Advanced glycation end products induce expression of vascular endothelial growth factor by retinal Muller cells

Recent studies have suggested that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are involved in the development of diabetic complications. To assess the pathogenic role of AGEs and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the development of retinal neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy, we investigated the effect of AGEs on induction of VEGF by retinal Muller cells and measured AGE and VEGF concentrations in the vitreous of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and nondiabetic patients. The expression of VEGF mRNA and the production of VEGF protein by cultured Muller cells were enhanced by the presence of AGEs. The vitreous concentrations of AGEs and VEGF were both elevated in patients with PDR compared with patients without diabetes (P < 0.01). There was a moderate positive correlation between the levels of crossline and VEGF (r=0.698, P < 0.01). Elevation of AGEs in the vitreous may promote intraocular neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy through production of VEGF from Muller cells.