Archives of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. However, not much is known of underlying molecular mechanism and how oxidative stress contributes to its development. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of TGFβ signaling pathway on the effect of oxidative stress on VEGF secretion and viability of retinal cells. VEGF is the hallmark that exacerbates DR progression in prolonged diabetes. Some major concerns that have arisen are the underlying effects of antioxidants in elevating VEGF secretion in diabetes.

This is a clinical study which assessed the safety and efficacy of Bevacizumab (Avastin), manufactured by Genentech, in the treatment of maculopathy secondary to Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR). All of the patients suffered from Type II Diabetes Mellitus. 
A total of 174 (97 male, 77 female) patients (308 study eyes in total) took part in the clinical study with an average age of 57 years (range 27-80 years). 56 patients (32%) in the study were insulin dependent diabetics. Bevacizumab was given to patients by monthly intra-vitreal injections at a dose of 50 µL per treatment. The Visual Acuity (VA) was assessed using the Snellen technique before and after the Bevacizumab injection and with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

Retinal capillary nonperfusion is a hallmark of numerous retinal disease processes including diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, sickle cell retinopathy, as well as infectious and inflammatory diseases of the retina. Capillary nonperfusion in the macula, or ischemic maculopathy, typically leads to photoreceptor death and irreversible visual impairment [1,2]. 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common and potentially devastating eye disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Among the two major subtypes of AMD, the wet form poses a significant threat to vision due to the development of choroidal neovascularization and subsequent retinal damage. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape for wet AMD, particularly with the advent of ranibizumab, a widely used monoclonal antibody targeting VEGF-A. The incidence of wet AMD has been steadily increasing with the ageing population, leading to a growing public health concern. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of effective treatment are critical to preserving vision and preventing disease progression. The introduction of anti-VEGF agents, particularly ranibizumab, has significantly improved visual outcomes for many patients, leading to a reduction in severe visual loss and stabilizing or even improvement in visual acuity.

The formation of new blood vessels, or angiogenesis, is a hallmark of cancer and one of the most important conditions for tumor growth. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important factors in angiogenesis. Increased VEGF expression has been associated to rapid cancer progression and poor prognosis.