Potential therapeutic effect of infliximab in anterior ischemic optic neuropathy

"nRecently, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors such as infliximab, adalimumab, and etanercept have been used effectively in the management of refractory or steroid-dependent temporal arteritis. It is demonstrated that after anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), retinal ganglion cells, as well as other layers of neurosensory retina, undergo progressive stress, along with dysfunction and apoptosis. TNF-α was shown to be responsible for apoptotic death of retinal ganglion cells in this condition. Therefore, the use of TNF-α inhibitors in AION may have a neuroprotective effect and decrease retinal ganglion cells' degeneration and apoptosis. Especially, they may be encouraging in established arteritic AION associated with giant cell arteritis because of simultaneous benefits of these agents for both systemic and ocular involvement.