Hypoxia and growth factor profiling in high myopia: linking HIF-1α suppression and PDGF-BB activation to structural degeneration

For the first time, this study identifies significant alterations in HIF-1α and PDGF-BB levels in high myopia, with consistent correlations to key clinical parameters such as axial length, choroidal thickness, and maculopathy severity. These findings indicate an association suggesting a shift from adaptive hypoxia signaling toward fibrotic remodeling in high myopia. The suppression of HIF-1α and upregulation of PDGF-BB suggest a molecular imbalance that may be associated with structural degeneration. The integration of clinical imaging and aqueous humor profiling supports the potential of HIF-1α and PDGF-BB as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in pathological myopia.