Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Tear-Derived Exosomal miR-15a as New Diagnostic Tool for Diabetic Retinopathy
07:45

Tear-Derived Exosomal miR-15a as New Diagnostic Tool for Diabetic Retinopathy

Published on: December 30, 2025

[Level of selected antibacterial tear proteins in children with diabetes type 1]

Agnieszka Moll1, Krystyna Wyka, Wojciech Młynarski

  • 1Z Kliniki Okulistyki Dzieciecej Katedry Pediatrii Zabiegowej Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi. agnieszkamoll@wp.pl

Klinika Oczna
|March 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Children with long-term type 1 diabetes show lower lysozyme levels in tears, impacting antibacterial immunity. Lactoferrin levels remained unchanged, suggesting specific changes in tear proteins affect infection risk.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Type 1 diabetes impairs antibacterial immunity, increasing infection susceptibility.
  • Local ocular infections are a concern in diabetic patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess non-specific antibacterial immunity in children with type 1 diabetes.
  • To measure lactoferrin and lysozyme concentrations in tears of diabetic children.

Main Methods:

  • Tear samples collected from children aged 10-18 years.
  • Groups included healthy children, new-onset diabetes, and long-term diabetes.
  • Lactoferrin and lysozyme levels measured using ELISA.

Main Results:

  • Lactoferrin levels showed no significant difference across groups.
  • Lysozyme concentration was significantly lower in children with decade-long diabetes.
  • A mild correlation between lactoferrin and lysozyme was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Type 1 diabetes in children alters tear protein concentrations.
  • These changes in lactoferrin and lysozyme may affect ocular antibacterial defenses.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Bead Based Multiplex Assay for Analysis of Tear Cytokine Profiles09:22

Bead Based Multiplex Assay for Analysis of Tear Cytokine Profiles

Published on: October 13, 2017

Quantification of Diabetes-induced Adherent Leukocytes in Retinal Vasculature05:54

Quantification of Diabetes-induced Adherent Leukocytes in Retinal Vasculature

Published on: January 24, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Diabetic Retinopathy01:27

Diabetic Retinopathy

DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction01:12

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...
Diabetic Nephropathy01:28

Diabetic Nephropathy

Definition Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic kidney complication that results from prolonged hyperglycemia.Prevalence It is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, affecting up to half of individuals with diabetes.Pathophysiology • Sustained hyperglycemia triggers multiple hemodynamic and metabolic changes in the kidney. • Early in the disease, increased renal blood flow and glomerular hyperfiltration occur due to afferent arteriolar...
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations01:19

Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations

Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:26

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...