Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (Dec 2024)

The protective role of gamma zone peripapillary atrophy in diabetic retinopathy: insights from deep learning and SS-OCT angiography

  • Yingying Li,
  • Yingying Li,
  • Yingying Li,
  • Yingying Li,
  • Xinxin Hu,
  • Xinxin Hu,
  • Xinxin Hu,
  • Xinxin Hu,
  • Xueqiong Ye,
  • Xueqiong Ye,
  • Xueqiong Ye,
  • Xueqiong Ye,
  • Qingya Zhong,
  • Qingya Zhong,
  • Qingya Zhong,
  • Qingya Zhong,
  • Xixi Zhang,
  • Xixi Zhang,
  • Xixi Zhang,
  • Xixi Zhang,
  • Jinglin Zhu,
  • Jinglin Zhu,
  • Jinglin Zhu,
  • Jinglin Zhu,
  • Jiahui Jiang,
  • Jiahui Jiang,
  • Jiahui Jiang,
  • Jiahui Jiang,
  • Dandan Wang,
  • Dandan Wang,
  • Dandan Wang,
  • Dandan Wang,
  • Juntao Zhang,
  • Juntao Zhang,
  • Juntao Zhang,
  • Juntao Zhang,
  • Weina Ren,
  • Weina Ren,
  • Weina Ren,
  • Weina Ren,
  • Yitian Zhao,
  • Qinkang Lu,
  • Qinkang Lu,
  • Qinkang Lu,
  • Qinkang Lu,
  • Na Zhao,
  • Na Zhao,
  • Na Zhao,
  • Na Zhao

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2024.1501625
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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PurposeTo explore the relationship between peripapillary atrophy (PPA) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), and to uncover potential mechanisms using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) angiography.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 845 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), who underwent detailed systemic and ophthalmic evaluations. A state-of-the-art deep learning method was employed to precisely identify the parapapillary beta and gamma zones. Based on PPA characteristics, eyes were categorized into four groups: without beta or gamma zone (Group A), isolated beta zone (Group B), isolated gamma zone (Group C), and with both beta and gamma zone (Group D). Digital fundus photography was utilized to diagnose and stage DR severity, while SS-OCT angiography quantified retinal and choroidal vasculature.ResultsParticipants had a mean age of 66 ± 8.8 years, with 437 (51.7%) male. Beta and gamma PPA zones were observed in 574 (67.9%) and 256 (30.3%) eyes, respectively. Beta zone PPA was associated with older age, whereas gamma zone PPA was correlated with longer axial length (AL), lower vessel density, and reduced choroidal thickness. Adjusted analyses revealed that eyes with isolated (Group C) or concurrent (Group D) gamma zone PPA conferred significantly lower DR grade, independent of known risk factors including systemic diabetes risk factors and AL.ConclusionThis study finds that gamma zone PPA is linked to a reduced risk of developing DR. These results imply that the gamma zone may reflect progressive myopia-associated thinning and microvascular depletion in posterior ocular tissues, potentially contributing to structural resilience against DR. This novel insight offers a promising avenue for understanding the interplay between PPA and DR.

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