Abstract

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in the working-age in developed countries. The development and progression of DR are affected by both internal and external risk factors. Recently, the genetic risk factor is heavily studied regarding its association with DR in type 2 diabetic patients. There are some emerging concepts through its essential genetic roles related to DR progression and development. Genetic factors should be highly considered as it may be accountable for around 25- 50% of risks in developing DR. several genes are accountable for the progression of DR in the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, including Aldose Reductase, Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS), Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). As the most frequent cause of visual impairment, it is important for people to know more about the genetic risk factors towards DR progression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this paper, the author wanted to discuss more the emerging concepts about the association between genetic risk factors and the occurrence of DR in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic retinopathy; Genetic polymorphism

Abbreviations: DM: Diabetes Mellitus; DR: Diabetic Retinopathy; SNP: Single Nucleotide Polymorphism; ENOS: Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase; RAGE: Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts; VEGF: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; AGEs: Advanced Glycation Endproducts; IGF: Insulin-like Growth Factor; AR: Aldose Reductase