Bone Marrow Connected to Diabetic Retinopathy


Retinopathy is one of the severest consequences of diabetes as it can leave the sufferer with severely impaired vision or complete blindness. However, following research conducted at the Michigan State University, a link may have been found in the damage that occurs to the nerves in retinopathy and bone marrow. Scientists are now claiming that this latest development in understanding diabetic retinopathy could hopefully lead to an eradication of the devastating side effect of diabetes.

According to one of the lead researchers, Julie Busik, it appears to occur due to damaged nerves in the bone marrow caused by diabetes. Within this bone marrow are stem cells (endothelial progenitors) whose release into the bloodstream is affected by the damaged nerves; meaning they aren’t released as readily. Normally, these stem cells are released, more so at night, and are responsible for repairing vascular system damage. Yet, diabetes damage to the nerves within bone marrow disrupts this cell release during the sleep so abnormally low levels are only being let into the bloodstream. They discovered that this low level of endothelial progenitors was predominant before the retinopathy commenced.

Whilst research still needs to be conducted to support the Michigan State University’s findings, many doctors are hopeful. Until now many diabetic patients have had to undergo eye surgery to try and help suppress the development of retinopathy; with the surgery being quite invasive and damaging to some of the vision itself. If treatments can be produced to help repair damaged nerves within the bone marrow, this will provide doctors with a much easier solution. Bone marrow is much more accessible and treatable than the retina; so treatment for retinopathy this way may not only help reduce the onset of the disease but will dramatically reduce the side-effects and risks following the operation. 

11th January 2010

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