VEGFA and endothelial dysfunction: Moreover, AGEs binding to the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) evokes intensive intracellular signaling cascades that leading to endothelial dysfunction, elaboration of key proinflammatory cytokines and proangiogenic factors, such as interleukin 1 (IL1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), adhesive molecules, and the activation of a nuclear transcription factor NFκB, mediating pericyte apoptosis, vascular inflammation, and angiogenesis, as well as the breakdown of the inner blood–retinal barrier (BRB).