Aims

Diabetic-retinopathy(DR), the most frequent complication of diabetes-mellitus(DM), is characterized by microvascular changes in the retina. The diabetic marks are linked to ageing and cellular senescence, but the characterization is still unclear. Several studies suggested the involvement of miRNAs in DR, for the regulatory role in glucose-homeostasis and immune-cells functions. The study aims to evaluate serum levels of miRNA in DM/DR; DM/noDR and in HC, in order to find reproducible biomarkers for DR, in relation to ophthalmological parameters.

Methods

Recruited patients underwent to Microperimetry; Angiography-OCTA and serum sampling for miRNA-analysis. Best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, dilated ophthalmoscopy and miRNAs (let-7a-5p; let-7b-5p; 23a-3p; 27a-3p; 15a-5p; 320b; 495-3p) evaluations were done.

Descriptive statistical analysis has been applied, using Pearson correlation and Kruskal-Wallis test. R statistical environment v3.6 was used for data analysis.

Results

BCVA and HbA1c showed differences among groups. A reduction in retinal sensitivity was found in Diabetic's groups, with respect to control group. OCTA analysis, showed a significant reduction in DM/DR and DM/noDR, for perfusion density at DCP and CC level. Serum miRNA levels, showed a reduction for 15a-5p and 495-3p miRNAs in DM-patients compared to HC (p=0.027, p=0.049, respectively). Moreover, a positive significant correlation was found for miR-320b and BCVA (r=0.894). Radar-plot showed how DM/noDR have in higher median values of miRNAs overlapping to the DM/DR-group.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we find evidence of damage progression biomarkers in diabetic retinopathy in diabetic’s patients. Serum-miRNA are being considered to have a strong potential as a novel biomarker for early detection of diabetes complications.