Effect of miR-200b on retinal endothelial cell function under high glucose environment

As one of the important complications of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy (DR) presented high incidence worldwide. Hyperglycemia is an important promoting factor for DR occurrence and development. It can damage retinal endothelial cell, resulting in retinal structure and function disorder. Studies have shown that miR-200b may involve in regulating DR occurrence and development, but its specific function and mechanism have not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate miR-200b effect and mechanism on human retinal endothelial cells (hRECs) under high glucose environment. hRECs were cultured under high glucose or normal environment. Real time PCR was applied to detect miR-200b expression. MiR-200b was transfected to hRECs and MTT was used to detect its effect on hRECs proliferation under high glucose environment. Real time PCR and Western blot were performed to determine VEGF and TGFβ1 expression in the retina endothelial cells. MiR-200b expression decreased significantly under high glucose environment, whereas hRECs proliferated obviously. Compared with normal control, VEGF and TGFβ1 mRNA and protein expression increased markedly (P < 0.05). After miR-200b transfection, miR-200b expression increased, while VEGF and TGFβ1 mRNA and protein expression decreased obviously. Compared with high glucose group, hRECs proliferation was inhibited (P < 0.05). MiR-200b can regulate RECs growth and proliferation by changing VEGF and TGFβ1 expression to delay DR.