The role of HIF-1α in neovascular ophthalmologic diseases – literature review

Monika Modrzejewska, Oliwia Zdanowska

Abstract


Worldwide, across all age groups, there is a high prevalence of eye diseases with a neovascular component, which are a significant cause of vision impairment. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1) is a key regulator in the body’s adaptation to hypoxic conditions and the cellular response to oxidative stress. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in erythropoiesis, angiogenesis, and mitochondrial metabolism. This multifunctional action makes it significant in the pathogenesis and progression of neovascular eye diseases. According to available literature, HIF-1 plays a key role in the progression of ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, retinopathy of prematurity, neoplastic conditions (uveal melanoma, retinoblastoma), corneal neovascularization, and the neovascular form of pterygium. This literature review summarizes the latest scientific findings regarding the role of HIF-1 in neovascular eye diseases and its potential significance in the context of developing modern therapeutic strategies.

Keywords


HIF-1; neovascularization; eye diseases

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.21164/pomjlifesci.1149

Copyright (c) 2025 Monika Modrzejewska, Oliwia Zdanowska

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