Treatment of corneal neovascularization with dietary isoflavonoids and flavonoids

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of dietary isoflavonoi ds and flavonoids for the treatment of ocular neovascularization. Corneal b lood vessels were induced by intrastromal implantation of pellets containin g bFGF. Isoflavonoids and flavonoids (Genistein, Fisetin and Luteolin) were dissolved in a microemulsion to increase bioavailability and applied topic ally in concentrations between 0.5 and 1 ng ml(-1). Corneal neovascularizat ion was quantified under the microscope. In comparison to control eyes, all three substances significantly inhibited corneal neovascularization (P les s than or equal to 0.05). Fisetin had the strongest effect followed by Geni stein and Luteolin. No significant topical side effects were observed. We c oncluded that the isoflavonoid Genistein and two structurally related flavo noids are potent inhibitors of corneal angiogenesis in vivo. The wide distr ibution of the flavonoids in the plant kingdom together with the presented results suggests that flavonoids may contribute to the preventive effect of a plant-based diet on neovascular disease of the eye. (C) 2000 Academic Pr ess.