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Review of lipocalin-2-mediated effects in diabetic retinopathy

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Abstract

Background

Studies have uncovered LCN2 as a marker of inflammation strongly related to obesity, insulin resistance, and abnormal glucose metabolism in humans, and is involved in vascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, and neurological diseases. In recent years, studies have shown that elevated levels of LCN2 have a strong association with diabetic retinopathy (DR), but the pathogenesis is unknown. Here, we reviewed the relevant literature and compiled the pathogenesis associated with LCN2-induced DR.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases using “lipocalin-2, diabetic retinopathy, retinal degeneration, diabetic microangiopathies, diabetic neuropathy and inflammation” as subject terms.

Results

In diabetic retinal neuropathy, LCN2 causes impaired retinal photoreceptor function and retinal neurons; in retinal microangiopathy, LCN2 induces apoptosis of retinal vascular endothelial cells and promotes angiogenesis; in retinal inflammation, increased secretion of LCN2 recruits inflammatory cells and induces pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, LCN2 has the potential as a biomarker for DR. Recent studies have shown that retinal damage can be attenuated by silencing LCN2, which may be associated with the inhibition of caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis, and LCN2 may be a new target for the treatment of DR.

Conclusions

In conclusion, LCN2, involved in the development of diabetic retinopathy, is a key factor in diabetic retinal microangiopathy, neurodegeneration, and retinal inflammation. LCN2 is likely to be a novel molecular target leading to DR, and a more in-depth study of the pathogenesis of DR caused by LCN2 may provide considerable benefits for clinical research and potential drug development.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China

    Yajuan Zhang, Xiaojun Song, Tianying Qi & Xinli Zhou

  2. Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China

    Yajuan Zhang, Xiaojun Song, Tianying Qi & Xinli Zhou

  3. Shandong Clinical Medical Center of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, China

    Yajuan Zhang, Xiaojun Song, Tianying Qi & Xinli Zhou

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  1. Yajuan Zhang
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All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Literature collection and analysis were performed by YZ, XS and TQ. The first draft of the manuscript was written by YZ, and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Xinli Zhou.

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Zhang, Y., Song, X., Qi, T. et al. Review of lipocalin-2-mediated effects in diabetic retinopathy. Int Ophthalmol 44, 78 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-024-03015-x

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