Serum microRNAs as biomarkers associated with the course of diabetic macular oedema

Abstract

Aims/Purpose: Intravitreal drugs are powerful therapies for diabetic macular edema (DME), but the clinical course and the response to treatments still remains unpredictable. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of small molecules associated with the regulation of several metabolic pathways, including diabetes. However, their use in the clinical setting of DME is limited by lack of data regarding the correlation with clinical and imaging features. In the present study we evaluated some miRNAs profiles obtained by serum samples of newly diagnosed DME patients.Methods: Prospective study, including baseline visit (V0), a 4‐months visit (V1) and a 12‐months visit (V2). At V0 patient underwent serum sampling, imaging was repeated at every study visit. Enriched serum microRNAs were extracted and real‐time PCR was performed. OCT features were used to assess the severity and progression of the disease.Results: We collected data of a cohort of type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. All the patients presented DME and were naïve to intravitreal treatments. The follow‐up was of 12 months. Diabetes‐related miRNAs were found up‐ or downregulated and associated with the course of DME (resolved/recurrent/persistent). Correlations were found with imaging biomarkers.Conclusions: On the basis of these findings, serum miRNAs assessment is a feasible and clinically relevant assessment to be performed in the diagnostic work‐up of diabetic patients affected by DME. MiRNAs might pave the basis for customized treatment strategies to optimize the management of DME.References1. Mastropasqua R, Toto L, Cipollone F et al. Role of microRNAs in the modulation of diabetic retinopathy. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2014.2. Arrigo A, Aragona E, Capone L et al. Foveal Eversion: A Possible Biomarker of Persistent Diabetic Macular Edema. Ophthalmol Ther 2021.3. Arrigo A, Capone L, Lattanzio R et al. Optical Coherence Tomography Biomarkers of Inflammation in Diabetic Macular Edema Treated by Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Drug‐Delivery System Implant. Ophthalmol Ther 2020.4. Arrigo A, Aragona E, Battaglia Parodi M, Bandello F. Quantitative approaches in multimodal fundus imaging: State of the art and future perspectives. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2023.