Title:Growth Factors in the Pathogenesis of Retinal Neurodegeneration in Diabetes Mellitus
Volume: 14
Issue: 8
Author(s): Ben-Skowronek Iwona
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Diabetic retinopathy, growth factors, neurotransmitter, retinal neurodegeneration.
Abstract: Neurodegeneration is an initial process in the development of diabetic
retinopathy (DR).
High quantities of glutamate, oxidative stress, induction of the renin-angiotensin
system (RAS) and elevated levels of RAGE are crucial elements in the retinal
neurodegeneration caused by diabetes mellitus. At least, there is emerging proof to
indicate that the equilibrium between the neurotoxic and neuroprotective components
will affect the state of the retinal neurons.
Somatostatin (SST), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), and erythropoietin
(Epo) are endogenous neuroprotective peptides that are decreased in the eye of
diabetic persons and play an essential role in retinal homeostasis. On the other hand, insulin-like growth
factor 1 (IGF-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are pivotal proteins which participate in
the development of new capillaries and finally cause damage to the retinal neurons. During recent years,
our knowledge about the function of growth factors in the pathogenesis of retinal neurodegeneration has
increased. However, intensive investigations are needed to clarify the basic processes that contribute to
retinal neurodegeneration and its association with damage to the capillary blood vessels. The objective of
this review article is to show new insights on the role of neurotransmitters and growth factors in the
pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. The information contained in this manuscript may provide the basis
for novel strategies based on the factors of neurodegeneration to diagnose, prevent and treat DR in its
earliest phases.
