ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factors are a family of multifunctional cytokines that can enhance vascular permeability, induce angiogenesis, promote endothelial cel growth and migration, and inhibit cel apoptosis. OBJECTIVE:To elaborate the latest progress in the role of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in the corneal tissue. METHODS:A computer-based search of PubMed databases was performed for relevant articles published from 2005 to 2015. The key words were “vascular endothelial growth factor, cornea”. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 43 articles were included in result analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors are involved in the regulation of corneal neovascularization by causing Tip cel activation that affects the Notch signaling pathways. Corneal lymphatic regeneration mainly relies on macrophages to secrete vascular endothelial growth factor-C or vascular endothelial growth factor-D that further activate vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 in the lymphatic endothelial cels to cause cel proliferation and migration, and eventualy lead to the formation of new lymphatic vessels. But herpes simplex keratitis HSK induces the corneal lymphatic regeneration by vascular endothelial growth factor-A/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 pathway. Vascular endothelial growth factor family can significantly improve the damaged corneal nerve endings, epithelium and corneal sensitivity, has the function of nerve nutrition and promote restoration of the corneal epithelium.