Role of Endothelin -1 in Plasma and Vitreous Humour in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy "a micro vascular disease" is a leading cause of blindness in the world. Vasoactive factors like endothelins, by the virtue of the micro-vascular regulation as well as by other effects, possibly play on important roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinal microangiopathy [1]. Diabetic Retinopathy is a significant complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy is 23.8% in Egyptian diabetic patients. The prevalence of retinopathy is dependant on the duration of diabetes, being rare before five years but present in 95% of patients 15 years after diagnosis. Other factors reported to be associated with diabetic retinopathy include poor glycemic control, hypertension and genetic factors [2].