[Effect of MiR-200b on Retinal Endothelial Cell Function in High-glucose Condition and the Mechanism]

Objective: To investigate the effect of MiR-200b on human retinal endothelial cells (hRECs) cultured in high glucose and explore the mechanism.

Methods: hRECs cultured in high glucose or in normal media were examined for MiR-200b mRNA expression using real-time PCR. The effect of MiR-200b transfection on hREC proliferation in high-glucose culture was evaluated with MTT assay, and real-time PCR and Western blotting were performed to determine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) expression in the transfected cells.

Results: The cells in high-glucose culture showed significantly decreased MiR-200b expression and active proliferation. Compared with those in normal control cells, VEGF and TGFβ1 mRNA and protein expressions increased markedly in cells cultured in high glucose (P<0.05). MiR-200b transfection of the cells caused significantly increased cellular expression of MiR-200b but decreased expression levels of VEGF and TGFβ1 mRNA and protein, and suppressed hREC proliferation in high glucose culture (P<0.05).

Conclusion: MiR-200b can regulate REC growth and proliferation by changing VEGF and TGFβ1 expressions and thus play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic retinopathy.