Complementary Approaches to Retinal Health Focusing on Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus affects carbohydrate homeostasis but also influences fat and protein metabolism. Due to ophthalmic complications, it is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The molecular pathology reveals that nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) has a central role in the progression of diabetic retinopathy, sharing this signaling pathway with another major retinal disorder, glaucoma. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches can be elaborated to decelerate the ever-emerging "epidemics" of diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma targeting this critical node. In our review, we emphasize the role of an improvement of lifestyle in its prevention as well as the use of phytomedicals associated with evidence-based protocols. A balanced personalized therapy requires an integrative approach to be more successful for prevention and early treatment.

Keywords: NFκB; complementary and alternative medicines; diabetic retinopathy.

Figure 1

Potential complementary pieces (puzzle pieces with dashed line) of conventional DR treatments (puzzle pieces with solid lines). The change in color shades (yellow to red) indicates the degree of acceptance of different therapies.

Figure 2

A schematic overview of the interacting pathways involved in the development of diabetic retinopathy centered on the NFκB pathway. Red bubbles contain the miRNAs that can play a pivotal role in targeting certain nodes.