Background and Goal: Pathological angiogenesis such as retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, as well as rare neurodegenerative disease such as retinitis pigmentosa are leading causes of blindness. Targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF therapy) was approved over a decade ago as treatment for pathologic ocular neovascularization. However, the efficacy of anti-VEGF remains controversial. There are also concerns regarding the local side effects and potential systematic effects of anti-VEGF therapy. Thus, the need for safe and effective targeted therapies is urgent.
Emerging evidence has shown that abnormal neuronal metabolism and overactive inflammation contribute significantly to the initiation and progression of ocular diseases. Retinal neurons metabolize rapidly, and the retinal vascular network is tightly regulated to meet the oxygen and nutrient demands of the neurons. However, the regulation of retinal metabolism and inflammation is still poorly understood. Expanding knowledge in these pathways may lead to identification of new drug targets for prevention and treatment of retinal vascular abnormalities.
Scope: The present Research Topic is intended to be a collection of new pathological evidence and novel therapeutic targets regarding the prevention and treatment of retinal neurovascular disorders.
Details for Authors: Original Research articles and Reviews will be preferred. Themes encompass:
1. Discovering new pathogenesis of abnormal retinal neurovascular dysfunction with a focus on abnormal metabolism or unregulated inflammatory responses.
2. Highlighting innovative drug development and delivery.
3. Evaluating the efficacy and safety of the potential drug targets.
Background and Goal: Pathological angiogenesis such as retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, as well as rare neurodegenerative disease such as retinitis pigmentosa are leading causes of blindness. Targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF therapy) was approved over a decade ago as treatment for pathologic ocular neovascularization. However, the efficacy of anti-VEGF remains controversial. There are also concerns regarding the local side effects and potential systematic effects of anti-VEGF therapy. Thus, the need for safe and effective targeted therapies is urgent.
Emerging evidence has shown that abnormal neuronal metabolism and overactive inflammation contribute significantly to the initiation and progression of ocular diseases. Retinal neurons metabolize rapidly, and the retinal vascular network is tightly regulated to meet the oxygen and nutrient demands of the neurons. However, the regulation of retinal metabolism and inflammation is still poorly understood. Expanding knowledge in these pathways may lead to identification of new drug targets for prevention and treatment of retinal vascular abnormalities.
Scope: The present Research Topic is intended to be a collection of new pathological evidence and novel therapeutic targets regarding the prevention and treatment of retinal neurovascular disorders.
Details for Authors: Original Research articles and Reviews will be preferred. Themes encompass:
1. Discovering new pathogenesis of abnormal retinal neurovascular dysfunction with a focus on abnormal metabolism or unregulated inflammatory responses.
2. Highlighting innovative drug development and delivery.
3. Evaluating the efficacy and safety of the potential drug targets.