[The role of transforming growth factor-beta in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy]

Diabetic retinopathy is a micro-angiopathy affecting predominantly small vessels of the retina. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is characterised by preretinal neovascularisation and fibrosis leading to vitreous heamorrhage and tractional retinal detachment. Chronic hyperglicemia may cause growth factor alterations that are likely to participate in tissue remodeling typical for this late complication. Numerous angiogenic and mitogenic factors have been demonstrated to be present in the eye, including transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), insulin-like growth factors, fibroblast growth factor, tumor necrosis factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. TGF-beta is involved in the control of endothelial cell proliferation, adhesion and deposition of extracellular matrix, thus TGF-beta may play a role in the control of endothelial cell proliferation seen in the disease. The role of TGF-beta in diabetic retinopathy enables better understanding, and thus in the future better intensive antidiabetic therapy in aspect of ophthalmic complications.