Shao-Chong Bu1, Roel Kuijer, Xiao-Rong Li, Johanna M M Hooymans, Leonoor I Los. 1. *Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; †W. J. Kolff Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; ‡Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; and §Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) is a fibrocellular membrane that proliferates on the inner surface of the retina at the macular area. Membrane contraction is an important sight-threatening event and is due to fibrotic remodeling. METHODS: Analysis of the current literature regarding the epidemiology, clinical features, and pathogenesis of iERM and fibrotic tissue contraction. RESULTS: Epidemiologic studies report a relationship between iERM prevalence, increasing age, and posterior vitreous detachment. Clinically, iERM progresses through different stages characterized by an increased thickness and wrinkling of the membrane. Pathophysiologically, iERM formation is a fibrotic process in which myofibroblast formation and the deposition of newly formed collagens play key roles. Anomalous posterior vitreous detachment may be a key event initiating the formation of iERM. The age-related accumulation of advanced glycation end products may contribute to anomalous posterior vitreous detachment formation and may also influence the mechanical properties of the iERM. CONCLUSION: Remodeling of the extracellular matrix at the vitreoretinal interface by aging and fibrotic changes, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of iERM. A better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying this process may eventually lead to the development of effective and nonsurgical approaches to treat and prevent vitreoretinal fibrotic diseases.
BACKGROUND:Idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) is a fibrocellular membrane that proliferates on the inner surface of the retina at the macular area. Membrane contraction is an important sight-threatening event and is due to fibrotic remodeling. METHODS: Analysis of the current literature regarding the epidemiology, clinical features, and pathogenesis of iERM and fibrotic tissue contraction. RESULTS: Epidemiologic studies report a relationship between iERM prevalence, increasing age, and posterior vitreous detachment. Clinically, iERM progresses through different stages characterized by an increased thickness and wrinkling of the membrane. Pathophysiologically, iERM formation is a fibrotic process in which myofibroblast formation and the deposition of newly formed collagens play key roles. Anomalous posterior vitreous detachment may be a key event initiating the formation of iERM. The age-related accumulation of advanced glycation end products may contribute to anomalous posterior vitreous detachment formation and may also influence the mechanical properties of the iERM. CONCLUSION: Remodeling of the extracellular matrix at the vitreoretinal interface by aging and fibrotic changes, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of iERM. A better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying this process may eventually lead to the development of effective and nonsurgical approaches to treat and prevent vitreoretinal fibrotic diseases.
Authors: Maria A Mavrommatis; Nicole De Cuir; Juan Reynaud; Carlos G De Moraes; Daiyan Xin; Rashmi Rajshekhar; Jeffrey M Liebmann; Robert Ritch; Brad Fortune; Donald C Hood Journal: J Glaucoma Date: 2019-03 Impact factor: 2.503