Melissa officinalis Extract Inhibits Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization in a Rat Model
Figure 5
Quantification of VEGF, MMP-2, and MMP-9 levels in choroidal-scleral complex and retina.
Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 were evaluated in the choroidal-scleral complex (A, C, E) and retina (B, D, F). (A, B) Mean normalized VEGF levels in choroidal-scleral and retinal tissues were significantly lower in high-dose M. officinalis extract (100 mg/kg) group than in controls. The low-dose M. officinalis extract (50 mg/kg) group only had significantly lower VEGF levels than controls in choroidal-scleral tissues. (C, D) Mean normalized MMP-2 levels in choroidal-scleral and retinal tissues were significantly lower in high-dose extract rats than in controls. (E, F) Mean normalized MMP-9 levels in choroidal-scleral and retinal tissues were significantly lower than controls in both high- and low-dose groups. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. #, *indicate significant difference (P<0.05) in comparison to negative control or the vehicle-treated group, respectively.