Diabetic keratopathy and nuclear proteins (Review)

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Diabetic keratopathy (DK) is a serious ocular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM).
• Chronic hyperglycemia in DM leads to progressive damage in corneal epithelium, nerves, stroma, and endothelium.
• Nuclear proteins (NPs) are crucial for nuclear functions and are linked to DM development and complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of diabetic keratopathy (DK).
• To highlight the role of specific nuclear proteins (NPs) in the pathogenesis of DK.
• To identify knowledge gaps and suggest future research directions for DK management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on diabetic keratopathy (DK).
• Focus on the involvement of key nuclear proteins (NPs) such as PPARs, HMGB1, EZH, PTEN, and SIRT in DK.
• Analysis of current understanding and identification of research needs.

Main Results:

• DK involves damage to multiple corneal layers due to diabetes-induced metabolic changes.
• Several core nuclear proteins (NPs) are implicated in DK pathogenesis.
• The precise mechanisms by which these NPs contribute to DK are not fully understood.

Conclusions:

• The roles of nuclear proteins (NPs) in diabetic keratopathy (DK) pathogenesis are complex and require further investigation.
• Elucidating these molecular mechanisms is crucial for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for DK.
• Future research should prioritize mechanistic studies and clinical trials to improve DK management.