Ischemic Retinopathies: Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017:2017:3940241. doi: 10.1155/2017/3940241. Epub 2017 Dec 19.

Abstract

Ischemic retinopathies (IRs), such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and (in many cases) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are ocular disorders characterized by an initial phase of microvascular changes that results in ischemia, followed by a second phase of abnormal neovascularization that may culminate into retinal detachment and blindness. IRs are complex retinal conditions in which several factors play a key role during the development of the different pathological stages of the disease. Increasing evidence reveals that oxidative stress and inflammatory processes are important contributors to the pathogenesis of IRs. Despite the beneficial effects of the photocoagulation and anti-VEGF therapy during neovascularization phase, the need to identify novel targets to prevent initial phases of these ocular pathologies is still needed. In this review, we provide an update on the involvement of oxidative stress and inflammation in the progression of IRs and address some therapeutic interventions by using antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetic Retinopathy / metabolism*
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hypertensive Retinopathy / metabolism*
  • Hypertensive Retinopathy / pathology
  • Inflammation / metabolism*
  • Inflammation / pathology*
  • Oxidative Stress / genetics
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology*
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / metabolism*
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / pathology