Aster koraiensis Extract and Chlorogenic Acid Inhibit Retinal Angiogenesis in a Mouse Model of Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy

Aster koraiensis extract (AKE) is a standard dietary herbal supplement. Chlorogenic acid (CA) is the major compound present in AKE. Retinal neovascularization is a common pathophysiology of retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, and wet form age-related macular degeneration. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of AKE and CA on retinal neovascularization in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Vascular endothelial growth factor- (VEGF-) induced tube formation was assayed in human vascular endothelial cells. Experimental retinal neovascularization was induced by exposing C57BL/6 mice to 75% oxygen on postnatal day 7 (P7) and then returning them to normal oxygen pressure on P12. AKE (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) and CA (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) were administered intraperitoneally for 5 days (P12–P16). Retinal flat mounts were prepared to measure the extent of retinal neovascularization at P17. The incubation of human vascular endothelial cells with AKE and CA (1–10 μg/mL) resulted in the inhibition of VEGF-mediated tube formation in a dose-dependent manner. The neovascular area was significantly smaller in AKE or CA-treated mice than in the vehicle-treated mice. These results suggest that AKE is a potent antiangiogenic agent and that its antiangiogenic activity may, in part, be attributable to the bioactive component CA.