Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is associated with vascular dysfunction in retinal vascular system and is the cause of blindness among affected persons. It is one of the life-threatening complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). The STAT proteins, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes are responsible for angiogenesis and edema in retinal tissue. The other active marker proteins of angiogenesis associated DR includes epidermal growth factor (EGFR), transforming growth factor (TGF), platelet activating factor (PAF), Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF), integrin, activins and insulin like growth factor. In addition, the neuroinflammation is one of the pathological interventions during DR. Reviewing the factors associated with pathogenesis of retinal damage is important therapeutic marker for research of novel drugs by keeping focus on patient vision. This review points out the novel anti-angiogenic drugs useful for the treatment of DR.