How to overcome retinal neuropathy: the fight against angiogenesis-related blindness

Arch Pharm Res. 2010 Oct;33(10):1557-65. doi: 10.1007/s12272-010-1007-6. Epub 2010 Oct 30.

Abstract

The retina consists of neuronal cells of high metabolic activity that are supplied by an abundant vasculature. It is a main theme of ophthalmologic research, because retinopathies are common causes of blindness in all age groups: age-related macular degeneration in the elderly, diabetic retinopathy in the middle aged, and retinopathy of prematurity and retinoblastoma in children. Interestingly, angiogenesis underlies the pathogenesis of all these diseases, and breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier is also thought to play an important role before and throughout the process of new vessel formation. However, so far, most treatments have targeted angiogenesis only, especially vascular endothelial growth factor. Consideration of the restoration of the blood-retinal barrier should be required. In this review, we discuss the clinical manifestation, pathogenesis, and current treatment options for angiogenesis-related blindness. In addition, because of the recent introduction of novel strategies, we describe pathogenesis-based treatment options to treat angiogenesis-related blindness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Blindness / epidemiology
  • Blindness / etiology
  • Blindness / prevention & control*
  • Blindness / therapy
  • Blood-Retinal Barrier / drug effects
  • Blood-Retinal Barrier / physiopathology
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / drug therapy
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / physiopathology
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Macular Degeneration / drug therapy
  • Macular Degeneration / physiopathology
  • Macular Degeneration / therapy
  • Retinal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Retinal Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Retinal Neoplasms / therapy
  • Retinal Neovascularization / drug therapy
  • Retinal Neovascularization / physiopathology
  • Retinal Neovascularization / therapy*
  • Retinal Neurons / drug effects
  • Retinal Neurons / metabolism*
  • Retinal Vessels / drug effects
  • Retinal Vessels / metabolism
  • Retinoblastoma / drug therapy
  • Retinoblastoma / physiopathology
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / drug therapy
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / physiopathology
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / therapy