Fig. 3From: DNA methylation in diabetic retinopathy: pathogenetic role and potential therapeutic targetsA deleterious cycle of ROS in the mitochondria in the diabetic environment. The continuous increase in ROS in the cytoplasm impairs mtDNA, as well as transcription and the ETC. These changes further exacerbate mitochondrial dysfunction, promote a vicious cycle of ROS and initiate the process of cell apoptosis. ROS, reactive oxygen species; mtDNA, mitochondrial DNA; ETC, electron transport chainBack to article page