[Genetic aspects of diabetic retinopathy].

Poor metabolic control, hemodynamic factors and long duration of diabetes may predispose to the development of diabetic retinopathy. Recently the hypothesis that genetic factors may play certain role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy has been also proposed. The angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been the main candidate gene predisposing to the development of diabetic retinopathy. One of its polymorphisms--insertion/deletion seems to be particularly associated with long-term diabetic complications. The HLA system genes, TNF-beta gene, IGF-1 gene and PAI-1 gene are the other candidate genes. If there would be strong evidence that genetic factors play certain role in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic retinopathy, the high risk diabetics could be selected and the adequate prevention could be applied.