Biomarkers of Common Eye Diseases

Using Next-Generation Sequencing Technology to Identify Biomarkers of Common Eye Diseases

To identify biomarkers of common eye diseases based on single-cell sequencing technologies using PBMC samples. These diseases include uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and polypoid choroidal vasculopathy. Our study may provide new insight into the underlying mechanisms, and reveal novel predictors and intervention targets for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of these diseases.

The pathogenesis of common eye diseases such as uveitis (including Behcet's disease (BD) and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH)), diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and polypoid choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) remains unknown. Although immunosuppressants, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) have been widely used for treatment, the current therapeutic options are limited. In addition, there is a lack of biomarkers to indicate the prognosis and treatment response of these diseases. The aim of this study is to identify biomarkers and to provide a new target for individualized diagnosis and treatment of common eye diseases based on single cell sequencing technology.

Inclusion Criteria for patients:

1. Age over 18 (including 18 years old);
2. Clinically diagnosed as diabetic retinopathy (DR), uveitis (VKH or BD) , age-related macular degeneration (AMD) , or polypoid choroidal vasculopathy (PCV)

Exclusion Criteria for patients with retinal diseases:

1. Have received more than 2 intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs because of retinal or choroidal neovascularization and macular edema;
2. Patients with stable condition after having undergone panretinal laser photocoagulation and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV);
3. There are other serious systemic diseases of the body, such as history of chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant, unstable blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, tumors, etc;
4. Patients who are pregnant or nursing