Increased serum mannose binding lectin levels are associated with diabetic retinopathy

Abstract Background Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) may be implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) complications. We investigated serum MBL levels in type 2 diabetic patients with and without DR. Method Serum MBL levels were determined in 184 type 2 diabetic patients with DR and 189 type 2 diabetic patients without DR matched for age, sex, and duration of diabetes. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression models. The diagnostic value of MBL was compared with the HbA1c, Hs-CRP and with other known markers. Results We found that serum MBL levels were significantly higher in diabetes with DR as compared to without-DR [3456 (IQR, 3128–3800) ug/l and 2432 (IQR, 2100–2670) ug/l, respectively; P  Conclusion In type 2 diabetic patients, evaluated serum levels of MBL can be seen as an independent marker of DR even after correcting for possible confounding factors.