NSIGHTS ON HYPERGLYCEMIA'S IMPACT ON THE METABOLIC PATHWAYS ASSOCIATED WITH DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Summary. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness in diabetics. This review examines how hyperglycemia affects the metabolomic profile of retinal tissues, contributing to DR. Hyperglycemia disrupts retinal metabolism, causing the production of harmful metabolites and induction of oxidative stress. Key findings highlight alterations in glucose metabolism, increased polyol pathway flux, accumulation of sorbitol and fructose, and dysregulation of lipid metabolism. Additionally, hyperglycemia-driven changes in inflammatory pathways contribute to retinal cell damage and vascular dysfunction. The review underscores the significance of metabolomics in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying DR and identifies potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for early detection and intervention. Understanding these metabolic changes lays the groundwork for developing targeted therapies to slow the progression of DR and preserve vision in diabetic patients.Key words: diabetic retinopathy, hyperglycemia, metabolomics, retinal tissue, metabolic profiling, biomarkers.