The impact of colonialism on head and neck cancer in Brazil: a historical essay focussing on tobacco, alcohol and slavery.

Colonialism's enduring impact on Brazil has had significant implications for health and oncology outcomes. This historical essay delves into the profound changes brought about by the transatlantic slave trade from Africa to the Americas, particularly in terms of its influence on the economy, sociocultural habits, and health outcomes. This essay explores the enduring connections between the colonial period's operational dynamics in Brazil and the current epidemiological panorama of head and neck cancer (HNC). The examination provides original insights on the role of tobacco and alcohol production and consumption, alongside the investigation of structural racism, which contributes to disparities in access to diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for patients with HNC. This article presents novel visions and an analysis of evidence-based strategies to disrupt the adverse impact of colonialism's legacy on the epidemiology of HNC in Brazil.

Catalysis-based approaches with biopolymers and violet LED to improve in-office dental bleaching.

This in vitro experimental investigation aimed to evaluate the impact of the combined application of a nanofiber scaffold (NS), a polymeric catalyst primer (PCP) containing 10 mg/mL of heme peroxidase enzyme, and violet LED (LEDv) on the esthetic efficacy (EE), trans-amelodentinal cytotoxicity (TC), and procedural duration of conventional in-office bleaching therapy. To achieve this, 96 standardized enamel/dentin discs were individually placed in artificial pulp chambers. A 35% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) bleaching gel was administered for 45, 30, or 15 min to the enamel, either previously coated with NS + PCP or left uncoated, followed by irradiation with LEDv for 15 min or no irradiation. The established groups were as follows: G1, negative control (no treatment); G2, 35% H2O2/45 min; G3, NS + PCP + LEDv; G4, NS + PCP + 35%H2O2/45 min + LEDv; G5, NS + PCP + 35%H2O2/30 min + LEDv; and G6, NS + PCP + 35%H2O2/15 min + LEDv. Extracts (culture medium + gel components diffused through the discs) were collected and applied to odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells. EE (ΔE00 and ΔWI) and TC were assessed using ANOVA/Tukey analysis (p < 0.05). The EE analysis revealed no statistical differences between G6 and G2 (p > 0.05). Cells in G6 exhibited higher viability and lower oxidative stress compared to other bleached groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, employing NS + PCP + LEDv to catalyze a 35%H2O2 bleaching gel applied for 15 min to the enamel resulted in successful esthetic improvements and reduced the cytotoxicity commonly linked with traditional in-office bleaching procedures.

Advances and Challenges in Cell Biology for Cultured Meat.

Cultured meat is an emerging biotechnology that aims to produce meat from animal cell culture, rather than from the raising and slaughtering of livestock, on environmental and animal welfare grounds. The detailed understanding and accurate manipulation of cell biology are critical to the design of cultured meat bioprocesses. Recent years have seen significant interest in this field, with numerous scientific and commercial breakthroughs. Nevertheless, these technologies remain at a nascent stage, and myriad challenges remain, spanning the entire bioprocess. From a cell biological perspective, these include the identification of suitable starting cell types, tuning of proliferation and differentiation conditions, and optimization of cell-biomaterial interactions to create nutritious, enticing foods. Here, we discuss the key advances and outstanding challenges in cultured meat, with a particular focus on cell biology, and argue that solving the remaining bottlenecks in a cost-effective, scalable fashion will require coordinated, concerted scientific efforts. Success will also require solutions to nonscientific challenges, including regulatory approval, consumer acceptance, and market feasibility. However, if these can be overcome, cultured meat technologies can revolutionize our approach to food.

Development of mesothelioma-specific oncolytic immunotherapy enabled by immunopeptidomics of murine and human mesothelioma tumors.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis. As the available therapeutic options show a lack of efficacy, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Given its T-cell infiltration, we hypothesized that MPM is a suitable target for therapeutic cancer vaccination. To date, research on mesothelioma has focused on the identification of molecular signatures to better classify and characterize the disease, and little is known about therapeutic targets that engage cytotoxic (CD8+) T cells. In this study we investigate the immunopeptidomic antigen-presented landscape of MPM in both murine (AB12 cell line) and human cell lines (H28, MSTO-211H, H2452, and JL1), as well as in patients' primary tumors. Applying state-of-the-art immuno-affinity purification methodologies, we identify MHC I-restricted peptides presented on the surface of malignant cells. We characterize in vitro the immunogenicity profile of the eluted peptides using T cells from human healthy donors and cancer patients. Furthermore, we use the most promising peptides to formulate an oncolytic virus-based precision immunotherapy (PeptiCRAd) and test its efficacy in a mouse model of mesothelioma in female mice. Overall, we demonstrate that the use of immunopeptidomic analysis in combination with oncolytic immunotherapy represents a feasible and effective strategy to tackle untreatable tumors.

The Role of Trypan Blue as a Conventional and Fluorescent Dye for the Diagnosis of Superficial Mycoses by Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) Testing.

Direct microscopic examination of samples using potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a fast, simple, and inexpensive method to confirm clinical suspicion of superficial mycosis. However, the lack of color contrast in this test makes it difficult to separate any fungal structures from artifacts. The sensitivity of the KOH mount technique may be enhanced using both fluorochromes and conventional stains that highlight the fungal structures when observed under fluorescence microscopy and bright-field, respectively. Here we study the possibility of using Trypan Blue (TB), an azo dye which is often used as a live/dead marker, in the diagnosis of superficial mycoses by KOH testing. TB at 0.01% displayed a fluorescent staining pattern similar to that of Calcofluor White (CFW), the conventional cell wall fluorophore. Furthermore, by adjusting the TB concentration to 0.1-0.3%, in addition to maintaining the fluorescent staining pattern, the fungal elements were stained in blue under bright-field microscopy. Thus, we demonstrate for the first time that TB has the unique property as a fungal stain that can be used in both bright-field and fluorescence microscopy for diagnosis of superficial mycoses by direct microscopic examination.

Disturbed Matrix Metalloproteinases Activity in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a tightly regulated family of proteolytic enzymes that break down extracellular matrix (ECM) and basement membrane components. Because it is associated with development, morphogenesis, tissue remodeling, and repair, ECM remodeling is an important mechanism. MMPs are thought to act as a double-edged sword, as they contribute to maintaining photoreceptors/retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/Bruch's membrane (BM)/choroid complex homeostasis and also contribute to the onset and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Polymorphisms and/or altered expression in MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here, we review the evidence for MMPs' role in the onset and progression of AMD via addressing their regulation and TIMPs' significant regulatory functions.

Omega-3 enriched chick diet reduces the foraging areas of breeders in two closely related shearwaters from contrasting marine environments.

Seabirds have evolved several life-history characteristics to help buffer environmental stochasticity. However, particularly during the breeding season, seabirds may be affected by reductions in prey availability and localised oceanographic conditions caused by variations in the environment. The increase in sea surface temperature, triggered by accelerated global warming, is impairing phytoplankton production of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs). Here, we assessed the ecological role of omega-3 FAs on chick development and subsequently on breeder foraging behaviour in two closely related shearwater species foraging in contrasting marine environments. We supplemented chicks with omega-3 FA pills or with control placebo pills and monitored chick growth, chick health status and breeder at-sea foraging behaviour using global positioning system devices. We found that omega-3 chick supplementation reduced the 95% kernel utilization distribution of short trips of Cape Verde shearwaters, but overall, breeders kept a similar foraging pattern between treatments, potentially influenced by predictable prey patches off the West African coast. In contrast, for Cory's shearwaters, the parents of the omega-3 group greatly reduced the foraging effort. This suggests that the proximity to productive prey patches around the colony may help birds to adjust their effort and, therefore, energy expenditure, to changes in the development of their offspring, as driven by their nutritional status. Overall, our results suggest a link between a chick diet enriched in omega-3 FAs and parental foraging effort, providing insight into their ability to cope with a changing and increasingly stochastic marine environment.

Immune Fingerprint in Diabetes: Ocular Surface and Retinal Inflammation.

Diabetes is a prevalent global health issue associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a well-known inflammatory, neurovascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of preventable blindness in developed countries among working-age adults. However, the ocular surface components of diabetic eyes are also at risk of damage due to uncontrolled diabetes, which is often overlooked. Inflammatory changes in the corneas of diabetic patients indicate that inflammation plays a significant role in diabetic complications, much like in DR. The eye's immune privilege restricts immune and inflammatory responses, and the cornea and retina have a complex network of innate immune cells that maintain immune homeostasis. Nevertheless, low-grade inflammation in diabetes contributes to immune dysregulation. This article aims to provide an overview and discussion of how diabetes affects the ocular immune system's main components, immune-competent cells, and inflammatory mediators. By understanding these effects, potential interventions and treatments may be developed to improve the ocular health of diabetic patients.

Combined liver-kidney transplant in polycystic diseases: a case report.

Polycystic liver disease, a hereditary pathology, usually manifests as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The many cysts in the liver cause massive hepatomegaly, majorly affecting the patient's quality of life. In cases of refractory symptoms, liver transplantation is the only treatment choice. A 43-year-old woman was followed up as a hepatology outpatient in August 2020, with a progressive increase in abdominal volume, lower limb edema, and cachexia. The patient was diagnosed with polycystic renal and liver disease with massive hepatomegaly in March 2021, a combined kidney-liver transplant. Liver size represented 13% of the patient's corporal composition, weighing 8.6kg. The patient was discharged on the 7th postoperative day with no complications. Only 10-20% of patients with polycystic liver disease have clinical manifestations, most of which result from hepatomegaly. An increase in liver volume deteriorates liver function until the condition becomes end-stage liver disease, as kidney function is already compromised; liver-kidney transplantation remains the only treatment choice. The case described drew significant attention to the massive hepatomegaly presented in the patient, with the liver representing over 10% of the patient's body weight, approximately five to six times larger than a normal-sized liver.

Neurobehavioral sex-related differences in Nf1+/- mice: female show a "camouflaging"-type behavior.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an inherited neurocutaneous disorder associated with neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This condition has been associated with an increase of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission and, consequently, an excitation/inhibition imbalance associated with autistic-like behavior in both human and animal models. Here, we explored the influence of biological sex in the GABAergic system and behavioral alterations induced by the Nf1+/- mutation in a murine model. METHODS: Juvenile male and female Nf1+/- mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates were used. Hippocampus size was assessed by conventional toluidine blue staining and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hippocampal GABA and glutamate levels were determined by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), which was complemented by western blot for the GABA(A) receptor. Behavioral evaluation of on anxiety, memory, social communication, and repetitive behavior was performed. RESULTS: We found that juvenile female Nf1+/- mice exhibited increased hippocampal GABA levels. Moreover, mutant female displays a more prominent anxious-like behavior together with better memory performance and social behavior. On the other hand, juvenile Nf1+/- male mice showed increased hippocampal volume and thickness, with a decrease in GABA(A) receptor levels. We observed that mutant males had higher tendency for repetitive behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested a sexually dimorphic impact of Nf1+/- mutation in hippocampal neurochemistry, and autistic-like behaviors. For the first time, we identified a "camouflaging"-type behavior in females of an animal model of ASD, which masked their autistic traits. Accordingly, like observed in human disorder, in this animal model of ASD, females show larger anxiety levels but better executive functions and production of normative social patterns, together with an imbalance of inhibition/excitation ratio. Contrary, males have more externalizing disorders, such as hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors, with memory deficits. The ability of females to camouflage their autistic traits creates a phenotypic evaluation challenge that mimics the diagnosis difficulty observed in humans. Thus, we propose the study of the Nf1+/- mouse model to better understand the sexual dimorphisms of ASD phenotypes and to create better diagnostic tools.

The barriers dentists face to communicate cancer diagnosis: self-assessment based on SPIKES protocol

Background: This study aimed to characterize the barriers faced by Brazilian dentists to deliver bad news (DBN) about oral and oropharyngeal cancer diagnoses to patients by using a questionnaire based on the guidelines of the SPIKES protocol. Material and methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study. The questionnaire contained 27 questions based on the SPIKES protocol, which were answered in the SurveyMonkey platform. Results: A total of 186/249 dentists answered the questionnaire. The main specialties reported were 36.02% oral medicine, 21.5% oral pathology, and 9.13% oral and maxillofacial surgery. A total of 44.6% expressed concern about the patient's emotional reactions, and 46.24% of respondents had never participated in any specific training to communicate bad news. Conclusions: The lack of training and low confidence in dealing with patients' emotional reactions dentists were considered the greatest barriers to DBNs. Moreover, most dentists who participated in the survey believe that a protocol to guide the communication of bad news would be useful for clinical practice. For those protocols to be used by dentists, training is critical for these protocols to be incorporated by professionals. (AU)

A new approach for professional dental bleaching using a polymeric catalyst primer.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the influence of a polymeric catalyst primer (PCP) on esthetic efficacy (EE), degradation kinetics of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), and trans-amelodentinal cytotoxicity (TC) of bleaching gels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following groups were established: G1: No treatment (NC, negative control); G2: PCP; G3: 10% H2 O2 ; G4: PCP + 10% H2 O2 ; G5: 20% H2 O2 ; G6: PCP + 20% H2 O2 ; G7: 35% H2 O2 (positive control); G8: PCP + 35% H2 O2 . To determine EE, enamel/dentin discs (E/DDs) were stained and subjected or not to bleaching protocols for 45 min. To assess TC, the E/DDs were adapted to artificial pulp chambers. The extracts (culture medium + gel components diffused through E/DDs) were applied to odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells. The viability (VB), oxidative stress (OxS), morphology (SEM), amount of H2 O2 diffused and the production of hydroxyl radical (OH• ) were assessed (two-way ANOVA/Tukey/paired Student t-test; p < 0.05). RESULTS: The highest EE was found in G8 (p < 0.05), and G4, G6, and G7 did not differ statistically (p > 0.05). In G4, the limited H2 O2 diffusion reduced OxS and increased cell VB (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Coating the enamel with PCP containing 10 mg/ml of manganese oxide before applying the 10% H2 O2 bleaching gel maintains the EE of conventional in-office bleaching and minimizes the toxic effects of this esthetic therapy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Coating the enamel with a PCP before applying the bleaching gel may potentiate the EE of the conventional in-office tooth bleaching and reduce the toxicity of this professional therapy to the dental pulp.

Combined liver-kidney transplant in polycystic diseases: a case report

ABSTRACT Polycystic liver disease, a hereditary pathology, usually manifests as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The many cysts in the liver cause massive hepatomegaly, majorly affecting the patient's quality of life. In cases of refractory symptoms, liver transplantation is the only treatment choice. A 43-year-old woman was followed up as a hepatology outpatient in August 2020, with a progressive increase in abdominal volume, lower limb edema, and cachexia. The patient was diagnosed with polycystic renal and liver disease with massive hepatomegaly in March 2021, a combined kidney-liver transplant. Liver size represented 13% of the patient's corporal composition, weighing 8.6kg. The patient was discharged on the 7th postoperative day with no complications. Only 10-20% of patients with polycystic liver disease have clinical manifestations, most of which result from hepatomegaly. An increase in liver volume deteriorates liver function until the condition becomes end-stage liver disease, as kidney function is already compromised; liver-kidney transplantation remains the only treatment choice. The case described drew significant attention to the massive hepatomegaly presented in the patient, with the liver representing over 10% of the patient's body weight, approximately five to six times larger than a normal-sized liver.

Improved esthetic efficacy and reduced cytotoxicity are achieved with a violet LED irradiation of manganese oxide-enriched bleaching gels.

Gels with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) have been associated with cytotoxicity and consequent post-bleaching tooth sensitivity. This study assessed the bleaching efficacy (BE) and cytotoxicity (CT) of bleaching gels with low concentrations of H2O2 containing manganese oxide (MnO2) and photocatalyzed with violet LED (LEDv). The following groups were established: G1: no treatment (negative control, NC); G2: 35% H2O2 (positive control, PC); G3: LEDv; G4: 10% H2O2; G5: 6% H2O2; G6: 10% H2O2 + MnO2 + LEDv; G7: 6% H2O2 + MnO2 + LEDv. To analyze BE, standardized enamel/dentin discs (E/DDs) were subjected to the bleaching procedures for 45 min (1 session). The color change was determined before and after performing the bleaching protocols (ΔE00; ΔWI). To analyze CT, the E/DDs were adapted to artificial pulp chambers, and the extracts (culture medium + diffused gel components) were applied to cultured odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells. Then, the cells were assessed concerning their viability (VB), oxidative stress (OxS), and Live/Dead. The amount of H2O2 diffused was also determined (ANOVA/Tukey; p < 0.05). Cell viability decreased in all bleached groups compared to G1 (NC; p < 0.05). The cells in G6 and G7 presented higher viability than in G2, G4, and G5 (p < 0.05). The BE in G7 was similar to G2 (PC; p < 0.05). The lowest OxS and H2O2 diffusion values were found in G6 and G7, compared to the other bleached groups (G2, G4, and G5; p < 0.05). The 6% H2O2 bleaching gel (G7) submitted to both methods of catalysis (MnO2 + LEDv) caused only a mild cytotoxicity and maintained the excellent esthetic outcome promoted by in-office conventional tooth bleaching.

Knowledge about head and neck cancer among adolescents

Introduction: The expansion of knowledge about head and neck cancer can provide greater care and the ability to identify risk factors and symptoms of the disease, as well as the incorporation of healthy habits. The younger these concepts are sedimented, the better results will be, making society healthier and more aware. Objective: To assess knowledge about head and neck cancer among adolescents from private schools, aged between 13 and 22 years. Methods: 200 questionnaires were applied among students, about the profile of adolescents and their knowledge about head and neck neoplasms, treatment, and teaching in schools on this topic. The results were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: Only 55 students (29.9%) identified HPV as a risk factor for the disease. 137 students (74.5%) identified the brain as an organ treated by head and neck surgery. As for the therapeutic strategies used for the treatment of neoplasms in the region, only 67 students (36.4%) are aware. On the topic of teaching in schools, 153 students (83.1%) relate to some deficiency in the approach and learning. Conclusion: Knowledge about head and neck cancer is insufficient. It is necessary to introduce in the curriculum basic cancer education in biology classes. The expansion of acquirements about cancer can provide better care and the ability to identify risk factors, initial signs, and symptoms of the disease, as well as the incorporation of healthy habits in families because these students can propagate valid information in their environment.

Phenolic Compounds from Virgin Olive Oil: Approaches for Their Synthesis and Analogues.

Virgin olive oil (VOO) is the main fat consumed by populations in the Mediterranean basin, and phenolic compounds, minor components of this fat, are known to be responsible for diverse health benefits when consumed in a regular diet. According to numerous investigations, these benefits are mostly related to phenols such as tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol and secoiridoid derivatives such as ligstroside, oleuropein, oleocanthal and oleacein. These compounds are present in low concentrations, and for some of them, standards are not commercially available, hampering studies on the mechanisms underlying their biological activity. In order to contribute to a better knowledge of the bioactivity of these compounds and their metabolites, they must be available with high purity and in sufficient amounts for the assays. Chemical synthesis has been considered a convenient way to obtain these compounds. This Review will focus on the synthesis of representative VOO compounds, namely, ligstroside, oleuropein, oleocanthal, oleacein and analogues.

Global frequency and epidemiological profile of electronic cigarette users: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is growing significantly worldwide, especially among young people. This product has been associated with renormalizing smoking and hindering quit attempts in smokers. Moreover, among nonsmokers, it can lead to subsequent cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence. The present study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile of e-cigarette users worldwide. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review was performed using 3 main electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, SCOPUS, and EMBASE). Studies were independently assessed by 2 reviewers based on established eligibility criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the MAStARI critical appraisal instrument. RESULTS: From 4,496 records, 43 were included. Among the 1,238,392 participants, 132,786 (10.72%) were e-cigarette users. The age range with the highest percentage of e-cigarette users was 18-24 years old, with 40,989 (30.86%) males, 34,875 (26.26%) females, and 33.6% being current cigarette smokers. The highest prevalence of users was 52.88% in Croatia and 49.62% in New Zealand. Other possible correlations were observed with e-cigarette use, such as a high level of education. CONCLUSION: Overall, e-cigarette users tended to be male young adults with a higher level of education. The highest prevalence of use was found in Croatia. This systematic review provides valuable information to improve the development of appropriate intervention strategies targeting e-cigarette users for more accurate anti-smoking actions.

Predictive Factors for Aortic Graft Infection: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Graft infections are one of the most serious complications in vascular surgery, with high mortality rates. Few studies addressed risk factors associated with a higher susceptibility to infection. The aim of this study is to identify perioperative factors associated with aortic graft infections (AGI). METHODS: We designed a retrospective, case-control study from patients subjected to open aortic repair between 2013 and 2019. Cases of AGI were defined according to the management of aortic graft infection collaboration (MAGIC) criteria and matched to controls without proven infection. Demographics, hospital complications, and laboratory workups were assessed. Predictors of AGI were identified through univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Most graft infections occurred in a late period (n = 17; 85%), after a median interval of 13.5 months interquartile range (IQR 1.5-36). Gram-negative bacteria were most frequently isolated in infected grafts, namely Enterobacteriaceae (n = 12). Cases had significantly lower postoperative serum albumin levels (1.9 g/dL vs. 2.4 g/dL; P = 0.002). Alcohol abuse, malignancy, prolonged lengths of stay, wound infection and dehiscence, in-hospital infection, postoperative heart failure or bowel ischemia were significantly correlated to the onset of AGI. In the multivariate analysis, prolonged hospital stays odds ratio (OR 1.05; P = 0.03), malignancy (OR 5.82; P = 0.03) and alcohol abuse (OR 42.41; P = 0.002) maintained a significant association. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of AGI seems to be higher in patients with concurrent malignancy, alcohol abuse or prolonged hospital stays. Strategies to mitigate this complication in these patients are of utmost importance.

Putative Biomarkers in Tears for Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis.

Purpose: Tear fluid biomarkers may offer a non-invasive strategy for detecting diabetic patients with increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (DR) or increased disease progression, thus helping both improving diagnostic accuracy and understanding the pathophysiology of the disease. Here, we assessed the tear fluid of nondiabetic individuals, diabetic patients with no DR, and diabetic patients with nonproliferative DR (NPDR) or with proliferative DR (PDR) to find putative biomarkers for the diagnosis and staging of DR. Methods: Tear fluid samples were collected using Schirmer test strips from a cohort with 12 controls and 54 Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) patients, and then analyzed using mass spectrometry (MS)-based shotgun proteomics and bead-based multiplex assay. Tear fluid-derived small extracellular vesicles (EVs) were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, Western Blotting, and nano tracking. Results: Proteomics analysis revealed that among the 682 reliably quantified proteins in tear fluid, 42 and 26 were differentially expressed in NPDR and PDR, respectively, comparing to the control group. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD033101. By multicomparison analyses, we also found significant changes in 32 proteins. Gene ontology (GO) annotations showed that most of these proteins are associated with oxidative stress and small EVs. Indeed, we also found that tear fluid is particularly enriched in small EVs. T2D patients with NPDR have higher IL-2/-5/-18, TNF, MMP-2/-3/-9 concentrations than the controls. In the PDR group, IL-5/-18 and MMP-3/-9 concentrations were significantly higher, whereas IL-13 was lower, compared to the controls. Conclusions: Overall, the results show alterations in tear fluid proteins profile in diabetic patients with retinopathy. Promising candidate biomarkers identified need to be validated in a large sample cohort.