Oxidative stress-induced mechanisms in corneal neovascularization and targeted therapeutic approaches

Authors:Deng Qian, Wan Shanshan, Yang Yanning

Corresponding author: Yang Yanning, Email: yangyanning@whu.edu.cn

Published:2026-07-10

DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn115989-20240229-00056


ABSTRACT 

Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is an ocular surface disorder caused by a variety of diseases, including inflammation, trauma, malnutrition, wearing of corneal contact lenses, etc. Oxidative stress refers to the excessive production of reactive oxygen species or reactive nitrogen species in the body after receiving various harmful stimuli. Studies have shown that oxidative stress plays a key role in the occurrence and development of CNV. In particular, the interaction between oxidative stress and biological processes such as inflammation, apoptosis, innate immunity, and ferroptosis has been shown to have an important impact on the pathological mechanism of CNV. There are various treatment methods for oxidative stress in CNV, covering many fields such as drug therapy, cell therapy, and gene therapy. This article aims to review the role of oxidative stress in the pathological mechanism of CNV and explore effective strategies to inhibit oxidative stress to treat CNV.

KEYWORDS:

Oxidative stress; Corneal neovascularization; Reactive oxygen species; Inflammation; Apoptosis; Ferroptosis; Therapeutic targets


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Authors Info & Affiliations 

Deng Qian

Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China

Wan Shanshan

Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China

Yang Yanning

Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China


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