Pigment Epithelium Derived Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major mediator of vascular permeability and angiogenesis and also an important mediator of retinal ischemia-associated intraocular neovascularization. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a strong inhibitor of angiogenesis. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the correlation between VEGF and PEDF in DR. A total of 117 subjects (healthy, diabetic without retinopathy and diabetic retinopathy) were studied. Serum VEGF and PEDF were measured. Result revealed a significant positive correlation between PEDF and VEGF (OR=0.820, p<0.01) in all subjects so the concentrations of PEDF and VEGF predict adverse outcomes, and their measurement may facilitate risk estimation, and PEDF-based interventions might be considered.