Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) usually demonstrates frequent recurrence, diffuse leakage and persistent subretinal fluid, which cannot be absorbed, thus lead to photoreceptor damage and poor visual acuity. As glucocorticoids have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic CSC, various anti-glucocorticoids oral drugs were used in the clinic to promote retinal fluid absorption and reduce the central retinal thickness of the macula and improve the vision outcomes. In addition, the 5α-reductase-specific inhibitor finasteride, the P450-3A4 inducer rifampicin, circadian rhythmic regulator melatonin, and systemic anti-inflammatory drug methotrexate have also been put into clinical trials for chronic CSC, and achieved certain effects. However, most of the clinical studies on these oral drugs were case reports, but not multi-center randomized clinical trials. The long-term effects of these oral drugs need to be observed and studied further.
The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily and is expressed in the retina and choroid. MR antagonist (MRA) has a long history of application in non-ophthalmic clinical practice. Various cellular and animal models indicated that inappropriate activation of MR participated in pathological angiogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation, disturbance of ion/water homeostasis and neurodegenerative changes, while the application of MRA can reduce or reverse these pathological processes. After using MRA in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) patients, improved visual function, less subretinal fluid and reduced sub-foveal choroidal thickness were observed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in MR and plasma aldosterone levels were significantly different between chronic CSC patients and CSC patients with spontaneous remission. Novel formulation for sustained-release MRA and the mechanisms involving inflammation may become the new focus of MR study. This review summarizes the research status of MR and MRA in order to provide a reference for future basic research and clinical treatment.
As most patients of central serous retinopathy (CSC), the symptoms of acute onset will alleviate by oneself after 4-6 months. About 30%-50% of patients with CSC experience chronic or recurrent cases. Resulting in persistent neurosensory detachments and subretinal fluid, causing significant vision loss. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a kind of nuclear hormone receptors, plays a role in theregulation of water and electrolyte balance. Excessive MR signaling is associated with many diseases. Study found that MR antagonists decreased the thickness of the retina and improved in vision, there was no serious adverse reactions during the period of treatment for chronic CSC. Initial dose of MR antagonists was 25 mg per day, 1 week later, dosage was increased to 50 mg per day, and treatment for about 3 months. There is no conclusive effective treatment and the dosage are still unknown. MR antagonists may be a safe and effective way to treat chronic CSC, though evidence is scant. Prospective, multicenter, large-scale trials is required.