Imbalance between the Serum Levels of VEGF, MMP-2 and α1-AT in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

Background: Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), a microvascular complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is due to retinal neovascularization mediated by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Neovascularization involves proteolytic degradation of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) by Matrix Metalloproteases (MMPs). Alpha 1-antitrypsin (α1- AT), an antiprotease is known to inhibit MMP-2. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the serum levels of VEGF, MMP-2, and α1-AT in DR patients. Material and Methods: A three-group comparative study was carried out by considering patients with DR (n = 32), T2DM (n = 32), and healthy controls (n =32). Serum levels of VEGF, MMP-2, and α1-AT were determined by the ELISA technique. Results: Serum levels of VEGF and MMP-2 were significantly higher in DR than in T2DM and controls (p <0.001), while the serum levels of α1- AT were significantly lower in DR when compared to T2DM and controls (p < 0.001). Conclusion: An imbalance between the serum levels of VEGF, MMP-2 and α1-AT may be involved in the pathogenesis of DR.