Platelet Membrane Selectin as a Risk Factor in the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy – A Pilot Study

Abstract Introduction In the pilot study our aim was to observe the role of platelet membrane selectin (P-sel) and soluble platelet selectin (sP-sel) as risk factors for diabetic retinopathy. Our study is based on observations that have not previously been reported by other authors. Subjects and methods The pilot study enrolled 49 patients with type 2 diabetes with and without retinopathy who attended regular ophthalmological screening due to their diabetes mellitus at the outpatient care facility of the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Debrecen. Analysis of P-sel by flow cytometry was performed, and the plasma levels of sP-sel were determined. Results The mean fluorescence intensity of P-sel was significantly higher in the non-proliferative retinopathy group, compared to the control group ( p = 0.037) and the no-retinopathy group ( p = 0.039), and was found to be lower in the proliferative retinopathy group, compared to the non-proliferative group. Soluble P-sel significantly increased in patients with diabetic retinopathy ( p = 0.044). Discussion P-sel can lead to impairment in blood circulation on both the arterial and venous side, which contributes to the development of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Upon the appearance of proliferation, it may lose its pathogenetic role. Soluble P-selectin can play a role in the development of any diabetic retinopathy, which is likely to occur through arteriolosclerosis-induced hypoxia.