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Soluble Mediators of Diabetic Macular Edema: The Diagnostic Role of Aqueous VEGF and Cytokine Levels in Diabetic Macular Edema

  • Microvascular Complications-Retinopathy (JK Sun, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a significant cause of vision loss and represents an important clinical and public health problem. It is characterized by breakdown of the blood retinal barrier with fluid accumulation in the sub-retinal and intra-retinal spaces. Although several hypotheses exist for the causes of diabetic macular edema, specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Current thinking includes the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inflammatory cytokines in vascular permeability. We review studies showing a relationship between elevated aqueous VEGF, monocyte chemoattractant protein -1, interleukin 6, or interleukin 8 in association with DME and as predictors of DME. The presence of mediators in both the angiogenesis and inflammatory pathways data suggest a multifactorial model for the development of DME. Further studies targeting individual cytokine activity will be important to our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment.

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Conflict of Interest

Leah A. Owen declares that she has no conflict of interest.

M. Elizabeth Hartnett was a consultant for Genentech; received grant support from Axikin Pharmaceutical; and receives royalties from Lippincott for a textbook on Pediatric Retina as Editor-in-Chief.

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  1. Department Of Ophthalmology, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 North Mario Capecchi Dr, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA

    Leah A. Owen & M. Elizabeth Hartnett

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  1. Leah A. Owen
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  2. M. Elizabeth Hartnett
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Correspondence to M. Elizabeth Hartnett.

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Owen, L.A., Hartnett, M.E. Soluble Mediators of Diabetic Macular Edema: The Diagnostic Role of Aqueous VEGF and Cytokine Levels in Diabetic Macular Edema. Curr Diab Rep 13, 476–480 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-013-0382-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-013-0382-z

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