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207
MicroRNA (miRNA) in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy: A Narrative Review
Stamatios Lampsas1, Chrysa Agapitou1, Alexandros Chatzirallis1
12nd Department of Ophthalmology, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, Chaidari, 12462 Athens, Greece.
Genes
|September 27, 2025
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in diabetic retinopathy (DR) pathogenesis by regulating inflammation, vascular changes, and cell death. Understanding these miRNA mechanisms is key to developing new treatments for this common diabetes complication.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of visual impairment globally, stemming from diabetes mellitus.
- Key pathological processes in DR include inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and aberrant angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which microRNAs (miRNAs) mediate the pathogenetic processes of diabetic retinopathy.
- To summarize the role of specific miRNAs in regulating inflammation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis in DR.
Main Methods:
- This study is a narrative review of existing literature.
- It synthesizes findings on altered miRNA expression in DR and their functional consequences.
Main Results:
- Specific miRNAs (e.g., miR-155, miR-21) promote inflammation and vascular damage.
- Other miRNAs (e.g., miR-126, miR-200b) regulate angiogenesis via pathways like VEGF.
- Certain miRNAs (e.g., miR-195, miR-29b) influence retinal cell apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs form an intricate regulatory network contributing to DR development and progression.
- Targeting specific miRNAs holds potential for novel therapeutic strategies against diabetic retinopathy.
