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Published on: October 23, 2020
Eye disorders in diabetes: potential drug targets
T Josifova1, U Schneider, P B Henrich
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland. tjosifova@uhbs.ch
Infectious Disorders Drug Targets
|June 10, 2008
Summary
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) causes eye complications like diabetic retinopathy (DRP). Treatments for DRP include laser therapy, surgery, and intravitreal injections targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Medical Science
Background:
- Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a systemic disease leading to significant long-term ocular complications.
- Diabetic retinopathy (DRP) arises from hyperglycemia-induced changes in retinal capillaries, causing leakage and neovascularization.
- DM is a risk factor for various eye conditions including conjunctivitis, keratitis, and endophthalmitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DRP) and its therapeutic strategies.
- To discuss the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in DRP development.
- To evaluate the clinical effects of intravitreal corticosteroids and anti-VEGF therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on diabetic retinopathy pathogenesis and treatment.
- Analysis of therapeutic approaches including focal laser, panretinal photocoagulation, vitrectomy, intravitreal corticosteroids, and anti-VEGF agents.
- Discussion of the molecular mechanisms involving Insulin Growth Factor (IGF-1) and VEGF.
Main Results:
- DRP involves pericyte loss, capillary occlusion, breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier, and neovascularization.
- Therapeutic strategies vary based on DRP stage, including laser treatments, surgery, and intravitreal injections.
- Intravitreal corticosteroids and anti-VEGF drugs (Pegaptanib, Ranibizumab, Bevacizumab) demonstrate clinical efficacy in managing DRP.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of DRP requires tailored therapeutic approaches based on disease stage.
- Intravitreal corticosteroids and anti-VEGF therapies offer significant benefits in controlling DRP progression and improving visual outcomes.
- Understanding the role of VEGF and other growth factors is crucial for developing novel DRP treatments.
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