CCN2 and age-related macular degeneration: Furthermore, it is linked to pathological fibrosis, such as vitreoretinal disorders including AMD and DR.[15,34,35] It was demonstrated that in diabetic rats, the expression level of CTGF was upregulated in the retina.[36] Moreover, the expression of many angiogenic mediators, such as cathepsins and MMPs, is induced by VEGFA and CTGF.[37,38] In addition, in the early phases of angiogenic process, ECM degradation by MMPs and cathepsin proteases is commonly performed.[39]