Molecular Mechanisms of Diabetic Retinopathy | Recording-Molecular Mechanisms of Diabetic Retinopathy

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Maria Grant of the University of Alabama at Birmingham discussed the molecular mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy in a presentation for the American Diabetes Association. She highlighted several key pathogenic mechanisms, including glucose-mediated processes, advanced glycation end products, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurogliopathy. Dr. Grant also discussed the role of cholesterol crystals and their impact on complement activation and inflammasome formation. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of the gut-retina axis and how dysbiosis can contribute to diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Grant explained how gut dysbiosis can lead to leaky gut, allowing gut microbial antigens to enter the systemic circulation and activate toll-like receptors on endothelial cells. This activation can result in vascular permeability and inflammation. She also discussed the potential benefits of intermittent fasting and its impact on the gut microbiome, as well as the use of probiotics containing angiotensin-converting enzyme two (ACE2) to restore gut permeability and reduce inflammation. Dr. Grant concluded by emphasizing the need for personalized medicine in targeting specific bacteria and metabolic pathways based on an individual's gut microbiome. Overall, her presentation shed light on the complex mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy and the potential for novel therapeutic approaches.

Keywords

diabetic retinopathy

glucose-mediated processes

oxidative stress

inflammation

neurogliopathy

cholesterol crystals

complement activation

gut microbiome

probiotics

personalized medicine