Abstract: A method is provided to increase the expression of the genes CASP3 and THBD; and decrease the expression of the genes COL18A1, CPB2, NPR1, OCLN, BMP2, CLCL6, IL12B, SELPLG, CX3CL1, CASP3, THBD, COL18A1, CPB2, NPR1, CLDN5, CLD3, PIGF, BDNF, CNTF, VEGF-A, CAM-1, PGF, FOX-01, FOX-04, PDGFB, TGFA, HGF, VE-Cadherin, or PLAU. As a result, conditions associated with expression of these genes are treated. Caspase 3 is encoded by CASP3 (GenBank assembly accession: GCA_000001405.22) and cleaves and activates caspases 6 and 7; and the protein itself is processed and activated by caspases 8, 9, and 10. Caspase 3 is the predominant caspase involved in the cleavage of amyloid-beta 4A precursor protein, which is associated with neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease and after spinal cord injury. As caspase 3 is implicated in apoptosis upregulation of CASP3 can be used to induce dysfunction cell removal.

Abstract: A method is provided to increase the expression of the genes CASP3 and THBD; and decrease the expression of the genes COL18A1, CPB2, NPR1, OCLN, BMP2, CLCL6, IL12B, SELPLG, CX3CL1, CASP3, THBD, COL18A1, CPB2, NPR1, CLDN5, CLD3, PIGF, BDNF, CNTF, VEGF-A, CAM-1, PGF, FOX-01, FOX-04, PDGFB, TGFA, HGF, VE-Cadherin, or PLAU. As a result, conditions associated with expression of these genes are treated. Caspase 3 is encoded by CASP3 (GenBank assembly accession: GCA_000001405.22) and cleaves and activates caspases 6 and 7; and the protein itself is processed and activated by caspases 8, 9, and 10. Caspase 3 is the predominant caspase involved in the cleavage of amyloid-beta 4A precursor protein, which is associated with neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease and after spinal cord injury. As caspase 3 is implicated in apoptosis upregulation of CASP3 can be used to induce dysfunction cell removal.

Abstract: Methods of modifying total MMP activity levels in the vitreous of an eye are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the method results in reduced MMP activity and comprises introducing plasmin into the vitreous of the eye. Enzyme assisted vitrectomy procedures are also provided, and comprise introducing plasmin into the vitreous in an amount sufficient to induce posterior detachment of the vitreous, mechanically detaching the vitreous from the eye, introducing a replacement fluid into the eye, and introducing plasmin into the eye in an amount sufficient to decrease the total MMP activity in vitreous. Considering the purported roles of MMPs in a variety of vitreal pathologies, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting the progression of various disease conditions, including prolifertaive diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract: Methods of modifying total MMP activity levels in the vitreous of an eye are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the method results in reduced MMP activity and comprises introducing plasmin into the vitreous of the eye. Enzyme assisted vitrectomy procedures are also provided, and comprise introducing plasmin into the vitreous in an amount sufficient to induce posterior detachment of the vitreous, mechanically detaching the vitreous from the eye, introducing a replacement fluid into the eye, and introducing plasmin into the eye in an amount sufficient to decrease the total MMP activity in vitreous. Considering the purported roles of MMPs in a variety of vitreal pathologies, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting the progression of various disease conditions, including prolifertaive diabetic retinopathy.