Diabetic retinopathy: Breaking the barrier Randa S. Eshaq, Alaa M.Z. Aldalati, J. Steven Alexander, Norman R. Harris Pathophysiology Volume 24, Issue 4, Pages 229-241 (December 2017) DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2017.07.001 Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. Terms and Conditions
Fig. 1 Diabetic retinopathy (DR) can be divided into two main stages: non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and proliferative DR (PDR), with NPDR further subdivided into mild NPDR, moderate NPDR, and severe NPDR. Pathophysiology 2017 24, 229-241DOI: (10.1016/j.pathophys.2017.07.001) Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. Terms and Conditions
Fig. 2 Diabetic retinopathy is marked by microvascular dysfunction, including abnormal neovascularization, hemorrhages, microaneurysms, and cotton wool spots, that will eventually, if not treated, lead to vision loss. Pathophysiology 2017 24, 229-241DOI: (10.1016/j.pathophys.2017.07.001) Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. Terms and Conditions
Fig. 3 A summary of the factors, not necessarily independent of each other, leading to the development of diabetic retinopathy. Pathophysiology 2017 24, 229-241DOI: (10.1016/j.pathophys.2017.07.001) Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. Terms and Conditions
Fig. 4 Diabetes-induced retinal microvascular damage, including blood retinal barrier breakdown, can be induced by the factors summarized in this figure. Pathophysiology 2017 24, 229-241DOI: (10.1016/j.pathophys.2017.07.001) Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. Terms and Conditions
Fig. 5 Normally, as shown in panel A, the retinal endothelium has an intact glycocalyx and tight junctions. However, in diabetic retinopathy, the endothelium has increased permeability and possibly loses a portion of the glycocalyx (Panel B). Pathophysiology 2017 24, 229-241DOI: (10.1016/j.pathophys.2017.07.001) Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. Terms and Conditions