Peng Xi, Peng Yihua, Li Ling, Liu Lian, Zhou Guangju, Cai Yan
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China.
Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China.
Ann Med. 2025 Dec;57(1):2531251. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2025.2531251. Epub 2025 Jul 13.
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a severe microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, poses a significant global health threat with its rising prevalence amidst the diabetes pandemic. As the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness among working-age diabetic adults, DR highlights the urgent need for innovative diagnostic methods and effective therapeutic strategies. Early detection and prompt intervention are crucial for mitigating DR's devastating consequences. This narrative review explores recent advancements in basic science and translational research on DR diagnosis and treatment, leveraging cellular and animal models. It elucidates the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying DR, particularly hyperglycaemia-triggered oxidative stress, inflammation and aberrant angiogenesis. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rodents and genetically engineered mice are highlighted as valuable models for understanding human DR pathogenesis and gaining mechanistic insights. The review identifies key findings from the literature, including translational gaps, emerging trends and untapped opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing DR research and overcoming translational challenges. Sustained investment in preclinical research is critical for deepening our understanding of DR and refining management strategies, ultimately aiming to alleviate the global burden of vision loss attributed to this complication.
糖尿病视网膜病变（DR）是糖尿病严重的微血管并发症，在糖尿病大流行期间其患病率不断上升，对全球健康构成重大威胁。作为劳动年龄糖尿病成年人视力损害和失明的主要原因，DR凸显了对创新诊断方法和有效治疗策略的迫切需求。早期发现和及时干预对于减轻DR的破坏性后果至关重要。本叙述性综述利用细胞和动物模型，探讨了DR诊断和治疗在基础科学和转化研究方面的最新进展。它阐明了DR潜在的复杂病理生理机制，特别是高血糖引发的氧化应激、炎症和异常血管生成。链脲佐菌素诱导的糖尿病啮齿动物和基因工程小鼠被视为理解人类DR发病机制和获得机制性见解的有价值模型。该综述确定了文献中的关键发现，包括转化差距、新趋势和未开发的机会。它强调了跨学科合作在推进DR研究和克服转化挑战方面的重要性。对临床前研究的持续投入对于深化我们对DR的理解和完善管理策略至关重要，最终目标是减轻这种并发症导致的全球视力丧失负担。
