Effect of Prolonged Combined Antioxidant Therapy Intake on Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction Markers in Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy
Effect of Prolonged Combined Antioxidant Therapy Intake on Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction Markers in Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy
The present study aims to support previous research on antioxidant therapy effects in diabetic retinopathy outcome. The investigators intend to assess 180 patients with diabetic retinopathy in different stages (moderate, severe and proliferative), whom either will be assigned to placebo group or combined antioxidant therapy. Each group will receive the intervention for 12 months. Such intervention consists in taking one tablet (placebo or antioxidant therapy) orally, a day.
At baseline, blood and urine samples will be collected in order to assess metabolic and oxidative stress status, mitochondrial function or dysfunction, liver and kidney function. In addition, fluorescein angiography will be done for the categorization of diabetic retinopathy. After six months and at the end of the intervention, blood and urine measurements as well as angiographies will be done for comparing the outcomes between both groups and correlate oxidative stress status, mitochondrial dysfunction with grade of retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes microvascular complication due to an insufficient oxygen supply to its endothelial cells in states of constant hyperglycemia. This entity is classified in two main categories: non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the latter is characterized for the presence of neovascularization as oppose to the first one.
Oxidative stress has been considered as one of the main factors in the development of diabetic retinopathy. It results from an imbalance between oxidants production and cellular antioxidant defenses, which provokes DNA damage in the mitochondrion altering its capacity to produce ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) resulting in what is known as mitochondrial dysfunction.
Diabetic retinopathy management merely comprises glycemic, lipemic and blood pressure control. Secondary intervention includes anti-platelet agents, protein-kinase C inhibitors, aldolase reductase inhibitors, laser and vitrectomy. Antioxidant therapy has been used as a co-adjuvant for these interventions, as antioxidant substances that complement action and efficacy of the established treatment for diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is the principal cause of blindness in persons between 20 and 70 years of age. Its prevalence is, approximately, 25% 5 years after diagnosis.
Which is why the investigators intend to prove if the antioxidant therapy is able to change retinopathy outcomes in oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and/or grade of retinopathy.
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