Inhibitory Effect of Phenolic Compounds on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Induced Retinal Endothelial Permeability and Angiogenesis

• Published in: Preventive nutrition and food science Vol. 29; no. 3; pp. 321 - 331
• Main Authors: Kim, Dong Yoon, Hong, Seong-Min, Cho, Jeong-Seok, Lee, Sae-Byuk, Cho, Hyun-Dong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) 한국식품영양과학회 30.09.2024; The Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• Subjects: Original; 식품과학; polyphenols; vascular permeability; angiogenesis; macular degeneration
• ISSN: 2287-1098; 2287-8602
• DOI: 10.3746/pnf.2024.29.3.321

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), often triggered by endothelial barrier disruption through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is a leading cause of blindness. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of phenolic compounds on VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and permeability using human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRECs). Thirty-seven polyphenolic compounds were selected from various databases based on their antioxidant properties, abundance in food, and solubility. These compounds significantly reduced migration, tube formation, and endothelial permeability in VEGF-stimulated hRECs. Notably, formononetin, eriodictyol, biochanin A, and p-coumaric acid were more effective in suppressing VEGF-induced angiogenesis and endothelial permeability than lutein. Molecular docking simulations revealed that formononetin, eriodictyol, and biochanin A had relatively lower binding energies with VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) than lutein and sorafenib. These findings highlight the potential of phenolic compounds to be used as VEGFR2 inhibitors and an alternative strategy for preventing AMD.