Research progress on the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide in diabetic retinopathy
10.3980/j.issn.1672-5123.2025.12.16
- VernacularTitle:降钙素基因相关肽在糖尿病视网膜病变中的作用研究进展
- Author:
Deshuang LI
1
;
Haitao ZHANG
1
;
Yishen WANG
1
;
Qiuxia ZHOU
1
;
Li LI
1
;
Sheng CHEN
1
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518100, Guangdong Province, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
diabetic retinopathy;
calcitonin gene-related peptide;
vascular regulation;
neuroprotection;
inflammation and immune modulation
- From:
International Eye Science
2025;25(12):1983-1988
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is a prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of vision loss globally.Although anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF)therapies remain the clinical mainstay, a significant proportion of patients exhibit suboptimal responses, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic targets. Calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP), a multifunctional neuropeptide, is gaining attention due to its roles in vascular regulation, neuroprotection, and immunomodulation. This review summarizes the biological characteristics of CGRP and its receptor-mediated signaling, and explores emerging evidence of CGRP's involvement in DR through its vasodilatory effects and regulatory effect on neurodegenerative disorders and release of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of targeting the CGRP pathway in DR is evaluated, especially in cases unresponsive to VEGF inhibition. Despite currently the lack of CGRP-targeted drugs applied for DR, the peptide demonstrates efficacy and safety in other diseases, such as migraine, suggests promising translational opportunities. However, CGRP may play a dual role in different pathological stages of DR, thus its treatment strategy needs to be considered precisely. Future research elucidating the precise mechanisms of CGRP in DR may pave the way for innovative intervention strategies.
