spar0010">A prospective multicentre case–control study of 132 participants was distributed into: T2D with (+DR) or without (−DR) (T2DG; n = 77), and a control group (CG; n = 55). After an eye examination and personal interview, tears were collected for molecular analysis (expression of microRNAs [miRNAs] (miRCURY™ ARN Isolation Kit, Qiagen)]. Libraries, 137 vs. 140 bp (GeneMapper, Applied Biosystems), were obtained in 18 samples (T2DG + DR = 6; T2DG − DR = 6; CG = 6) by performing next-generation sequencing (NGS). SPSS 15.0 statistical program was used to perform data analysis.
spar0015">The mean age was 67 ± 12 years in the T2DG vs. 55 ± 21 years in the CG. Distribution men/women: 25/30 in T2DG vs. 51/28 in CG. A family history of DM, diet compliance, smoking, drinking and exercise, showed significant differences between groups (p < 0.001). A 20–25 μL sample of tears contained a mean of 9.42 ± 3.30 ng/mL of purified ARN, with significant differences between T2DG/CG (p = 0.002) and T2DG + RD/CG (p = 0.004). Tear expression of miARNs in T2DG directly correlated with age/obesity/T2D duration (p < 0.05), and indirectly with visual acuity (p < 0.05). A total of 14 miRNAs related to the presence, pathogenic mechanisms and risk factors for the progression of diabetic retinopathy, were identified.
spar0020">We propose to use tears as a source of genetic information for DM. Specific miRNAs involved in DR development and/or progression can be used as molecular biomarkers, and based on these, for developing future biotherapies.