Introduction: Understanding the role of angiogenesis and antiangiogenic agents in age-related macular degeneration.
Inhibition of angiogenesis is critical in the prevention and treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Pathologic states such as hypoxia, ischemia, or inflammation may tip the balance of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors in favor of the formation of new blood vessels. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is pivotal in ocular angiogenesis because it is highly selective for endothelial cells, hypoxia drives its synthesis, it diffuses to its target, and it affects multiple components of angiogenesis such as endothelial cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Basic and clinical research implicates VEGF in the pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), although other candidate factors involved with regulation of angiogenesis exist. Intravitreal drugs that block VEGF have revolutionized the care of patients with neovascular AMD, decreasing growth and leakage from choroidal neovascular lesions and preventing moderate and severe vision loss associated with this process.
The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA. sbressler@jhmi.edu
Susan B
SB
Bressler
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D000069579:Ranibizumab; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C495058:pegaptanib; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D000069579:Ranibizumab