Acidic FGF and Other Growth Factors in Preretinal Membranes from Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy and Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

Abstract

The development and extension of fibrovascular or fibroglial membranes onto the retinal surface are a major cause of visual loss in diabetic patients with proliferative retinopathy and in patients suffering from retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy. The pathogenesis of these proliferative diseases, however, remain poorly understood and the nature of growth-promoting mediators implicated in these phenomena has not been determined yet. Using indirect immunofluorescence procedures, three different growth factors known to be mitogenic for various cell components of preretinal membranes, acidic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor type I, were sought in 14 specimens of preretinal proliferative tissues. Similar results were obtained in diabetic preretinal membranes and tissues from patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy. The three different growth factors were found diffusely in the connective stroma and around new blood vessels within the vascular walls. Some fibroblast-like and pigment epithelial-derived cells more markedly reacted with anti-growth factor antibodies. These results provide indications on the eventual involvement of three potent growth factors in intraocular proliferative diseases, but whether or not these mediators play an active role in the development of preretinal membranes remains to be determined.

Growth Factors in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

“…This suggests that EGF signaling might be involved in preretinal membrane formation. This finding, along with localization of EGF in preretinal membranes of patients with PDR (Fredj-Reygrobellet et al, 1991;Patel et al, 1994), points to the involvement of EGF in the progression of diabetic retinopathy.…”

Non-vascular vitreoretinopathy: The cells and the cellular basis of contraction

“…15 and bioactive substances such as fibronectin 1 6,1 7 and thrombospon din. 1 8, 1 9 These cytokines, growth factors and glyco proteins are also present in the vitreal fluid of patients with established PVR,4, 1 9-22 but it remains to be determined which, if any, of these agents is active in the earliest stages of membrane formation.…”

Intrasilicone oil injection of bevacizumab at the end of retinal reattachment surgery for severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy

“…5 Previous studies have shown altered expression of growth factors and cytokines in vitreous, subretinal fluid and membranes in patients with PVR. [6][7][8][9] The association of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with the pathogenesis of PVR, has been reported by several authors. VEGF levels were found to be higher in subretinal fluid and vitreous fluid samples of PVR compared with uncomplicated RRD.…”