Growth Factors in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
2003
Growth Factors in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Zia Ali Khan, Subrata Chakrabarti
Primary Institution: University of Western Ontario
Hypothesis
Many growth factors are implicated in the pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Conclusion
Alterations in growth factors and their receptors due to sustained hyperglycemia lead to retinal hypoxia and uncontrolled neovascularization, contributing to blindness in diabetic patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes, affecting nearly all people with type I and more than half with type II diabetes.
- Sustained hyperglycemia leads to biochemical changes that alter growth factors and their receptors.
- Unregulated expression of growth factors can lead to retinal neovascularization and blindness.
Takeaway
When people have diabetes, their bodies can make too many growth factors that cause new blood vessels to grow in the eye, which can lead to vision problems.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website