[Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in diabetic retinopathy and asymptomatic edema of the optic nerve head]

Thirteen healthy individuals and 27 patients with diabetic retinopathy were examined (23 patients (23 eyes) with diabetic retinopathy being selected for analysis). The proposed indicator of optic nerve head (ONH) edema from the data of optical coherence tomography could more frequently diagnose asymptomatic ONH edema due to the detection of its early forms on 5 of the 23 eyes versus 3 eyes, as evidenced by biomicroophthalmoscopy (slit-lamp ophthalmoscopy). The patients were found to have a drastic reduction in the level of brain-derived neutrotrophic factor (BDNF) in plasma and lacrimal fluid. The most marked decrease in plasma BDNF was observed in patients with asymptomatic ONH edema. The tear content of BDNF was particularly low in patients with increased neuroretinal rim volume.