Clinical evidence and potential mechanisms of Chinese medicines for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy

摘要

糖尿病视网膜病变是导致患者视力损害和失明的主要原因之一.目前,由于抗VEGF制剂、类固醇激素、激光光凝和玻璃体手术在治疗糖尿病视网膜病变中的局限性,使得人们越来越重视中医药在糖尿病视网膜病变中的治疗作用.本文就中药配方(包括复方制剂、专利药和古方)的组成及其特点,中药在糖尿病视网膜病变中临床应用及作用机制方面的研究进行综述.由于中药的复杂性,关于中药的作用机制、副作用以及药物之间的相互作用等方面的问题,需要进一步深入的研究.中医药可防止病变进一步发展和恶化,保护残余视力,延缓病变发展;在糖尿病视网膜病变的预防和治疗中存在显著优势.%Diabetic retinopathy is one of the main causes of visual impairment and blindness on a global scale. At present, the limitations of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, steroids, laser photocoagulation, and vitreous surgery have led to a growing awareness of the role of Chinese medicines in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. This review first describes the ingredients and characteristics of the formulae including Chinese herbal formulaes, Chinese patent drugs and ancient processed drugs and summarizes the application of Chinese medicines and their mechanisms of action in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Due to the complexity of Chinese medicines, in-depth mechanisms, side effects of herb, and drug interactions need to be elaborated in future research. Chinese medicines have the potencial to protect the residual eyesight and delay the progression of disease, thereby offering a beneficial, exploitable option in the treatment/prevention of diabetic retinopathy.