Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a major micro-vascular complication of diabetes, has emerged as a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness among adults worldwide. However, aside from pathological damage, the traditional laser and multi-needle operation treatments required for more advanced disease can cause further damage to the visual field and increase the operation risk. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of DR is essential. Some emerging evidence now indicates that pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF),  a multifunctional protein, can target multiple pathways to exert neurotropic, neuroprotective, anti-angiogenic, anti-vasopermeability, anti-inflammation, anti-thrombogenic, and anti-oxidative effects against DR. This review addresses the functions of PEDF in different pathways that could lead to potential therapeutics for the treatment of DR.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a major micro-vascular complication of diabetes, has emerged as a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness among adults worldwide. However, aside from pathological damage, the traditional laser and multi-needle operation treatments required for more advanced disease can cause further damage to the visual field and increase the operation risk. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of DR is essential. Some emerging evidence now indicates that pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF),  a multifunctional protein, can target multiple pathways to exert neurotropic, neuroprotective, anti-angiogenic, anti-vasopermeability, anti-inflammation, anti-thrombogenic, and anti-oxidative effects against DR. This review addresses the functions of PEDF in different pathways that could lead to potential therapeutics for the treatment of DR.