Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF)-Based Therapy Induced Photoreceptor Survival by Stabilizing Choroidal Neovessels in a VEGF Overexpression CNV Rat Model.

ABSTRACT: Pathological choroidal neovascularization (CNV), characterized by abnormal leaky vessel formation, can lead to vision impairment or blindness. Current standard treatment, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy, while effective, can be associated with severe local and systemic side effects and resistance in some patients, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. Evidence from wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) donor eyes and patients suggests that functional, quiescent CNV can aid photoreceptor survival. Therefore, stabilizing functional neovessels rather than removing them could offer an effective alternative for treating pathological CNV. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a multifunctional protein with antiangiogenic, neuroprotective, and vessel-stabiliz

SUBMITTER: Tschulakow AV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12510281 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature