Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), commonly classified as a microvascular complication of diabetes, is now recognized as a neurovascular complication or sensory neuropathy resulting from disruption of the neurovascular unit. Current therapies for DR target the vascular complication of the disease process, including neovascularization and diabetic macular edema. Since neurodegeneration is an early event in the pathogenesis of DR, it will be important to unravel the mechanisms that contribute to neuroretinal cell death in order to develop novel treatments for the early stages of DR. In this review we comment on how inflammation, the metabolic derangements associated with diabetes, loss of neuroprotective factors, and dysregulated glutamate metabolism may contribute to retinal neurodegeneration during diabetes. Promising potential therapies based on these specific aspects of DR pathophysiology are also discussed. Finally, we stress the importance of developing and validating new markers of visual function that can be used to shorten the duration of clinical trials and accelerate the delivery of novel treatments for DR to the public.
Keywords: Diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, mechanisms, neurodegeneration, neurovascular, pathogenesis, treatment.
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title:Neurodegeneration in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications
Volume: 20 Issue: 26
Author(s): Maxwell S. Stem and Thomas W. Gardner
Affiliation:
Keywords: Diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, mechanisms, neurodegeneration, neurovascular, pathogenesis, treatment.
Abstract: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), commonly classified as a microvascular complication of diabetes, is now recognized as a neurovascular complication or sensory neuropathy resulting from disruption of the neurovascular unit. Current therapies for DR target the vascular complication of the disease process, including neovascularization and diabetic macular edema. Since neurodegeneration is an early event in the pathogenesis of DR, it will be important to unravel the mechanisms that contribute to neuroretinal cell death in order to develop novel treatments for the early stages of DR. In this review we comment on how inflammation, the metabolic derangements associated with diabetes, loss of neuroprotective factors, and dysregulated glutamate metabolism may contribute to retinal neurodegeneration during diabetes. Promising potential therapies based on these specific aspects of DR pathophysiology are also discussed. Finally, we stress the importance of developing and validating new markers of visual function that can be used to shorten the duration of clinical trials and accelerate the delivery of novel treatments for DR to the public.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Stem S. Maxwell and Gardner W. Thomas, Neurodegeneration in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2013; 20 (26) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/09298673113209990027
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/09298673113209990027 |
Print ISSN 0929-8673 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-533X |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Medicinal Chemistry: From Cancer to Chronic Diseases.
The broad spectrum of the issue will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, novel therapeutic interventions, and translational insights that impact modern medicine. The primary focus will be diseases of global concern, including cancer, chronic pain, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions, providing a broad overview of the advancements in ...read more
Approaches to the treatment of chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of numerous diseases, significantly impacting global health. Although chronic inflammation is a hot topic, not much has been written about approaches to its treatment. This thematic issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in chronic inflammation treatment and foster discussion on future directions in this ...read more
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Non-Infectious Inflammatory Diseases: Focus on Clinical Implications
The Special Issue covers the results of the studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of non-infectious inflammatory diseases, in particular, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders such as type II diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Review and research articles as well as methodology papers that summarize ...read more
Chalcogen-modified nucleic acid analogues
Chalcogen-modified nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides have been of great interest to scientific research for many years. The replacement of oxygen in the nucleobase, sugar or phosphate backbone by chalcogen atoms (sulfur, selenium, tellurium) gives these biomolecules unique properties resulting from their altered physical and chemical properties. The continuing interest in ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Benefits of L-Arginine on Cardiovascular System
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Diabetic Retinopathy, Superoxide Damage and Antioxidants
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Application of Nanomedicine in Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke
Current Pharmaceutical Design Clinical Assessment of Carotid Atherosclerosis Inflammation by Positron Emission Tomography
Current Molecular Medicine Erythropoietin: New Horizon in Cardiovascular Medicine
Recent Patents on Cardiovascular Drug Discovery The role of interleukin 35 in atherosclerosis
Current Pharmaceutical Design High-Density Lipoprotein-Raising Strategies: Update 2010
Current Pharmaceutical Design Benzodiazepines, Amphetamines, Testosterone, and Sildenafil as New Candidate Drugs for Sexual Interest, Desire and/or Arousal Disorder
Current Psychopharmacology Prodrug Strategies for Antihypertensives
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry The Utility of Metformin Therapy in Reproductive-Aged Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Is there a Rational Approach for Increasing Drug Specificity? Considerations on CNS Target Choice and Validation
Recent Patents on CNS Drug Discovery (Discontinued) Fibrate-Associated Adverse Effects Beyond Muscle and Liver Toxicity
Current Pharmaceutical Design Evidence for, and Importance of, cGMP-Independent Mechanisms with NO and NO Donors on Blood Vessels and Platelets
Current Vascular Pharmacology The Role of Adipocytokines in Atherogenesis and Atheroprogression
Current Drug Targets Efficacy and Cardiovascular Safety of Sulfonylureas
Current Drug Safety Pathophysiology of Atherosclerosis: The Role of Inflammation
Current Pharmaceutical Design Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Genetic Disorders
Current Medicinal Chemistry Hepatocyte Growth Factor Attenuates the Development of TGF-β1- Induced EndMT through Down-regulating the Notch Signaling
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets The Role of Cellular Senescence During Vascular Calcification: A Key Paradigm in Aging Research
Current Aging Science 5-HT2 Receptors
Current Drug Targets - CNS & Neurological Disorders