학술논문

Neuroprotective Factors of the Retina and Their Role in Promoting Survival of Retinal Ganglion Cells: A Review
Document Type
Report
Source
Ophthalmic Research. June 2021, Vol. 64 Issue 3, p345, 11 p.
Subject
Nerve growth factor
Apoptosis
Endothelial growth factors
Hypertension
Ciliary neurotrophic factor
Ganglion cysts
Glaucoma
Neurons
Ganglion
Language
English
ISSN
0030-3747
Abstract
Author(s): Ewa Fudalej [a]; Magdalena Justyniarska [a]; Kaja Kasarello (corresponding author) [a]; Jacek Dziedziak [a,b]; Jacek P. Szaflik [b]; Agnieszka Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska [a] Introduction The Anatomy of the Retina The retina [...]
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) play a crucial role in the visual pathway. As their axons form the optic nerve, apoptosis of these cells causes neurodegenerative vision loss. RGC death could be triggered by increased intraocular pressure, advanced glycation end products, or mitochondrial dysfunction. In this review, we summarize the role of some neuroprotective factors in RGC injury: ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, pigment epithelium-derived factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, and Norrin. Each, in their own unique way, prevents RGC damage caused by glaucoma, ocular hypertension, ischemic neuropathy, and even oxygen-induced retinopathy. These factors are produced mainly by neurons, leukocytes, glial cells, and epithelial cells. Neuroprotective factors act via various signaling pathways, including JAK/STAT, MAPK, TrkA, and TrkB, which promotes RGC survival. Many attempts have been made to develop therapeutic strategies using these factors. There are ongoing clinical trials with CNTF and NGF, but they have not yet been accepted for clinical use. Keywords: Neuroprotection, Retina, Neurodegeneration, Retinal ganglion cells, Pathology