[Role of VEGF in diseases of the retina]

Abstract

Angiogenesis is the process through which new blood vessels are formed, based on preexisting vessels, and is the paradigm of diseases such as cancer and exudative ageassociated macular degeneration (ARMD). Several proangiogenic factors have been identified, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), especially VEGF-A, which activates endothelial cells and promotes cell proliferation, migration, and an increase in vascular permeability. VEGF is also involved in the etiopathogenesis of other retinal diseases, such as diabetic macular edema and macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion. Likewise, there is increasing evidence that placental growth factor (PIGF) acts recepsynergetically with VEGF in promoting these diseases. Currently, the main treatment for these diseases are the anti-VEGF drugs, aflibercept, ranibizumab and bevacizumab. These agents differ in their molecular structure and mechanism of action.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Angiogénesis; Degeneración macular asociada a la edad exudativa; Diabetic macular edema; Edema macular diabético; Edema macular secundario a oclusiones venosas retinianas; Exudative age-related macular degeneration (ARMD); Factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular; Factor de crecimiento placentario; Placental Growth Factor (PIGF); Terapia antifactor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF).