Zhang Chengzhi, Wang Jiale, Wu Hao, Fan Wenhui, Li Siyu, Wei Dong, Song Zongming, Tao Ye
Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zheng Zhou University), Zhengzhou 450003, China.
College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
Gels. 2024 Feb 21;10(3):158. doi: 10.3390/gels10030158.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an ocular disease that leads to progressive photoreceptor death and visual impairment. Currently, the most common therapeutic strategy is to deliver anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents into the eyes of patients with wet AMD. However, this treatment method requires repeated injections, which potentially results in surgical complications and unwanted side effects for patients. An effective therapeutic approach for dry AMD also remains elusive. Therefore, there is a surge of enthusiasm for the developing the biodegradable drug delivery systems with sustained release capability and develop a promising therapeutic strategy. Notably, the strides made in hydrogels which possess intricate three-dimensional polymer networks have profoundly facilitated the treatments of AMD. Researchers have established diverse hydrogel-based delivery systems with marvelous biocompatibility and efficacy. Advantageously, these hydrogel-based transplantation therapies provide promising opportunities for vision restoration. Herein, we provide an overview of the properties and potential of hydrogels for ocular delivery. We introduce recent advances in the utilization of hydrogels for the delivery of anti-VEGF and in cell implantation. Further refinements of these findings would lay the basis for developing more rational and curative therapies for AMD.
年龄相关性黄斑变性（AMD）是一种导致进行性光感受器死亡和视力损害的眼部疾病。目前，最常见的治疗策略是将抗血管内皮生长因子（anti-VEGF）药物注射到湿性AMD患者眼中。然而，这种治疗方法需要反复注射，这可能会给患者带来手术并发症和不良副作用。针对干性AMD的有效治疗方法也仍然难以捉摸。因此，人们对开发具有缓释能力的可生物降解药物递送系统并制定有前景的治疗策略充满热情。值得注意的是，具有复杂三维聚合物网络的水凝胶所取得的进展极大地促进了AMD的治疗。研究人员已经建立了具有出色生物相容性和疗效的多种基于水凝胶的递送系统。有利的是，这些基于水凝胶的移植疗法为视力恢复提供了有前景的机会。在此，我们概述了用于眼部递送的水凝胶的特性和潜力。我们介绍了水凝胶在抗VEGF递送和细胞植入方面的最新进展。这些发现的进一步完善将为开发更合理、更有效的AMD治疗方法奠定基础。
