A proposal for early and personalized treatment of diabetic retinopathy based on clinical pathophysiology and molecular phenotyping.

Thomas W Gardner, Jeffrey M Sundstrom

Journal: Vision research 2018;139():153-160

PMID: 28438679

Free Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

This paper presents a new approach to the prevention and treatment of early stage diabetic retinopathy before vision is severely impaired. This approach includes two major steps. The first step is to understand the mechanisms of vision impairment and classify diabetic retinopathy on the basis of pathophysiologic adaptations, rather than on the presence of advanced pathologic lesions, as defined by current clinical practice conventions. The second step is to develop patient-specific molecular diagnoses of diabetic retinopathy so that patients can be treated based on their individual characteristics, a process analogous to the individualized diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. This step is illustrated by proteomic analysis of vitreous fluid that reveals evidence of neuroretinal degeneration and inflammation, as well as vascular proliferation. Together, these steps may lead to improved means to preserve vision in the ever-increasing number of patients with diabetes worldwide.

Address: Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States. Electronic address: [email protected].; Penn State Hershey Eye Center, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, HU19, Hershey, PA 17033, United States. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2017.03.006