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This abstract is assigned to session OB Free papers: Medical retina

Title	The effect of upregulated LOX and LOXL2 on inflammation and fibrosis in a laser induced CNV model.
Abstract Nr.	243

Purpose	Lysyl oxidase (LOX) and lysyl oxidase-like protein 2 (LOXL2) are involved in the cross-linking of collagen and elastin. Therefore, these proteins play a major role in the process of fibrosis. This study was designed to elucidate the role of LOX and LOXL2 in inflammation and fibrosis after choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
Methods	CNV was induced in 8 to 10 weeks old C75Bl/6 mice, by placing 3 laser spots (50µm, 0.05 s and 400mW). Mice were sacrificed 2, 4, 7, 14, 28 and 35 days after lasering. LOX and LOXL2 expression in choroid and retina was analyzed by using quantitative real time RT-PCR. Inflammation was studied by an immunohistochemical staining for CD45; fibrosis was evaluated by a Sirius Red and Trichrome staining.
Results	Both LOX and LOXL2 expression were significantly increased over time in the choroid and retina of lasered mice compared to the expression of LOX in non-lasered eyes. On day 2 and 4 after laser, the number of inflammatory cells was increased by 16% compared to control. Both Sirius Red and Thrichrome staining showed a significant increase of collagen deposition in the choroid on day 14 (43%), day 28 (44%) and day 35 (40%) after laser compared to non-lasered eyes.
Conclusion	A biphasic upregulation of LOX and LOXL2 was observed after CNV induction, which was associated with the inflammatory and fibrotic phase, respectively. Our data suggest that LOX and LOXL2 play a role in the process of inflammation and fibrosis after the induction of choroidal neovascularization. This finding can open new perspectives in the treatment of age related macular degeneration by inhibiting LOX and LOXL.

Author 1

Last name	VAN DE VEIRE
Initials	S
Department	KUL
City	Leuven

Author 2

Last name	Van Bergen
Initials	T
Department	KUL
City	Leuven

Author 3

Last name	Vandewalle
Initials	E
Department	KUL
City	Leuven

Author 4

Last name	Moons
Initials	L
Department	KUL
City	Leuven

Author 5

Last name	Herman
Initials	Jean
Department	KUL
City	Leuven

Author 6

Last name	Smith
Initials	V
Department	Arresto Biosciences
City	Palo Alto

Author 7

Last name	Ogg
Initials	S
Department	Arresto Biosciences
City	Palo Alto

Author 8

Last name	Stalmans
Initials	I
Department	KUL
City	Leuven