Macrophage-Like Cell Density and Distribution in Relation to Vascular Leakage in Diabetes
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose: To investigate the relationship between macrophage-like cell (MLC) density and vascular leakage in the macula, an indicator of blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown, in diabetic retinopathy (DR), and to understand whether MLCs cluster within areas of vascular leakage. Design: Cross-sectional imaging analysis. Subjects: A total of 161 eyes from 152 diabetic participants with various stages of DR. Methods: Fluorescein angiography (FA) was used to delineate and quantify macular leakage and OCT angiography was used to visualize MLCs using an averaged 3-μm OCT slab above the vitreoretinal interface. In a subgroup of 36 eyes, MLC density maps were overlaid onto FA images to assess the spatial distribution of MLCs relative to leakage zones and their perimeter. Main Outcome Measures: Correlation between MLC density and macular leakage, and the spatial distribution of MLCs in relation to leakage zones. Results: = 0.08). Conclusions: The nonlinear relationship between MLC density and macular leakage in DR, along with MLC accumulation around the borders of leakage, suggest a nuanced role for these cells in DR and BRB breakdown. These findings also suggest a complex interplay among different macrophage populations and may reflect changes in MLC function or migration to deeper retinal layers with advancing leakage. Financial Disclosures: Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
Source: Ophthalmology Science
Language: English
Subfield: Ophthalmology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,500
OpenAlex ID: W4414806725