Ocular actions of platelet-activating factor: clinical implications.

INTRODUCTION: To summarize the currently available evidence of platelet-activating factor (PAF) implication in the pathogenesis of inflammatory ocular diseases. AREAS COVERED: PAF is a potent mediator of inflammation, implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disorders, allergic reactions, oncogenic transformation, wound repair and hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. It seems to be involved in the protection of ocular surface against various harmful agents through inflammatory processes, which can lead to chronic allergic reactions or even corneal neovascularization and haze, if they do not undergo regulation. Pathogenesis of uveitis, which is significant cause for the blurring of the visual system, has also been associated with PAF's activity. The hypoxia and the breakdown of the blood-retina barrier, observed in severe vascular retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, are associated with PAF ocular activity. EXPERT OPINION: Understanding the pathophysiology of vision threatening diseases could enhance clinical treatment and encourage experimental studies, which could be based on potential beneficial effects of new agents, such as PAF antagonists.