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Research progress on the mechanism of RPE destroying blood-retinal barrier in diabetic retinopathy

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DOI: 10.23977/medbm.2026.040119 | Downloads: 0 | Views: 22

Author(s)

Shi Yuyan 1, Wu Huiqin 2

Affiliation(s)

1 Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
2 Xi'an No.1 Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

Corresponding Author

Wu Huiqin

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a globally prevalent chronic disease, and diabetic retinopathy (DR), one of its complications, is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness in the adult working population. The disruption of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) serves as the key pathological basis for DR, with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and their tight junctions constituting the outer barrier of BRB and playing a pivotal role in the repair process. This review explores the structure and function of BRB and RPE cells, elucidates the mechanisms underlying pathological changes in BRB and RPE associated with diabetes mellitus, and highlights the significance of RPE in treating various diseases. By summarizing the actions undertaken by RPE in DR, this review underscores its crucial role in clinical management while offering novel insights into potential treatments for DR.

KEYWORDS

Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic retinopathy; Blood-retina barrier; Retinal pigment epithelium cell; Treatment strategy

CITE THIS PAPER

Shi Yuyan, Wu Huiqin. Research progress on the mechanism of RPE destroying blood-retinal barrier in diabetic retinopathy. MEDS Basic Medicine (2026). Vol. 4, No. 1, 150-156. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/medbm.2026.040119.

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