Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to adult Asian patients with dyslipidemia at two primary care clinics (polyclinics) in northeastern Singapore. The demographic and clinical data for this sub-population with both T2DM and dyslipidemia were collated with laboratory and treatment information retrieved from their electronic health records. The combined data was then analyzed to determine the proportion of patients who attained triple treatment goals, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with this outcome.
Results: 665 eligible patients [60.5% female, 30.5% Chinese, 35% Malays, and 34.4% Indians] with a mean age of 60.6 years were recruited. Of these patients, 71% achieved LDL-C ≤2.6 mmol/L, 70.4% had BP
AREAS COVERED: This paper discusses the complex process of ECM regulation in TM and explores promising therapeutic targets. The role of Transforming Growth Factor-β as a central player in ECM deposition in TM is discussed. We elaborate the key regulatory processes involved in its activation, release, signaling, and cross talk with other signaling pathways including Rho GTPase, Wnt, integrin, cytokines, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone. Further, we summarize the therapeutic agents that have been explored to target ECM dysregulation in TM.
EXPERT OPINION: Targeting molecular pathways to reduce ECM deposition and/or enhance its degradation are of considerable significance for IOP lowering. Challenges lie in pinpointing specific targets and designing drug delivery systems to precisely interact with pathologically active/inactive signaling. Recent advances in monoclonal antibodies, fusion molecules, and vectored nanotechnology offer potential solutions.