A review of drug options in age-related macular degeneration therapy and potential new agents

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness in people > 50 years of age in the developed world. AMD is both a debilitating and costly disease for the individual and the community. Greater understanding of the mechanisms and pathways involved in causing the visual loss in AMD has resulted in the advent of several newer and more effective treatment options, making it an exciting time in the management of AMD. This paper will examine the principles behind the existing drug therapies available, as well as those being developed in the management or prophylaxis of AMD and its vision-threatening complications.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Attenuates Nω-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester-Induced Preeclampsia-Like Manifestations in Rats

“…VEGF is a potent mitogen for the endothelial cells of arteries, veins and lymphatics and promotes the proliferation, migration, survival, and integrity of endothelial cell via binding to its receptors and subsequent signaling (26,27). VEGF prevents the apoptosis of endothelial cells by inducing the expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 as well as A1 and induces the expression of the serine protease urokinase-type and tissue-type plasminogen activators (PA), PA inhibitor (PAI), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1).…”

“…VEGF has vasodilatory properties that occur via increased production of nitric oxide and prostacyclin, signaling molecules that are decreased in preeclampsia (26,27). In vitro, VEGF induced a slow, dose-dependent relaxation in coronary arteries that had been previously contracted with prostaglandin F2 alpha, and either the mechanical disruption of the intimal endothelium or pre-treatment with L-NAME completely abolished the observed relaxation (28).…”