez, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

7-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

First Advisor

Andrew Tsin

Second Advisor

Megan Keniry

Third Advisor

Michael Persans

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major complication of diabetes and a leading cause of vision loss largely driven by the overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which promotes neovascularization and vascular permeability in the retina. Current treatments, primarily anti-VEGF injections, inhibit the effects of VEGF once it has been secreted but can be ineffective in a certain subset of patients. Recent studies suggest that oxytocin (OXT), a neuropeptide mainly known for its roles in reproduction and social bonding, may downregulate VEGF expression. This study aimed to investigate whether OXT influences VEGF secretion in the human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells under hyperglycemic and normoglycemic conditions. ARPE-19 cells were cultured under low or high glucose conditions and treated with OXT. VEGF levels in culture media were quantified using ELISA at four 24 hour intervals. Results suggest a modest inhibition of VEGF in a dose and time dependent manner.

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La retinopatía diabética (RD) es una complicación de la diabetes y una de las principales causas de ceguera, impulsada principalmente por la sobreexpresión del factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular (FCEV), que promueve la neovascularización y la permeabilidad vascular en la retina. Los tratamientos actuales-- inyecciones anti-FCEV-- inhiben los efectos del FCEV ya secretado, pero son ineficaces en ciertos pacientes. Estudios recientes sugerieron que la oxitocina (OXT), neuropéptido conocido por su papel en la reproducción y el vínculo social, inhibe la expresión de FCEV. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar si la OXT influye la secreción de FCEV en células del epitelio pigmentario de la retina (EPR) humano bajo hiperglucemia y normoglucemia. Se cultivaron células ARPE-19 en glucosa baja o alta y OXT. Niveles de FCEV en los medios se cuantificaron mediante ELISA cada 24 horas. Los resultados sugieren moderada inhibición del FCEV dependiente de la dosis y tiempo.

Comments

Copyright 2025 Daira Yepez. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3275034230

Recommended Citation

Yepez, D. (2025). Oxytocin as a Possible VEGF Inhibitor for Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1776