Neuroprotection: A versatile approach to combat glaucoma

Eur J Pharmacol. 2020 Aug 15:881:173208. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173208. Epub 2020 May 25.

Abstract

In most retinal diseases, neuronal loss is the main cause of vision loss. Neuroprotection is the alteration of neurons and/or their environment to encourage the survival and function of the neurons, especially in environments that are deleterious to the neuronal health. The area of neuroprotection progresses with a therapeutically-based hope of improving vision and clinical outcomes for patients through the developments in neurotrophic therapy, antioxidative therapy, anti-excitotoxic, anti-ischemic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic care. In this review, we summarize the various neuroprotection strategies for the treatment of glaucoma, genetics of glaucoma and the role of various nanoplatforms in the treatment of glaucoma.

Keywords: Genetics; Glaucoma; Nanoplatforms; Neuroprotection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Ophthalmic
  • Animals
  • Cell Death / drug effects
  • Cellular Microenvironment
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drug Carriers
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Glaucoma / genetics
  • Glaucoma / metabolism
  • Glaucoma / pathology
  • Glaucoma / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles
  • Neuroprotective Agents / administration & dosage
  • Neuroprotective Agents / adverse effects
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures
  • Optic Nerve / drug effects*
  • Optic Nerve / metabolism
  • Optic Nerve / pathology
  • Retinal Neurons / drug effects*
  • Retinal Neurons / metabolism
  • Retinal Neurons / pathology

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Neuroprotective Agents