Ischemic Retinopathies: Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Figure 2

The role of oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic retinopathy. Hyperglycemia activates PKC, AGEs, polyol, and hexosamine pathways which contribute to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to pericyte and endothelial cell apoptosis. Upregulation of inflammatory mediators results in cell death and BRB breakdown.