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Pericytes, inflammation, and diabetic retinopathy

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Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus, and a common cause of vision impairment and blindness in these patients, yet many aspects of its pathogenesis remain unresolved. Furthermore, current treatments are not effective in all patients, are only indicated in advanced disease, and are associated with significant adverse effects. This review describes the microvascular features of DR, and how pericyte depletion and low-grade chronic inflammation contribute to the pathogenesis of this common ophthalmic disorder. Existing, novel and investigational pharmacological strategies aimed at modulating the inflammatory component of DR and ameliorating pericyte loss to potentially improve clinical outcomes for patients with diabetic retinopathy, are discussed.

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  1. TMOU, Flinders Medical Centre, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, SA Health, Flinders Drive, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia

    Benjamin G. Spencer

  2. Flinders Centre for Ophthalmology, Eye and Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia

    Jose J. Estevez, Ebony Liu & Jamie E. Craig

  3. Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia

    John W. Finnie

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Spencer, B.G., Estevez, J.J., Liu, E. et al. Pericytes, inflammation, and diabetic retinopathy. Inflammopharmacol 28, 697–709 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-019-00647-9

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