Implication of the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR in vascular diseases: beyond the eye.

INTRODUCTION: The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is a member of TNF-α receptor superfamily that bind all neurotrophins, mainly regulating their pro-apoptotic actions. Ischemia is a common pathology in different cardiovascular diseases affecting multiple organs, however the contribution of p75NTR remains not fully addressed. The aim of this work is to review the current evidence through published literature studying the impact of p75NTR receptor in ischemic vascular diseases. AREAS COVERED: In the eye, several ischemic ocular diseases are associated with enhanced p75NTR expression. Ischemic retinopathy including diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and retinal vein occlusion are characterized initially by ischemia followed by excessive neovascularization. Beyond the eye, cerebral ischemia, myocardial infarction and critical limb ischemia are ischemic cardiovascular diseases that are characterized by altered expression of neurotrophins and p75NTR expression. We surveyed both clinical and experimental studies that examined the impact of p75NTR receptor in ischemic diseases of eye, heart, brain and peripheral limbs. EXPERT COMMENTARY: p75NTR receptor is a major player in multiple ischemic vascular diseases affecting the eye, brain, heart and peripheral limbs with significant increases in its expression accompanying neuro-vascular injury. This has been addressed in the current review along with the beneficial vascular outcomes of p75NTR inhibition.