Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
07:45
Tear-Derived Exosomal miR-15a as New Diagnostic Tool for Diabetic Retinopathy
Published on: December 30, 2025
665
Biomarkers in Diabetic Retinopathy
Alicia J Jenkins1, Mugdha V Joglekar1, Anandwardhan A Hardikar1
1NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia.
The Review of Diabetic Studies : RDS
|December 18, 2015
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness, requires new biomarkers for better treatment. Research into molecular markers aims to improve early detection and develop more effective therapies for this diabetes complication.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Diabetes epidemic, linked to obesity, increases type 2 diabetes and unexplained type 1 diabetes incidence.
- Diabetic retinopathy is a major complication causing vision loss in working-age adults.
- Current screening and treatments for diabetic retinopathy have limitations, with many patients unresponsive to therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key aspects of biomarker research in diabetic retinopathy.
- To focus on specific biomarkers relevant to diabetic retinopathy onset and progression.
- To highlight the need for novel biomarkers for improved patient identification and treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on diabetic retinopathy biomarkers.
- Analysis of established and emerging biomarkers, including molecular markers.
- Discussion of therapeutic advancements driven by biomarker research.
Main Results:
- Established biomarkers include retinal vasculature, glycemia, lipids, blood pressure, and body weight.
- Novel biomarkers related to inflammation and angiogenesis are emerging.
- Advanced analytical techniques are accelerating the discovery of new molecular markers.
Conclusions:
- More effective treatments for diabetic retinopathy are urgently needed.
- Biomarkers are crucial for understanding diabetic retinopathy and developing new therapies.
- Identifying and triaging patients with diabetic retinopathy using biomarkers can help prevent vision loss.
