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Biomarkers in the assessment of diabetic retinopathy progression

https://doi.org/10.21516/2072-0076-2026-19-1-203-209

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the leading cause of acquired blindness in people of working age. Due to the absence of obvious symptoms in the early stages of the disease, the identification of clinical biomarkers can play a crucial role in early diagnosis and in identifying prognostic factors for DR. Major risk factors do not explain the large variability that characterizes the evolution and rate of progression of DR in different individuals. Therefore, the identification of ocular and systemic biomarkers is crucial for facilitating risk stratification in patients with DM; furthermore, reliable biomarkers can also help predict patient response to therapy. Since existing treatments for proliferative DR are mostly applied in advanced stages of the disease, reliable progression criteria are necessary to ensure timely treatment and early and appropriate selection of therapy. This review discusses relevant systemic and local biomarkers of DR.

About the Authors

R. R. Fayzrakhmanov
N.I. Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center
Russian Federation

Rinat R. Fayzrakhmanov — Dr. of Med. Sci., director of the ophthalmology center

70, Nizhnyaya Pervomayskaya St., Moscow, 105203



O. A. Pavlovskiy
N.I. Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center
Russian Federation

Oleg A. Pavlovskiy — Cand. Med. Sci., ophthalmologist of the ophthalmology center

70, Nizhnyaya Pervomayskaya St., Moscow, 105203



S. N. Saraeva
N.I. Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center
Russian Federation

Sofia N. Saraeva — ophthalmologist of the ophthalmology center

70, Nizhnyaya Pervomayskaya St., Moscow, 105203



A. O. Martynov
N.I. Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center
Russian Federation

Andrey O. Martynov — ophthalmologist of the ophthalmology center

70, Nizhnyaya Pervomayskaya St., Moscow, 105203



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Fayzrakhmanov R.R., Pavlovskiy O.A., Saraeva S.N., Martynov A.O. Biomarkers in the assessment of diabetic retinopathy progression. Russian Ophthalmological Journal. 2026;19(1):203-209. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21516/2072-0076-2026-19-1-203-209

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ISSN 2072-0076 (Print)
ISSN 2587-5760 (Online)