Article Name: Systemic and Vitreous Biomarkers – New Insights in Diabetic Retinopathy
What are the takeaway points from this article?
Diabetes mellitus is a common disease that can result in diabetic retinopathy (DR) due to chronic hyperglycemia. DR is a microvascular inflammatory disease that has been shown to have increased pro-inflammatory cytokines within the serum and ocular samples. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the severity of DR and the levels of biomarkers in the serum and vitreous. A prospective, observational study was performed at a single center that followed the control (no diabetes) and those with diabetes, for two years. It was found that transthyretin was the only blood biomarker with statistically higher levels in those with diabetes compared to those without. No correlation with DR severity was found. Erythropoietin was the only blood biomarker that correlated with DR severity. Vitreous interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG), and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) levels were significantly higher in those with DR and were higher in more severe cases. Thus, these biomarkers have the best potential post-vitrectomy prognostic value.
Publication Date: March 24, 2022
Reference: Pessoa, B., Heitor, J., Coelho, C. et al. Systemic and vitreous biomarkers — new insights in diabetic retinopathy. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol260, 2449–2460 (2022). DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05624-7
Summary by: Sarah Yeo