Molecular-Genetic Biomarkers of Diabetic Macular Edema

Background: Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness among diabetic patients, requiring effective diagnostic and monitoring strategies. This systematic review aims to synthesize current knowledge on molecular biomarkers associated with DME, focusing on their potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and disease management. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, covering literature from 2004 to 2023. Out of 1074 articles initially identified, 48 relevant articles were included in this systematic review. Results: We found that molecules involved in several cellular processes, such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, vascular dysfunction, apoptosis, and cell-to-cell communication, exhibit differential expression profiles in various biological fluids when comparing diabetic individuals with or without macular edema. Conclusions: The study of these molecules could lead to the proper identification of specific biomarkers that may improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic management of DME patients.