Objective To observe the effect of bone forming protein 4 (BMP4) on the proliferation and migration of human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells under oxidative stress, and to preliminarily explore its effect on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of RPE cells. MethodsHuman RPE cells cultured in vitro were divided into normal group, pure 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) group (4-HNE group), 4-HNE+NC group and 4-HNE+ small interfering BMP (siBMP4) group. The effect of 4-HNE on the proliferation of RPE cells was detected by thiazole blue colorimetry. The effects of 4-HNE and BMP4 on cell migration were determined by cell scratch test. The expression of BMP4 was detected by immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The transfection efficiency of siBMP4 was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (MitoSOX) were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of EMT markers E-cadherin and Fibronection were detected by immunofluorescence assay. t-test was used for comparison between the two groups, and one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between the three groups. ResultsCompared with normal group, cell proliferation and migration ability of 4-HNE group were significantly enhanced, with statistical significance (t=21.619, 24.469; P＜0.05). The expression of BMP4 in cells was significantly increased, and the difference was statistically significant (t=19.441, P＜0.05). The relative expression levels of BMP4 mRNA and protein were also significantly increased, with statistical significance (t=26.163, 37.163; P＜0.05). After transfection with siBMP4 for 24 h, the transfection efficiency of BMP4 in RPE cells was＞90%. Compared with 4-HNE group and 4-HNE+NC group, the relative expression levels of BMP4 protein (F=27.241), mRNA (F=36.943), cell mobility (F=46.723) and MitoSOX expression levels (F=39.721) in normal group and 4-HNE+siBMP4 group were significantly decreased. The differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05). The epithelial marker E-cadherin increased significantly, while the mesenchymal marker Fibronection decreased significantly, with statistical significance (F= 51.722, 45.153; P＜0.05). ConclusionsBMP4 inhibits RPE proliferation and migration under oxidative stress. BMP4 is involved in inducing EMT in RPE cells.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of interferon gene stimulating protein (STING) inhibitor (C176) on human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMEC) under oxidative stress. MethodsAn animal experimental study. In vivo experiment: 48 healthy male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into wild type mice group (WT group) and diabetes (DM) group, with 24 mice in each group. DM mice were induced by streptozotocin to establish DM model. After successful modeling, DM group was divided into DM+dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group and DM+C176 group, with 12 mice in each group. The mice in the DM+DMSO group were intraperitoneally injected with DMSO at the dose of 50 mg/kg. Mice in DM+C176 group were intraperitoneally injected with STING inhibitor C176 750 nmol at the dose of 50 mg/kg. Four weeks after modeling, immunohistochemical staining, Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the expression of STING in the retina of WT and DM mice. The leukocyte adhesion test was used to detect the number of leukocytes adhering to hRMEC in mice with WT, DM+DMSO and DM+C176 groups. In vitro experiment: hRMEC was randomly divided into conventional culture cell group (N group), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group (with DMSO intervention) and C176 group (with C176 intervention). The cells were induced by 150 μg/ml glycation end products for each group. In vitro leukocyte adhesion test combined with 4', 6-diamino-2-phenylindole staining was used to detect the number of leukocytes adhering to hRMEC. The adherent leukocytes were quantitatively analyzed by flow cytometry; H2DCFDA/reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescence probe was used to detect ROS expression in cells; Seahorse XFe96 cell energy metabolism analyzer was used to measure the level of intracellular glycolysis. t-test was used to compare the two groups; single factor analysis of variance was used to compare the three groups. ResultsIn vivo experiment: compared with WT group, the expression level of STING (t=73.248) and the relative expression amount of mRNA (t=67.385) in the retina of DM group mice increased significantly (P＜0.05). Compared with WT group, the number of leukocytes adhering to the retinal vessels of mice in DM+DMSO group was significantly increased, while that in DM+C176 group was significantly decreased (F=84.352, P＜0.01). In vitro: compared with N group and DMSO group, the number of leukocyte adhesion on hRMEC in C176 group decreased significantly (F=35.251, P＜0.01). Compared with N group, the number of leukocytes adhering to hRMEC in DMSO group and C176 group decreased significantly (F=26.374, P＜0.01). The ROS level in hRMEC in C176 group was significantly lower than that in N group and C176 group (F=41.362, P＜0.01). Compared with N group and DMSO group, the glycolysis level of hRMEC in C176 group was significantly reduced, with a statistically significant difference (F=68.741, P＜0.01). ConclusionInhibiting the expression of STING in retinal vascular endothelial cells can improve the progress of DM by inhibiting leukocyte adhesion, ROS production and glycolysis level.
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of p21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4) on the mitochondrial function and biological behavior in retinal vascular endothelial cells. MethodsThe experimental study was divided into two parts: in vivo animal experiment and in vitro cell experiment. In vivo animal experiments: 12 healthy C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into normal control group and diabetes group, with 6 mice in each group. Diabetes mice were induced by streptozotocin to establish diabetes model. Eight weeks after modeling, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blots were performed to detect the expression of PAK4 in diabetic retinas. In vitro cell experiments: the human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMEC) were divided into three groups: conventional cultured cells group (N group), empty vector transfected (Vector group); pcDNA-PAK4 eukaryotic expression plasmid transfected group (PAK4 group). WB and qPCR were used to detect transfection efficiency, while scratching assay, cell scratch test was used to detect cell migration in hRMEC of each group. In vitro white blood cell adhesion experiment combined with 4 ', 6-diamino-2-phenylindole staining was used to detect the number of white blood cells adhering to hRMEC in each group. The Seahorse XFe96 cell energy metabolism analyzer measures intracellular mitochondrial basal respiration, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, maximum respiration, and reserve respiration capacity. The t-test was used for comparison between the two groups. Single factor analysis of variance was used for comparison among the three groups. ResultsIn vivo animal experiments: compared with normal control group, the relative expression levels of PAK4 mRNA and protein in retina of diabetic mice were significantly increased, with statistical significance (t=25.372, 22.419, 25.372; P＜0.05). In vitro cell experiment: compared with the N group and Vector group, the PAK4 protein, mRNA relative expression and cell mobility in the hRMEC of PAK4 group were significantly increased, with statistical significance (F=36.821, 38.692, 29.421; P＜0.05). Flow cytometry showed that the adhesion number of leukocytes on hRMEC in PAK4 group was significantly increased, and the difference was statistically significant (F=39.649, P＜0.01). Mitochondrial pressure measurement results showed that the capacity of mitochondrial basic respiration, ATP production, maximum respiration and reserve respiration in hRMEC in PAK4 group was significantly decreased, with statistical significance (F=27.472, 22.315, 31.147, 27.472; P＜0.05). ConclusionOver-expression of PAK4 impairs mitochondrial function and significantly promotes leukocyte adhesion and migration in retinal vascular endothelial cells.
Objective To observe the effect of metformin (Met) on inflammatory bodies and focal death in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMEC) in diabetes mellitus (DM) microenvironment. MethodsExperimental research was divided into in vivo animal experiment and in vitro cell experiment. In vivo animal experiments: 9 healthy C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into DM group, normal control group, and DM+Met group, with 3 mice in each group. DM group and DM+Met group mice were induced by streptozotocin to establish DM model, and DM+Met group was given Met 400 mg/ (kg · d) intervention. Eight weeks after modeling, the expression of NLRP3, cleaved-membrane perforating protein D (GSDMD) and cleaved-Caspase-1 in the retina of mice in the normal control group, DM group and DM+Met group were observed by immunohistochemical staining. In vitro cell experiments: hRMEC was divided into conventional culture cell group (N group), advanced glycation end products (AGE) group, and AGE+Met group. Joining the AGE, AGE+Met groups cells were induced by 150 μg/ml of glycation end products, and 2.0 mmol/L Met was added to the AGE+Met group. Pyroptosis was detected by flow cytometry; 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescent probe was used to detect the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells of each group. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the relative mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, cleaved-GSDMD, cleaved-Caspase-1 in each group of cells. Single factor analysis of variance was used for comparison among the three groups. ResultsIn vivo animal experiments: compared with the DM group, the expression of NLRP3, cleaved-GSDMD, and cleaved-Caspase-1 in the retina of normal control group and DM+Met group mice was significantly reduced, with significant difference among the 3 groups (F=43.478, 36.643, 24.464; P＜0.01). In vitro cell experiment and flow cytometry showed that the pyroptosis rate of AGE group was significantly higher than that of N group and AGE+Met group (F=32.598, P＜0.01). The DCFH-DA detection results showed that the intracellular ROS levels in the N group and AGE+Met group were significantly lower than those in the AGE group, with the significant difference (F=47.267, P＜0.01). The mRNA (F=51.563, 32.192, 44.473; P＜0.01) and protein levels (F=63.372, 54.463, 48.412; P＜0.01) of NLRP3, cleaved-GSDMD, and cleaved-Caspase-1 in hRMEC of the AGE+Met group were significantly reduced compared to the N group. ConclusionMet can down regulate the expression of NLRP3 inflammatory body related factors in hRMEC and inhibit pyroptosis.
Objective To observe the effects of overexpression of polypyrimidine tract binding protein-associated splicing factor (PSF) on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) oxidative stress damage of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMEC) under high concentration of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). MethodsThe logarithmic growth phase hRMEC cultured in vitro was divided into normal group, simple 4-HNE treatment group (simple 4-HNE group), empty plasmid combined with 4-HNE treatment group (Vec+4-HNE group), and PSF high expression combined with 4-HNE treatment group (PSF+4-HNE group). In 4-HNE group, Vec+4-HNE group, and PSF+4-HNE group cell culture medium, 10 μmol/L 4-HNE was added and stimulated for 12 hours. Subsequently, the Vec+4-HNE group and PSF+4-HNE group were transfected with transfection reagent liposome 2000 into pcDNA empty bodies and pcDNA-PSF eukaryotic expression plasmids, respectively, for 24 hours. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effects of 4-HNE and PSF on cell apoptosis. The effect of PSF overexpression on the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hRMEC was detected by 2', 7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein double Acetate probe. Western blot was used to detect ER oxide protein 1 (Ero-1), protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), C/EBP homologous transcription factor (CHOP), glucose regulatory protein (GRP) 78, protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK)/phosphorylated PERK (p-PERK), and Eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 2α/the relative expression levels of phosphorylated eIF (peIF) and activated transcription factor 4 (ATF4) proteins in hRMEC of normal group, 4-HNE group, Vec+4-HNE group, and PSF+4-HNE group. Single factor analysis of variance was performed for inter group comparison. ResultsThe apoptosis rates of the simple 4-HNE group, Vec+4-HNE group, and PSF+4-HNE group were (22.50±0.58)%, (26.93±0.55)%, and (11.70±0.17)%, respectively. The intracellular ROS expression levels were 0.23±0.03, 1.60±0.06, and 0.50±0.06, respectively. The difference in cell apoptosis rate among the three groups was statistically significant (F=24.531, P＜0.05). The expression level of ROS in the Vec+4-HNE group was significantly higher than that in the simple 4-HNE group and the PSF+4-HNE group, with a statistically significant difference (F=37.274, P＜0.05). The relative expression levels of ER Ero-1 and PDI proteins in the normal group, simple 4-HNE group, Vec+4-HNE group, and PSF+4-HNE group were 1.25±0.03, 0.45±0.03, 0.63±0.03, 1.13±0.09, and 1.00±0.10, 0.27±0.10, 0.31±0.05, and 0.80±0.06, respectively. The relative expression levels of CHOP and GRP78 proteins were 0.55±0.06, 1.13±0.09, 0.90±0.06, 0.48±0.04 and 0.48±0.04, 1.25±0.03, 1.03±0.09, 0.50±0.06, respectively. The relative expression levels of Ero-1 (F=43.164), PDI (F=36.643), CHOP (F=42.855), and GRP78 (F=45.275) proteins in four groups were compared, and the differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05). Four groups of cells ER p-pERK/pERK (F=35.755), peIF2 α/ The relative expression levels of eIF (F=38.643) and ATF4 (F=31.275) proteins were compared, and the differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05). ConclusionPSF can inhibit cell apoptosis and ROS production induced by high concentration of 4-HNE, and its mechanism is closely related to restoring the homeostasis of ER and down-regulating the activation level of PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 pathway.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of targeted regulation of SMAD9 expression by bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) on Müller cell migration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. MethodsMüller cells cultured in vitro were divided into normal control group, BMP4 group, BMP4+ no-load plasmid group (BMP4+NC group) and BMP4+SMAD9 small interference plasmid group (BMP4+siSMAD9). Cells in BMP4 group, BMP4+NC group and BMP4+siSMAD9 group were induced by adding 100 ng/ml BMP4 into cell medium for 24 h. Subsequently, BMP4+NC group was transfected with empty plasmid. BMP4+siSMAD9 group was transfected with SMAD9 small interference plasmid for 48 h. The effect of BMP4 on Müller cell migration was determined by cell scratch test. The effect of BMP4 on the production of ROS in Müller cells was detected by flow cytometry. Western blots and real-time quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to detect the relative mRNA expression levels of glutamine synthetase (GS) and glial fibrinoacidic protein (GFAP) in Müller cells. VEGF expression in Müller cells was detected by immunofluorescence. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare groups. ResultsThe results of cell scratch test showed that the cell mobility of BMP4+siSMAD9 group was significantly lower than that of BMP4 and BMP4+NC group, and the difference was statistically significant (F=68.319, P＜0.001). Flow cytomethods showed that the level of ROS in BMP4+siSMAD9 group was significantly lower than that in BMP4 and BMP4+NC group, and the difference was statistically significant (F=52.158, P＜0.001). Western blot and qPCR results showed that the protein levels of GS and GFAP (F=42.715, 36.618) and mRNA relative expression levels (F=45.164, 43.165) in BMP4+siSMAD9 group were significantly lower than those in BMP4 and BMP4+NC group. The difference was statistically significant (P＜0.01). The results of immunofluorescence detection showed that the intracellular VEGF fluorescence intensity in BMP4 group and BMP4+NC group was significantly higher than that in BMP4+siSMAD9 group, and the difference was statistically significant (F=46.384, P＜0.05). ConclusionTargeted regulation of SMAD9 expression by BMP4 can up-regulate VEGF expression and promote the migration and ROS production of Müller cells.
Objective To investigate the effect of Nodal protein on retinal neovascularization under hypoxia. MethodsIn vivo animal experiment: 48 healthy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal group, oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) group, OIR+dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group and OIR+SB431542 group, with 12 mice in each group. Retinal neovascularization was observed in mice at 17 days of age by retina flat mount. Counts exceeded the number of vascular endothelial nuclei in the retinal inner boundary membrane (ILM) by hematoxylin eosin staining. In vivo cell experiment: human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMEC) were divided into normal group, hypoxia group, hypoxia+DMSO group and hypoxia +SB431542 group. The cell proliferation was detected by thiazolyl blue colorimetry (MTT). The effect of SB431542 on hRMEC lumen formation was detected by Matrigel three-dimensional in vitro molding method. Cell migration in hRMEC was detected by cell scratch assay. The Seahorse XFe96 Cell Energy Metabolism analyzer measured extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) of intracellular glycolysis, glycolysis reserve, and glycolysis capacity. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare groups. ResultsIn vivo animal experiment: compared with normal group, the neovascularization increased in OIR group (t=41.621, P＜0.001). Compared with OIR group, the number of vascular endothelial nuclei breaking through ILM in OIR+SB431542 group was significantly reduced, and the difference was statistically significant (F=36.183, P＜0.001). MTT test results showed that compared with normal group and hypoxia+SB431542 group, the cell proliferation of hypoxia group and hypoxia+DMSO group was significantly increased, and the difference was statistically significant (F=39.316, P＜0.01). The cell proliferation of hypoxia+SB431542 group was significantly lower than that of hypoxia+DMSO group, and the difference was statistically significant (t=26.182, P＜0.001). The number of intact lumen formation and migration cells in normal group, hypoxia group, hypoxia+DMSO group and hypoxia+SB431542 group were statistically significant (F=34.513, 41.862; P＜0.001, ＜0.01). Compared with the hypoxia+DMSO group, the number of intact lumen formation and migrating cells in the hypoxia+SB431542 group decreased significantly, and the differences were statistically significant (t=44.723, 31.178; P＜0.001, ＜0.01). The results of cell energy metabolism showed that compared with the hypoxia +DMSO group, the ECAR of intracellular glycolysis and glycolysis reserve in the hypoxia +SB431542 group was decreased, and the ECAR of glycolysis capacity was increased, with statistical significance (t=26.175, 33.623, 37.276; P＜0.05). ConclusionSB431542 can inhibit the proliferation, migration and the ability to form lumens, reduce the level of glycolysis of hRMECs cells induced by hypoxia.
Objective To observe the effect of Nodal on the biological behavior of retinal vascular endothelial cells (RF/6A cells) in monkeys with high glucose. MethodsRF/6A cells were divided into normal group, mannitol group, high glucose group, high glucose combined with non-specific small interfering RNA treatment group (HG+NC group), high glucose combined with small interfering Nodal treatment group (HG+siNodal group). The transfection efficiency of siNodal was observed by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot protein immunoblotting. The effect of Nodal on the proliferation of RF/6A cells was detected by thiazole blue colorimetry. The effect of Nodal on migration ability of RF/6A cells was detected by cell scratch assay. The effect of Nodal on the formation of RF/6A cell lumen was measured by Matrigel three-dimensional in vitro. The expression of extracellular signal phosphorylated regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) in RF/6A cells was detected by western blot protein immunoblotting. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare groups. ResultsCompared with HG+NC group, Nodal protein (F=33.469) and mRNA relative expression levels (F=38.191) in HG+siNodal group were significantly decreased, cell proliferation was significantly decreased (F=28.548), and cell migration ability was significantly decreased (F=24.182). The number of cell lumen formation was significantly decreased (F=52.643), and the differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05). Compared with HG+NC group, the relative expression of pERK1/2 protein in HG+siNodal group was significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (F=44.462, P＜0.01). ConclusionsSilencing Nodal expression can inhibit proliferation, migration and tube formation of RF/6A cells induced by high glucose. It may act by inhibiting pERK1/2 expression.
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of NDRG1 on proliferation, migration and lumen formation of retinal vascular endothelial cells (RF/6A cells) in monkeys under high glucose condition. MethodsRF/6A cells were divided into normal group, mannitol group, high glucose group, small interfering RNA (siRNA) negative control group without target gene (siRNA group), 30 nmol/L siRNA down-regulated NDRG1 genome (siNDRG1 group) and 50 nmol/L siNDRG1 group. Normal group cells were cultured conventionally. The mannitol group was added with 25 mmol/L mannitol, and the high-glucose group was added with 25 mmol/L glucose. In the siRNA group, 25 mmol/L glucose was added, and then blank siRNA was added for induction. The 30 and 50 nmol/L siNDRG1 groups were added with 25 mmol/L glucose and induced with 30 and 50 nmol/L siRNDRG1, respectively. All cells were incubated for 24 h for follow-up experiments. Cell proliferation was observed by 4', 6-diaminidine 2-phenylindole staining. Cell counting kit-8 staining was used to detect cell activity. The expression level of NDRG1 mRNA and protein was detected by Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell migration was observed by cell scratch assay. Cell lumen formation assay was used to detect lumen formation. The two-tailed Student t test was used to compare the two groups. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare groups. ResultsThere were significant differences in cell proliferation rate (t=36.659, 57.645) mobility rate (t=24.745, 33.638) and lumen formation number (t=41.276, 22.867) between high glucose group and normal group and mannitol group (P＜0.01). Compared with normal group and mannitol group, the relative expression levels of NDRG1gene mRNA and protein in high glucose group were significantly decreased, with statistical significance (t=46.145, 21.541, 36.738, 32.976; P＜0.001). Compared with the siRNA negative group, the relative expression levels of NDRG1gene mRNA and protein in 30 nmol/L siNDRG1 group and 50 nmol/L siNDRG1 group were significantly decreased, and the differences were statistically significant (t=44.275, 40.7577, 57.167, 25.877; P＜0.01). Compared with normal group and siRNA group, cell mobility in 30 nmol/LsiNDRG1 group was increased, and the difference was statistically significant (t=57.562, 49.522; P＜0.01). Compared with normal group and siRNA group, the number of cell lumen formation in 30 nmol/LsiNDRG1 group was significantly increased in the same field of vision, and the difference was statistically significant (t=63.446, 42.742; P＜0.01). ConclusionDown-regulation of NDRG1 gene can improve the activity, migration and lumen formation of RF/6A cells under hyperglycemia.
ObjectiveTo screening differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients to provide new biological therapeutic targets for proliferative DR (PDR) therapy. MethodsA basic research. A total of 3 PDR patients (group PDR) and 3 non-diabetic patients (control group) were enrolled in the study in Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital in October 2020. In addition, 40 cases of PDR and non-diabetic patients were selected and divided into PDR validation group and control validation group. Peripheral blood validation test was performed in PDR validation group and control validation group; RNA sequencing was performed in PDR group and control group. Transcriptomics (RNAseq) sequencing technology was used to screen DEG in PDR group and control group. The selected DEGs were analyzed by gene ontology (GO) function enrichment analysis, signal pathway enrichment analysis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein-protein interaction network (PPI). The gene expression database was used to find the high-throughput data related to PDR, and multi queue comparison analysis was carried out. The target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted through targetscan platform, so as to clearly screen the correlation between DEG and PDR. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to verify the expression of DEG mRNA and protein related to PDR. The relative expression of PDR related DEG mRNA and protein between PDR validation group and control validation group were compared by paired t-test. ResultsA total of 1 337 DEGs were screened by RNAseq sequencing in the peripheral blood of patients with PDR, of which 419 genes were up-regulated and 918 down-regulated. Among them, direct inhibitor of apoptosis protein-binding protein with low isoelectric point (DIABLO), zinc finger and BTB domain containing 10 (ZBTB10), polo-like kinases 3 (PLK3), regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1) and B cell translocation gene 3 (BTG3) were differentially expressed in PDR patients. The function of GO was enriched from the analysis of molecular function, biological process and cellular composition. The results showed that DIABLO, ZBTB10, PLK3, PIK3R1, BTG3 were involved in the pathological process related to PDR. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that glucose metabolic pathways such as extracellular matrix receptors, cytokine regulatory pathway, p53 signal pathway and galactose metabolism may be involved in the process of differential genes. The analysis of PPI protein interaction network showed that the larger the DEG-associated protein node, the greater the number of associated nodes. Among them, DIABLO, ZBTB10, PLK3, PIK3R1 and BTG3 played significant roles in the formation of the action network. By comparing and analyzing the existing high-throughput data related to diabetic retinopathy in Gene Expression Omnibus database and predicting by Targetscan platform, it was found that some significant differences in miRNA reported in aqueous humor, vitreous fluid and plasma of DR patients can be regulated by the differential genes found in this study. Compared with the control verification group, the relative expressions of DIABLO, ZBTB10, PLK3, PIK3R1 mRNA and protein in peripheral blood of the PDR verification group were up-regulated, and the relative expression of BTG3 mRNA and protein was down-regulated. ConclusionDIABLO, ZBTB10, PLK3, PIK3R1 and BTG3 are DEGs in patients with PDR, and they can participate in the disease process by regulating the biological processes of cell proliferation, fibrosis and oxidative stress.