[Pathological and therapeutic possibilities in inhibiting ocular angionesis].

ABSTRACT

In a variety of corneal and retinal diseases, ocular ischaemia mediates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, which in turn causes angiogenesis and increased vascular permeability. Consequently, VEGF-inhibitory treatment has been introduced in different ocular diseases. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is an upstream regulator of VEGF-A, and increased HIF-1α expression has been established in ocular animal models. Upcoming translational studies are expected to increase our understanding of the complex balance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors in the eye.