Role and research progress in the cGAS-STING pathway in diabetic dry eyes
Dry eyes,a condition that is more likely to be comorbid in patients with diabetes mellitus(DM),is an ocu-lar surface disease caused by a variety of factors,and it is mainly characterized by an imbalance of tear film stability and ocular discomfort.The pathogenesis of this disease is complex,mainly involving peripheral corneal neuropathy,changes in tear composition and osmolarity,decreased tear film stability,and ocular surface inflammation.The cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase(cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes(STING)signaling pathway plays a key role in the inflammatory response:corneal oxidative stress may lead to mitochondrial damage,and damaged mi-tochondrial DNA(mtDNA)is released into the cytoplasm to activate the cGAS-STING pathway,which triggers the release of interferon and the aggravation of inflammation.This article reviews the pathological mechanisms of dry eyes in DM and explores the regulatory role of the cGAS-STING pathway in the pathogenesis of this disease,thus providing new targets and strategies for the treatment of this disease.