Abstract:Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes, and its pathogenesis is closely related to immune-inflammatory responses. As a core inflammatory factor, the role of interleukin-6(IL-6)in DR has gained increasing attention. IL-6 exerts neuro- and vaso-protective effects via the classical signaling pathway, while it drives pathological processes primarily through the trans-signaling pathway. The specific mechanisms include disruption of the blood-retinal barrier, promotion of the release of inflammatory factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), induction of neurodegenerative changes, and exacerbation of oxidative stress. Regarding treatment, strategies targeting IL-6 are diverse, including IL-6/IL-6R antagonists, selective inhibition of the trans-signaling pathway, combination therapy with anti-VEGF agents, and interventions based on gene polymorphisms. This review will summarize the research progress on IL-6 in DR from three aspects, including its expression regulation, mechanisms of action, and intervention strategies.
