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Intraocular Microbiome in Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Pilot Study.
Taraprasad Das1, Shalem Raj Padakandla2, Sisinthy Shivaji2
1Anant Bajaj Retina Institute-Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Centre for Vitreoretinal Diseases, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.
Ophthalmology and Therapy
|January 31, 2023
Summary
The eye and gut microbiomes differ between healthy individuals, people with diabetes mellitus (DM), and those with diabetic retinopathy (DR). DR is associated with fewer anti-inflammatory gut bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The gut microbiome plays a role in metabolic health.
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM).
- The intraocular microbiome's role in DR is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the aqueous humour and gut microbiome composition in individuals with DM, with and without DR.
- To identify microbial differences associated with DR.
Main Methods:
- Prospective controlled study involving 17 participants.
- Analysis of gut (stool) and aqueous humour samples using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Dietary information collected via questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Distinct clustering of aqueous humour microbiomes observed for healthy controls, DM, and DR groups.
- Genera unique to the eye or gut were identified in DM and DR patients.
- A reduction in anti-inflammatory bacteria was noted in DR patients compared to DM patients.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in intraocular and gut microbiomes across health and disease states.
- Distinctive features of the intraocular microbiome are associated with DR.
- Further research with larger cohorts is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
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