The role of the cytokine TNF-α in choroidal neovascularization: a systematic review.

TNF-α is a multifunctional cytokine produced by macrophages and T cells. This proinflammatory substance is considered to play a crucial role in the inflammatory process associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The current review aimed to describe evidence for an association between TNF-α and AMD reported in various studies. The MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and Global Health databases were systematically searched to identify studies that investigated the role of TNF-α in AMD. A total of 24 studies were deemed eligible for the review. To better understand and integrate the evidence, the studies were categorised into four major groups in relation to the role of TNF-α in AMD: (1) those examining biological signalling pathways through which TNF-α exerts its effect; (2) investigating levels of TNF-α; (3) exploring the genetics underlying the role of TNF-α; and (4) assessing anti-TNF-α agents as potential treatments for AMD. TNF-α is thought to directly contribute to choroidal neovascularization (CNV) enhancement and has been shown to exert its effect by augmenting the inflammatory response through other signalling pathways. Additionally, different genes have been found to be associated with activities linked to TNF-α in AMD. Overall, measurement of systemic and local levels of TNF-α has not yielded consistent findings, with variable conclusions for the role of anti-TNF-α agents in remission of AMD symptoms. The role of TNF-α in neovascular AMD is not clear, and not all anti-TNF-α agents are safe. The potential of this cytokine in atrophic AMD has not been examined. Future studies should address these unresolved questions.

Recent Developments in the Treatment of Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible blindness and visual impairment in individuals over the age of 50 years in western societies. More than 25 million people currently suffer from this illness in the world, with an additional 500 000 every year, approximately. It is a multifactorial ocular disease that affects the maculae due to a late-onset progressive neurodegeneration and dysfunction of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). There are many subtypes of AMD but basically two broad forms: the nonneovascular (dry, nonexudative) and neovascular (wet, exudative). Exudative AMD is the less common form (about 15%) but tends to progress more rapidly. At the moment, wet AMD is treated primarily on the basis of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, which have led to massive improvement in the prognosis of the disease since they were first introduced. This article focuses on the latest treatment approaches to neovascular AMD. An extensive literature review was performed in order to illustrate the effectiveness of current and future anti-VEGF agents as well as the landmark clinical studies that have been carried out to establish these drugs as a gold standard in the therapy of wet AMD.

Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and its Association with Alzheimer's Disease.

In developed countries, people of advanced age go permanently blind most often due to age-related macular degeneration, while at the global level, this disease is the third major cause of blindness, after cataract and glaucoma, according to the World Health Organisation. The number of individuals believed to suffer from the disease throughout the world has been approximated at 50 million. Age-related macular degeneration is classified as non-neovascular (dry, non-exudative) and neovascular (wet, exudative). The exudative form is less common than the non-exudative as it accounts for approximately 10 percent of the cases of the disease. However, it can be much more aggressive and could result in a rapid and severe loss of central vision. Similarly, with age-related macular degeneration, Alzheimer's disease is a late-onset, neurodegenerative disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Both of them are associated with age and share several features, including the presence of abnormal extracellular deposits associated with neuronal degeneration, drusen, and plaques, respectively. The present review article highlights the pathogenesis, clinical features, and imaging modalities used for the diagnosis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. A thorough overview of the effectiveness of anti-VEGF agents as well as of other treatment modalities that have either lost favour or, are rarely used, is provided in detail. Additionally, the common histologic, immunologic, and pathogenetic features of Alzheimer's disease and age-related macular degeneration are discussed in depth.

Aflibercept: A review of its effect on the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration.

Considerable improvement has been achieved in the way in which exudative age-related macular degeneration is conventionally treated and in the associated visual outcomes and prognosis, thanks to the agents with effects against vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). By comparison to earlier treatment approaches that involved the use of lasers, the anti-VEGF agents have made it possible to accomplish more positive visual and anatomical outcomes in cases of exudative age-related macular degeneration. Indeed, owing to their positive effects, anti-VEGF agents have quickly come to be considered the gold standard for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. Aflibercept, the most recently approved intravitreally administered anti-VEGF, seems to mark another milestone in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. This anti-VEGF agent presents a series of singular pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic attributes that provide it a number of biological benefits in relation to the treatment of choroidal neovascularization compared to other agents. These attributes include high level of affinity for the VEGF-A factor, an intravitreal half-life of great length, as well as the ability to serve as an antagonist for other growth factors besides VEGF. The impact of Aflibercept on the manner in which exudative age-related macular degeneration is managed was demonstrated by thoroughly reviewing the related literature. The present review article highlights the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety and effectiveness of this anti-VEGF agent as well as the landmark clinical studies that have been carried out to establish this drug as a gold standard in the therapy of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. In addition, studies regarding the outcomes and effectiveness of the various dosage regimens, either as monotherapy or in combination with other agents, are also reviewed.

Mini-monovision versus multifocal intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of monovision correction and multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation on patient satisfaction, spectacle dependence, visual acuity, and dysphotopsia in cataract patients. SETTING: University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece. DESIGN: Prospective randomized trial. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of senile cataract with stage 2 nuclear opalescence were randomly assigned to 2 groups: monovision and multifocal IOL implantation. Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuity, Visual Function Index-14 (VF-14) scores, and spectacle dependence were assessed prior to surgery and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The monovision group comprised 38 patients and the multifocal IOL implantation group, 37 patients. Both techniques provided excellent refractive outcomes in UDVA and VF-14 scores (all P < .01). No significant intergroup differences were detected in VF-14 scores at the final postoperative examination. The monovision group patients presented significantly more spectacle dependence for near vision but less glare. CONCLUSIONS: Monovision and multifocal IOL implantation provided excellent refractive outcomes for distance vision. Multifocal IOL insertion was associated with less dependence on glasses overall but significantly more dysphotopsia. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.