Biomarkers of inflammation in diabetic retinopathy management

Abstract

An inflammation is intensively involved in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its complications. The inflammatory process induces a complex cascade of biological, molecular and cellular signals that alter the physiological responses of the affected eye tissues. Some of inflammatory stimulus (oxygen radicals, diabetes, and infections) may disrupt the natural balance of the eye tissues, thus producing an “inflamed” phenotype. As the result of these processes there is increase of inflammatory cytokines expression which contribute to the onset of different eye diseases. To date, the molecular mechanisms that determine the development of ocular pathologies are not fully clarified and there is no therapy capable of preventing eye damage for people with diabetes. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to eye damage could be useful for the management of diabetic retinopathy.