Bilirubin in Diabetic Retinopathy: Too Little or Too Much?

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a significant diabetic complication that may result in loss of vision and blindness. The development of DR is intricate and encompasses numerous processes, such as oxidative stress. Bilirubin, a powerful antioxidant, has been proposed as a probable indicator for oxidative stress in DR. Bilirubin is a powerful antioxidant that helps to eliminate free radicals and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body by being produced during the breakdown of heme. Additionally, it aids in the regulation of the expression of antioxidant genes, further bolstering its antioxidant properties. Therefore, bilirubin plays a crucial role in safeguarding cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress arises when there is an imbalance between ROS production and the body's ability to detoxify them. This can result in oxidative damage to cellular components like proteins, lipids, and DNA. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of various ailments, including Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). Keywords: Bilirubin, Diabetic retinopathy, Oxidative stress