Abnormal Levels of Serum Ferroptosis-Related Biomarkers in Diabetic Retinopathy

PURPOSE: This study aimed to measure the concentrations of ferroptosis-related biomarkers, namely, iron (Fe), lipid peroxide (LPO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPX4), and glutathione (GSH) in DR in the attempt to evaluate the diagnostic performance of these biomarkers. METHODS: This study included 30 NPDR patients, 30 PDR patients, and 30 healthy subjects matched in age and sex. The concentrations of Fe, LPO, ROS, GPX4, and GSH in serum of the subjects were measured. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, GPX4 and GSH concentrations were significantly lower, and LPO, Fe, and ROS concentrations were significantly higher in DR patients. Compared with the PDR group, the NPDR group had higher concentrations of LPO, Fe, and ROS and lower concentrations of GPX4 and GSH, but there was no statistical difference in Fe, GPX4, and GSH. ROC curve shows that ferroptosis-related biomarkers have accumulated accuracy in NPDR and PDR. CONCLUSION: This study shows that ferroptosis-related biomarkers may be involved in the pathological process of DR and can be used as one of the biomarkers of DR.