Pigment-epithelium-derived factor -- a key coordinator of retinal neuronal and vascular functions

Article Abstract:

The discovery of pigment-epithelium-derived factor may shed some light on the development of some retinal diseases as well as potential treatments for those diseases. This growth factor was identified in 1999 in retinoblastoma cells. Retinoblastoma is an eye tumor. It inhibits the formation of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. Its activity increases when oxygen levels are high and decreases when oxygen levels are low. Diabetic retinopathy is primarily caused by the formation of new blood vessels in areas where they are not supposed to form. This could be a result of low levels of pigment-epithelium-derived factor.

Retina

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Early expression of angiogenesis factors in acute myocardial ischemia and infarction

Article Abstract:

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is one of the first substances produced by the body in response to low oxygen levels, a condition called hypoxia. HIF-1 in turn activates genes that produce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a substance that causes blood vessels to grow. Researchers tested heart biopsy specimens from 37 patients having coronary bypass surgery for the presence of HIF-1 and VEGF. HIF-1 occurred in samples taken from patients in the early stages of a heart attack. VEGF only occurred in patients in the later stages of a heart attack.

Heart attack, Ischemia

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Erythropoietin as a retinal angiogenic factor in proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Article Abstract:

The erythropoietin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in the vitreous fluid of 144 patients are measured with the use of radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The data suggest that erythropoitin is a potent ischemia-induced angiogenic factor that acts independently of VEGF during retinal angiogenesis in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Science & research, Drug therapy, Dosage and administration, Diabetic retinopathy, Erythropoietin

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