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Published on: June 9, 2021
Relationship between diabetic macular edema and peripheral Th1/Th2 balance
Kyoko Itoi1, Kimitoshi Nakamura, Hidehiro Oku
1Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan.
Summary
Inflammatory reactions, specifically a shift in T helper 1 (Th1) to T helper 2 (Th2) cell balance, are linked to diabetic macular edema. Lower Th1/Th2 ratios indicate a higher risk, suggesting Th2 predominance may worsen this diabetic complication.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.
- The role of inflammatory responses in DME pathogenesis requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of inflammatory reactions in DME pathogenesis.
- To examine the relationship between DME and the ratio of T helper 1 (Th1) to T helper 2 (Th2) cells.
Main Methods:
- Studied 39 diabetic retinopathy patients.
- Measured CD4+ Th1/Th2 cell ratios using flow cytometry.
- Employed logistic regression to analyze associations with DME.
Main Results:
- Th1/Th2 ratios were significantly associated with DME (OR=0.838, p=0.02).
- Patients with DME had significantly lower Th1/Th2 ratios (p=0.02).
- Higher Th1/Th2 ratios correlated with better visual acuity.
Conclusions:
- A shift in Th1/Th2 balance towards Th2 predominance may exacerbate DME.
- Further research is needed to confirm a causal relationship between Th1/Th2 balance and DME.
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