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Chen C, Zhang H, Lan Y, Yan W, Liu S, Chen Y, Xie T, Ning J, Yan X, Shang L, Han J. Statins as a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy: a Mendelian randomization and cross-sectional observational study. J Transl Med 2024; 22:298. [PMID: 38520016 PMCID: PMC10958895 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05097-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the foremost cause of vision loss among the global working-age population, and statins are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for lipid management in patients with DR. The exact relationship between statins and DR has not been determined. This study sought to validate the causal association between statins usage and diabetic retinopathy. METHODS The summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) method and inverse-variance-weighted Mendelian randomization (IVW-MR) were used to identify the causal relationship between statins and DR via the use of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data for 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) (31,684 blood samples), low density lipoprotein cholesterol-related GWAS data (sample size: 440,546), and DR-related GWAS data (14,584 cases and 176,010 controls). Additionally, a cross-sectional observational study based on the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was conducted to supplement the association between DR and statins (sample size: 106,911). The odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was employed to evaluate the results. RESULTS Based on the results of the MR analysis, HMGCR inhibitors were causally connected with a noticeably greater incidence of DR (IVW: OR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.42, 0.69], p = 0.000002; SMR: OR = 0.66, 95% CI [0.52, 0.84], p = 0.00073). Subgroup analysis revealed that the results were not affected by the severity of DR. The sensitivity analysis revealed the stability and reliability of the MR analysis results. The results from the cross-sectional study based on NHANES also support the association between not taking statins and a decreased risk of DR (OR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.37, 0.79], p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that a significant increase in DR risk was causally related to statins use, providing novel insights into the role of statins in DR. However, further investigations are needed to verify these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengming Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Rd, Xi'an, 710038, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA (Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University), Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Air Force Medical Center, The Air Force Military Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyan Lan
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Weiming Yan
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Sida Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Rd, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Yixuan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Rd, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Tingke Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Rd, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Jiayi Ning
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Rd, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Xiaolong Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Rd, Xi'an, 710038, China.
| | - Lei Shang
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Preventive Medicine, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China.
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Rd, Xi'an, 710038, China.
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Mason RH, Minaker SA, Lahaie Luna G, Bapat P, Farahvash A, Garg A, Bhambra N, Muni RH. Changes in aqueous and vitreous inflammatory cytokine levels in proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eye (Lond) 2022:10.1038/s41433-022-02127-x. [PMID: 35672457 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-022-02127-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, where in its most advanced form ischemic changes lead to the development of retinal neovascularization, termed proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). While the development of PDR is often associated with angiogenic and inflammatory cytokines, studies differ on which cytokines are implicated in disease pathogenesis and on the strength of these associations. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the existing body of data on intraocular cytokines as biomarkers in PDR. METHODS A comprehensive search of the literature without year limitation was conducted to January 18, 2021, which identified 341 studies assessing vitreous or aqueous cytokine levels in PDR, accounting for 10379 eyes with PDR and 6269 eyes from healthy controls. Effect sizes were calculated as standardized mean differences (SMD) of cytokine concentrations between PDR and control patients. RESULTS Concentrations (SMD, 95% confidence interval, and p-value) of aqueous IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, TNF-α, and VEGF, and vitreous IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, angiopoietin-2, eotaxin, erythropoietin, GM-CSF, GRO, HMGB-1, IFN-γ, IGF, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1, MMP-9, PDGF-AA, PlGF, sCD40L, SDF-1, sICAM-1, sVEGFR, TIMP, TNF-α, and VEGF were significantly higher in patients with PDR when compared to healthy nondiabetic controls. For all other cytokines no differences, failed sensitivity analyses or insufficient data were found. CONCLUSIONS This extensive list of cytokines speaks to the complexity of PDR pathogenesis, and informs future investigations into disease pathogenesis, prognosis, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan H Mason
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Michael's Hospital/Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Kensington Vision and Research Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Samuel A Minaker
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Michael's Hospital/Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Kensington Vision and Research Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Priya Bapat
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Michael's Hospital/Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Kensington Vision and Research Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Armin Farahvash
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Michael's Hospital/Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Kensington Vision and Research Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anubhav Garg
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Michael's Hospital/Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Kensington Vision and Research Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nishaant Bhambra
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Michael's Hospital/Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Kensington Vision and Research Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rajeev H Muni
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Michael's Hospital/Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Kensington Vision and Research Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- University of Toronto/Kensington Health Ophthalmology Biobank and Cytokine Laboratory, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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3
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Liu J, Wu YP, Qi JJ, Yue ZP, Hu CD. Effect of Statin Therapy on Diabetes Retinopathy in People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2021; 27:10760296211040109. [PMID: 34617462 PMCID: PMC8642113 DOI: 10.1177/10760296211040109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: We tried to find the relationship between statin and
diabetes retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods: We searched the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and
the Cochrane Library for eligible studies reporting on the relationships between
statin use and DR, from inception to September 25, 2020. The terms searched
including Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase
Inhibitors, and Diabetic Retinopathy. We expressed the results as the odds
ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) which were calculated using a
random-effects model. Results: A total of 6 eligible studies,
including 43 826 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis
showed that statin was not associated with elevated risk of DR [OR = 0.96 (95%
CI: 0.80-1.16), P = .68]. Similarly, no differences were found
between statin and placebo in participants ≥500 [OR = 0.98 (95% CI: 0.80-1.21)]
or participants <500 [OR = 0.90 (95% CI: 0.49-1.66)]. Further, we conducted a
meta-analysis to study the effect of statin therapy on DR in people with type 2
diabetes according to age and found that statin use was associated with a
decreased risk of DR in patients with type 2 diabetes 40 years of age or older
[OR = 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82-0.92)]. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis revealed
that statin was not associated with elevated risk of DR in patients with
T2DM. Moreover, statin use was associated with a lower incidence of DR in
patients with type 2 diabetes 40 years of age or older.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yi-Ping Wu
- Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jun-Juan Qi
- Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zeng-Ping Yue
- Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei Province, China
| | - Cheng-Dong Hu
- Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei Province, China
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Yin Q, Ma J, Han X, Zhang H, Wang F, Zhuang P, Zhang Y. Spatiotemporal variations of vascular endothelial growth factor in the brain of diabetic cognitive impairment. Pharmacol Res 2020; 163:105234. [PMID: 33053446 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although it is feared that diabetes-induced cognitive impairment (DCI) will become a major clinical problem worldwide in the future, its detailed pathological mechanism is not well known. Because patients with diabetes have various complications of vascular disease, vascular disorders in the brain are considered to be one of the main mechanisms of DCI. Mounting evidence suggests that the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family plays a crucial role in the development of DCI. In this review, we summarized the changes and functions of VEGF during the development of DCI, and speculated that it was characterized by spatiotemporal variations in DCI progression. Considering the complexity of DCI pathogenesis and the diversity of VEGF function, we focused on the interrelationship of DCI and VEGF spatiotemporal variations during DCI development. During the progression of DCI, hyperglycemia, abnormal brain insulin signals, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and consequently hypoxia, oxidative stress, and inflammation are the main pathophysiological changes; hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) play major roles in DCI-related VEGF spatiotemporal regulation. Furthermore, spatiotemporal variations in VEGF-mediated pathological cerebral neovascularization, repair and regeneration of dural lymphatic vessels, increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and slight neuroprotection are increasing emphasized as potential targets in the treatment of DCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingsheng Yin
- Chinese Materia Medica College, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Jing Ma
- Chinese Materia Medica College, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Xu Han
- Chinese Materia Medica College, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Hanyu Zhang
- Chinese Materia Medica College, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Fang Wang
- Chinese Materia Medica College, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Pengwei Zhuang
- Chinese Materia Medica College, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
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5
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Park SJ, Park DH. REvisiting Lipids in REtinal Diseases: A Focused Review on Age-related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy. J Lipid Atheroscler 2020; 9:406-418. [PMID: 33024733 PMCID: PMC7521975 DOI: 10.12997/jla.2020.9.3.406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dyslipidemia refers to an abnormal amount of lipid in the blood, and the total cholesterol level is defined as the sum of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and very-LDL cholesterol concentrations. In Korea, the westernization of lifestyle habits in recent years has caused an increase in the incidence of dyslipidemia, which is an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several studies have been conducted on how dyslipidemia affects not only CVD, but also chorioretinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. Recently, a pathological model of AMD was proposed under the assumption that AMD proceeds through a mechanism similar to that of atherosclerotic CVD. However, controversy remains regarding the relationship between chorioretinal diseases and lipid levels in the blood, and the effects of lipid-lowering agents. Herein, we summarize the role of lipids in chorioretinal diseases. In addition, the effects of lipid-lowering agents on the prevention and progression of chorioretinal diseases are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jin Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Dong Ho Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
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6
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Ooi KGJ, Khoo P, Vaclavik V, Watson SL. Statins in ophthalmology. Surv Ophthalmol 2019; 64:401-432. [PMID: 30703407 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-gutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, are a class of lipid-lowering drugs with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and vascular effects. Statins are increasingly being used in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. We examine the actions of statins on the eye and its associated ophthalmic disorders. Statins can be synthetic or nonsynthetic, and their differentiating derivations may contribute to their varying cholesterol-lowering and pleiotropic effects. There is conflicting evidence on the ocular therapeutic and adverse effects of the statins. Statins may play a role in reducing the burden of dry eye, corneal ulcer scarring, thyroid-associated orbitopathy, glaucoma, uveitis and other associated ocular inflammatory states, cataract, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and choroidal melanoma. Topical preparations of statins can be formulated, thereby extending the range of ocular diseases that may be amenable to treatment. Statins have a relatively safe side effect profile, but rare and serious adverse reactions have been reported with their usage in ophthalmology, including myopathies and rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth G-J Ooi
- Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Pauline Khoo
- Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Veronika Vaclavik
- Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie L Watson
- Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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'Statins in retinal disease'. Eye (Lond) 2018; 32:981-991. [PMID: 29556012 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-018-0066-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Statins are known for their blood cholesterol-lowering effect and are widely used in patients with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Research over the past three decades shows that statins have diverse effects on different pathophysiological pathways involved in angiogenesis, inflammation, apoptosis, and anti-oxidation, leading to new therapeutic options. Recently, statins have attracted considerable attention for their immunomodulatory effect. Since immune reactivity has been implicated in a number of retinal diseases, such as uveitis, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, there is now a growing body of evidence supporting the beneficial effects of statins in these retinopathies. This review evaluates the relationship between statins and the pathophysiological basis of these diseases, focusing on their potential role in treatment. A PubMed database search and literature review was conducted. Among AMD patients, there is inconsistent evidence regarding protection against development of early AMD or delaying disease progression; though they have been found to reduce the risk of developing choroidal neovascular membranes (CNV). In patients with retinal vein occlusion, there was no evidence to support a therapeutic benefit or a protective role with statins. In patients with diabetic retinopathy, statins demonstrate a reduction in disease progression and improved resolution of diabetic macular oedema (DMO). Among patients with uveitis, statins have a protective effect by reducing the likelihood of uveitis development.
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8
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Abstract
Over the last several decades, the global incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus has increased significantly. The raised incidence rate is projected to continue as greater numbers of persons adopt a Western lifestyle and diet. Patients with diabetes mellitus are at heightened risk of both adverse microvascular and cardiovascular events. Moreover, once cardiovascular disease develops, diabetes mellitus exacerbates progression and worsens outcomes. The medical management of patients with diabetes mellitus mandates comprehensive risk factor modification and antiplatelet therapy. Recent clinical trials of new medical therapies continue to inform the care of patients with diabetes mellitus to reduce both cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Beckman
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Vascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (J.A.B.); and Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH (M.A.C.).
| | - Mark A Creager
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Vascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (J.A.B.); and Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH (M.A.C.)
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9
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Choi CW, Lee SJ, Kang HR, Yang YS. The Change of Microaneurysm in Diabetic Retinopathy Patients Who Undergo Intravitreal Avastin (Bevacizumab) Injection. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2014. [DOI: 10.3341/jkos.2014.55.10.1481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Wook Choi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine & Hospital, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
| | - Seung Joon Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine & Hospital, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
| | - Hye Ra Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Presbyterian Medical Center, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Yun Sik Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine & Hospital, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
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Khullar M, Al-Shudiefat AARS, Ludke A, Binepal G, Singal PK. Oxidative stress: a key contributor to diabetic cardiomyopathy. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2011; 88:233-40. [PMID: 20393588 DOI: 10.1139/y10-016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes and its associated complications are major known health disorders. Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by promoting cardiomyopathy. It appears to arise as a result of the diabetic state, at times independent of vascular or valvular pathology. It manifests initially as asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction, which progresses to symptomatic heart failure. The compliance of the heart wall is decreased and contractile function is impaired. The pathophysiology of diabetic cardiomyopathy is incompletely understood but appears to be multifactorial in origin. Several hypotheses have been proposed, including oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, metabolic derangements, abnormalities in ion homeostasis, alterations in structural proteins, and interstitial fibrosis. Amongst these various mechanisms, an increase in reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress, has received significant experimental support. This review focuses on the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy and the potential of antioxidant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Khullar
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Testa U, Pannitteri G, Condorelli GL. Vascular endothelial growth factors in cardiovascular medicine. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2009; 9:1190-221. [PMID: 19001927 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0b013e3283117d37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors has considerably improved the understanding of the development and function of endothelial cells. Each member of the VEGF family appears to have a specific function: VEGF-A induces angiogenesis (i.e. growth of new blood vessels from preexisting ones), placental growth factor mediates both angiogenesis and arteriogenesis (i.e. the formation of collateral arteries from preexisting arterioles), VEGF-C and VEGF-D act mainly as lymphangiogenic factors. The study of the biology of these endothelial growth factors has allowed a major progress in the comprehension of the genesis of the vascular system and its abnormalities observed in various pathologic conditions (atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease). The role of VEGF in the atherogenic process is still unclear, but actual evidence suggests both detrimental (development of a neoangiogenetic process within the atherosclerotic plaque) and beneficial (promotion of collateral vessel formation) effects. VEGF and other angiogenic growth factors (fibroblast growth factor), although initially promising in experimental studies and in initial phase I/II clinical trials in patients with ischemic heart disease or peripheral arterial occlusive disease, have subsequently failed to show significant therapeutic improvements in controlled clinical studies. Challenges still remain about the type or the combination of angiogenic factors to be administered, the form (protein vs. gene), the route, and the duration of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Testa
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Italy.
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