Analysis of inflammation- and atherosclerosis-related gene polymorphisms in branch retinal vein occlusion.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is a common vision-threatening disease. Compression of the underlying retinal vein due to increased rigidity of the crossing artery has been implicated in the pathogenesis of BRVO. Among others, arterial hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, both of which contribute to atherogenesis, have been identified as risk factors. Atherosclerosis itself is a chronic low-grade inflammatory disease with a distinct pro-inflammatory cytokine pattern. In addition to their role in atherogenesis, some cytokines have been shown to exert procoagulatory effects, and may thus contribute to the development of BRVO by a second mechanism. Gene polymorphisms affecting the expression of inflammation-related cytokines are therefore candidates as potential risk fa

SUBMITTER: Steinbrugger I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2664846 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature