Role of Advanced Glycation End Product in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), one of the main eye conditions that results in blindness, is the main ocular complication in diabetic patients. It is commonly known that the length of diabetes and the incidence and severity of DR are positively connected. One of the factors contributing to the development of DR is the accumulation of advanced glycation end product (AGE) in diabetic patients.

The objective of the study was to assess the serum levels of the inflammatory marker AGE in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with and without DR.

This study was conducted at St. Peter's Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Hosur, Tamil Nadu. Totally 110 healthy controls (HCs), 110 patients without DR, and 110 patients with DR were included. Serum samples were tested for AGE by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Biochemical parameters and ophthalmological examination findings of the participants were recorded.

In this study, we recruited 330 participants, including 110 healthy individuals in group 1, 110 patients T2DM without DR in group 2, and 110 patients T2DM with DR in group 3. Serum AGE levels were significantly higher in patients with DR than in HCs and in those without retinopathy (4.09 ± 3.66, 7.09 ± 6.16, 11.27 ± 82.95).

Patients with T2DM with DR showed higher serum AGE levels than those with T2DM without DR and healthy individuals. High levels of AGE paved the pathogenesis DR by enhancing inflammation, insulin resistance, and angiogenesis factors. Early diagnosis of T2DM provides better treatment and reduces the risk of DR.