Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab induces inflammatory alterations in a uveitis experimental model.

Abstract

PURPOSE: Bevacizumab is currently used as an intravitreal agent in the treatment of inflammatory-associated eye diseases. The aim of the current study is to explore the effects of the intravitreal injection of bevacizumab on aqueous humour cytokines and chemokines in an experimental uveitis model. METHODS: Endotoxin-induced uveitis was induced in rats by footpad injections. Bevacizumab was administered by intravitreal injection (75 µg in 3-µL samples) and different chemokine and cytokine proteins were quantified in aqueous humor. RESULTS: Intravitreal administration of bevacizumab led to a several-fold increase of RANTES, MCP-1, and IFN-γ concentrations in aqueous humor of endotoxin-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: Given the exacerbating effect of bevacizumab on inflammation agents and considering the increasing use of bevacizumab as an off-label intravitreal agent, care should be taken if an underlying inflammatory disease is present.