Protective effect of high mobility group box-1 silence on diabetic retinopathy: an in vivo study

Purpose: To explore the effects of HMGB1 silence on cell apoptosis, inflammatory response and endothelial permeability barrier. Methods: Retinal tissues were isolated from 8 week-old SD rats and cells were cultured and identified. Effects of HMGB1 silence were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Proliferation capability of cells was detected by MTT assay and LDH activity assays. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, Hoechst staining and Caspase-3 activity assay. Furthermore, concentrations of VEGF, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, TNF-alpha and MCP-1 in the cell media were measured. Results: Results of our study showed that high concentration of glucose caused increased cell apoptosis and inflammatory response, and also influenced the endothelial permeability barrier. Whereas, these damaging effects of high concentration of glucose could be relieved by HMGB1 silence. Conclusion: The present study indicates that HMGB silence is a promising therapeutic option for diabetic retinopathy, and also provides theoretical basis for further exploration of diabetic retinopathy treatment.