Role Of Docetaxel Mems Device In The Treatment Of Diabetic Retinopathy

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* Corresponding author: M. Yogya sree harshini.
E-mail address: nvramarao009@gmail.com
Available online at www.ijrpp.com
Print ISSN: 2278 – 2648
Online ISSN: 2278 - 2656 IJRPP | Volume 2 | Issue 2 | 2013 Review article
Role Of Docetaxel Mems Device In The Treatment Of Diabetic
Retinopathy
*M.Yogya sree harshini, G.Anusha, Nallani Venkata Ramarao, Ramarao nadendla,
P.Sharmila nirojini, Shaik shafiya begum.
Department Of Pharmacy Practice, Chalapathi Institute Of pharmaceutical Sciences,
Guntur-522034, A.P. India.
ABSTRACT
Diabetic retinopathy is a micro-vascular complication composed of a characteristic group of lesions which occurs
due to changes in the retinal circulation. It is increasingly becoming a major cause of blindness throughout the world
in the age group of 20–60 years. Diabetic retinopathy is classified into two stages; Non-proliferative and
proliferative. Due to the circulation problems, retinal hypoxia occurs leading to Angiogenesis. The new formed
fragile blood vessels begin to grow in the retina, vitreous and may leak blood into the vitreous, clouding vision. If
left untreated, proliferative diabetic retinopathy can cause severe vision loss and even blindness. The newly
developed MEMS(Microelectromechanical system) device contains a microreservoir sealed by a
polydimethylsiloxane membrane with a laser drilled aperture. By applying Magnetic field, the membrane deforms
and releases the drug. Docetaxel inhibits Angiogenesis by inhibiting cell division and cell proliferation in
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and avoids vision loss. Thus Docetaxel improves quality of life of patients
suffering with diabetic retinopathy besides treating the ovarian, prostate, liver, renal, gastric ,head and neck cancers.
KEY WORDS: Diabetic retinopathy, MEMS device, Docetaxel,Angiogenesis.
INTRODUCTION
Diabetic retinopathy is a micro-vascular complication
that occurs due to changes in the retinal circulation
and is composed of a characteristic group of lesions
found in the retina of individuals having had diabetes
mellitus for several years. Diabetic retinopathy is
increasingly becoming a major cause of blindness
throughout the world in the age group of 20–60
years.
Diabetic retinopathy is classified into two types:
 Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR). It
is the early state of the disease in which
symptoms will be mild or non-existent. In
NPDR, the blood vessels in the retina are
weakened causing tiny bulges called
microanuerysms. The microanuerysms may leak
fluid into the retina, which may lead to swelling
of the macula.
 Proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)
It is the more advanced form of the disease ,the
circulation problems causes hypoxia to the
retina. As a result, new fragile blood vessels can
begin to grow in the retina and into the vitreous.
The new blood vessel may leak blood into the
vitreous, clouding vision.
International Journal of Research in
Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics

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Other complications of PDR include detachment
of the retina due to scar tissue formation and the
development of glaucoma. If left untreated,
proliferative diabetic retinopathy can cause
severe vision loss and even blindness.
Fig:1 Diabeic Retinopathy
Biochemical pathways of diabetic retinopathy
The key contributors in the development of Diabetic
Retinopathy are increased polyol pathway, activation
of protein kinase C (PKC), increased expression of
growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth
factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-
1), haemodynamic changes, accelerated formation of
advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), oxidative
stress, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone
system (RAAS), and subclinical inflammation and
capillary occlusion. Among the all mechanisms,
increased production of growth factors,
hemodynamic changes and protein kinase -c are
responsible for the Angiogenesis.
RECENT ADVANCEMENT
The University of British Columbia recently reported
about the development of MEMS
(Microelectromechanical system) device. It contains
a micro reservoir sealed by polydimethylsiloxane
membrane and is capable of releasing drug on
demand. By applying the magnetic field, the PDMS
membrane with laser-drilled aperture deforms
causing the discharge of docetaxel from the reservoir
.The biological activity of the drug released was
investigated by using two cell lines, HUVEC (human
umbilical vein endothelial cells) and PC3 (prostate
cancer) cells and cell apoptosis is seen in the
cytotoxic assay. The device maintained its
pharmacological efficacy for two months.
Fig:2 Microelectromechanical system

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M.Yogya sree harshini et al / Int. J. of Res. in Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics Vol-2(2)2013 [414-416]
www.ijrpp.com
MECHANISM OF DOCETAXEL IN
TREATING DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Docetaxel binds to tubulin, the protein component of
microtubules, and simultaneously promotes assembly
and inhibits disassembly of them. Stabilization of
microtubules leads to inhibition of cell division
(mitosis) and cell proliferation, resulting in cell death.
Fig:3 Docetaxel inhibits Angiogenesis in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and avoids vision loss
CONCLUSION
Thus Docetaxel improves quality of life of patients
suffering with diabetic retinnopathy besides treating
the ovarian, prostate, liver, renal, gastric ,head and
neck cancers.
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