Role of inflammatory cells in pathophysiology and management of diabetic retinopathy.

Elias Kovoor, Sunil K Chauhan, Amir Hajrasouliha

Journal: Survey of ophthalmology 2022;67(6):1563-1573

PMID: 35914582

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Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a sight-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. Several inflammatory cells and proteins, including macrophages and microglia, cytokines, and vascular endothelial growth factors, are found to play a significant role in the development and progression of DR. Inflammatory cells play a significant role in the earliest changes seen in DR including the breakdown of the blood retinal barrier leading to leakage of blood into the retina. They also have an important role in the pathogenesis of more advanced stage of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, leading to neovascularization, vitreous hemorrhage, and tractional retinal detachment. In this review, we examine the function of numerous inflammatory cells involved in the pathogenesis, progression, and role as a potential therapeutic target in DR. Additionally, we explore the role of inflammation following treatment of DR.

Address: Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.; Schepens Eye Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.; Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2022.07.008

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MeSH Terms: Cytokines, Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Retinopathy, Humans, Retina, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors, Vitreous Hemorrhage