To investigate the effect of curcumin, known to inhibit hypoxia-inducible factor-1, on retinal neovascularization in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR).

OIR was induced by exposing C57BL/6 mice on postnatal day 7 (P7) to 75% hyperoxia for 5 days, followed by 5 days in a room with normal oxygen level. Curcumin was administered intraperitoneally once a day for 5 days from P12 or intravitreally once on P13. Mice retinas on P17 were analyzed for retinal neovascularization, which was compared between curcumin-treated and control mice.

After intraperitoneal and intravitreal administration of curcumin, qualitative assessment of retinal neovascularization of flat-mounted retina showed no significant difference compared to control retinas. Quantitative assessment of retinal neovascularization also showed no significant difference between curcumin-treated and control mice.

Both intraperitoneal and intravitreal administration of curcumin did not reduce retinal neovascularization in an OIR mouse model. Further investigation including development of new formulations is required for the use of curcumin as an anti-angiogenic agent for retinal neovascularization.