New developments in glaucoma therapy.

In summary, failing filtering surgery due to an excessive healing reaction is a considering problem in ophthalmology, and largely contributes to progressive vision loss in patients with glaucoma. Our proposed research project will elucidate the potential role of Microplasmin and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition in the improvement of filtration surgery outcome, and will highlight any anti-clotting, anti-inflammatory, and/or anti-fibrotic effects of these molecules. Microplasmin and VEGF inhibition as an adjuvant therapy in glaucoma surgery might open new perspectives for safer and more efficient surgery. In addition, the study on the neuroprotective role of Neuroglobin in glaucoma will potentially shed new light on future possibilities for neuroprotection in glaucomatous nerve damage. In conclusion, our project opens exciting perspectives for the treatment of the blinding condition of glaucoma, and thus improves the visual prognosis of glaucoma patients.

Keywords:Neuroprotection, Neuroglobin, Filtration surgery, VEGF, Microplasmin, Glaucoma

Disciplines:Physiology, Ophthalmology and optometry, Neurosciences, Biological and physiological psychology, Cognitive science and intelligent systems, Developmental psychology and ageing