Combined Antioxidant Therapy on Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction Markers in Diabetic Retinopathy

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Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes microvascular complication due to an insufficient oxygen supply to its endothelial cells in states of constant hyperglycemia. This entity is classified in two main categories: non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the latter...

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes microvascular complication due to an insufficient oxygen supply to its endothelial cells in states of constant hyperglycemia. This entity is classified in two main categories: non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the latter is characterized for the presence of neovascularization as oppose to the first one. Oxidative stress has been considered as one of the main factors in the development of diabetic retinopathy. It results from an imbalance between oxidants production and cellular antioxidant defenses, which provokes DNA damage in the mitochondrion altering its capacity to produce ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) resulting in what is known as mitochondrial dysfunction. Diabetic retinopathy management merely comprises glycemic, lipemic and blood pressure control. Secondary intervention includes anti-platelet agents, protein-kinase C inhibitors, aldolase reductase inhibitors, laser and vitrectomy. Antioxidant therapy has been used as a co-adjuvant for these interventions, as antioxidant substances that complement action and efficacy of the established treatment for diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the principal cause of blindness in persons between 20 and 70 years of age. Its prevalence is, approximately, 25% 5 years after diagnosis. Which is why the investigators intend to prove if the antioxidant therapy is able to change retinopathy outcomes in oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and/or grade of retinopathy.

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