Excitatory Amino Acids in Diabetic Eye Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Jose E. Pulido, Jose S. Pulido, Jay C. Erie, Jorge Arroyo, Kurt Bertram, Miao-Jen Lu, Scott A. Shippy
Primary Institution: Mayo Clinic
Hypothesis
Glutamate may play excitotoxic roles in the diabetic retina.
Conclusion
There is a relationship between diabetic retinopathy and elevated glutamate levels, similar to other cases of CNS ischemia and glaucoma.
Supporting Evidence
- Diabetic retinopathy causes 12,000–24,000 new cases of blindness each year in the United States.
- 50% of adult Hispanics with diabetes mellitus have some form of diabetic retinopathy.
- Glutamate levels are elevated in the vitreous in glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, and retinal detachments.
- Clinical studies show elevated glutamate levels in cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Takeaway
This study looks at how a chemical called glutamate might be causing problems in the eyes of people with diabetes, similar to how it affects the brain.
Methodology
The review examines clinical and animal model studies regarding glutamate's role in diabetic retinopathy.
Limitations
Further studies are needed to confirm findings regarding glutamate levels in diabetic retinopathy.
Participant Demographics
The review discusses findings related to adults with diabetes, particularly noting differences in prevalence among racial groups.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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