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The role of pharmacogenetics and advances in gene therapy in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy

    Aniruddha Agarwal

    Ocular Imaging Research & Reading Center (OIRRC), Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, South 42nd Street & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA

    ,
    Sally A Ingham

    College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, South 42nd Street & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA

    ,
    Keegan A Harkins

    Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, South 42nd Street & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA

    ,
    Diana V Do

    Ocular Imaging Research & Reading Center (OIRRC), Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, South 42nd Street & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA

    Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, South 42nd Street & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA

    &
    Quan Dong Nguyen

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: quan.nguyen@unmc.edu

    Ocular Imaging Research & Reading Center (OIRRC), Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, South 42nd Street & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA

    Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, South 42nd Street & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.2217/pgs.15.173

    Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its complications such as diabetic macular edema continue to remain a major cause for legal blindness in the developed world. While the introduction of anti-tVEGF agents has significantly improved visual outcomes of patients with DR, unpredictable response, largely due to genetic polymorphisms, appears to be a challenge with this therapy. With advances in identification of various genetic biomarkers, novel therapeutic strategies consisting of gene transfer are being developed and tested for patients with DR. Application of pharmacogenetic principles appears to be a promising futuristic strategy to attenuate diabetes-mediated retinal vasculopathy. In this comprehensive review, data from recent studies in the field of pharmacogenomics for the treatment of DR have been provided.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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