Erythropoietin in Optic Neuropathies: Current Future Strategies for Optic Nerve Protection and Repair |
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| Authors: | Yi-Fen Lai Ting-Yi Lin Pin-Kuan Ho Yi-Hao Chen Yu-Chuan Huang Da-Wen Lu |
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| Affiliation: | 1.Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan; (Y.-F.L.); (T.-Y.L.); (Y.-H.C.);2.School of Dentistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan;3.School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan;4.Department of Research and Development, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan |
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| Abstract: | Erythropoietin (EPO) is known as a hormone for erythropoiesis in response to anemia and hypoxia. However, the effect of EPO is not only limited to hematopoietic tissue. Several studies have highlighted the neuroprotective function of EPO in extra-hematopoietic tissues, especially the retina. EPO could interact with its heterodimer receptor (EPOR/βcR) to exert its anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation effects in preventing retinal ganglion cells death through different intracellular signaling pathways. In this review, we summarized the available pre-clinical studies of EPO in treating glaucomatous optic neuropathy, optic neuritis, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and traumatic optic neuropathy. In addition, we explore the future strategies of EPO for optic nerve protection and repair, including advances in EPO derivates, and EPO deliveries. These strategies will lead to a new chapter in the treatment of optic neuropathy. |
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| Keywords: | erythropoietin neuroprotection retinal ganglion cell optic neuropathy optic nerve protection |
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