Oxidative Stress Biomarkers for Diabetic Retinopathy and Medical Management Affecting Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Changes in dietary habits and lifestyles associated with rapid economic growth have dramatically increased the incidence of diabetes and related vascular complications. Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a microvascular complication of diabetes, is associated with both environmental and genetic factors. Several metabolic abnormalities are implicated in its pathogenesis; however, the exact mechanism remains to be determined. Among them, oxidative stress is expected to play an important role.Environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors affecting the oxidative stress responsible for DR are reviewed in this paper. The knowledge about genetic biomarkers of DR is quite extensive, whereas the awareness about epigenetics and epigenetic markers is only beginning to be understood.Modulation of epigenetic changes by pharmaceutical means may provide a potential strategy to retard the progression of DR. In addition to the intense medical management, these strategies include dietary measures (antioxidants) and the introduction of epigenetic drugs, such as inhibitors of DNA methylation and histone demethylases.

Role of Oxidant Alteration of Biomolecules in Diabetes and Other Associated Diseases

“…It is a multifactorial condition for which the pathophysiology is incompletely. [28] Oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus, increasing over time may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. [29] Fig.…”