1. Ocular Retinopathies and Clinical Control of Angiogenesis.
- Author
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Zhang, Bin and Ma, Jian-xing
- Abstract
Ocular neovascular disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinopathy of prematurity and corneal neovascularization, are the most common causes of blindness and vision loss. The abnormal growth of new blood vessels in the avascular compartments of the eye, vascular leakage and hemorrhage can affect visual acuity. Different ocular neovascular disorders have the characteristic etiology and pathogenesis. However, they share some common pathogenic mechanisms, such as disturbed balance between anti-angiogenic factors and pro-angiogenic factors. Down-regulation and functional blockage of the angiogenic factors have been extensively investigated and applied as therapies. Increases of anti-angiogenic factors have been shown to restore the balance in angiogenesis control and further inhibit ocular Neovascularization, suggesting a therapeutic potential. Recently, Wnt signaling has been shown to play important roles in some ocular neovascular disorders and is believed to be an important therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
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