miR-124, miR-126-3p, and miR-200b: Potential therapeutic targets for VEGF-mediated complications in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate alterations in intravitreal microRNA and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) as these factors are implicated in PDR pathogenesis.

METHODS

Fifty-two participants, including 26 patients with PDR and 26 controls without diabetes, were included in this study. VEGF levels were assessed using ELISA, and seven microRNAs (miRNAs) (miR-19a, miR-20b, miR-27a, miR-124, miR-126-3p, miR-146a, and miR-200b) were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

PDR patients exhibited significantly higher miR-124 and miR-126-3p levels in the vitreous material compared to controls ( P < 0.05). Conversely, miR-200b levels were significantly lower in the PDR group ( P < 0.05). VEGF-A levels were markedly elevated in PDR patients compared with controls ( P < 0.05). A nonsignificant positive correlation was found between miR-124 and miR-126-3p levels and VEGF levels (r = 0.361, P = 0.076 and r = 0.168, P = 0.422, respectively), whereas a nonsignificant negative correlation was observed between miR-200b and VEGF levels (r = -0.145, P = 0.488).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated a significant upregulation of miR-124 and miR-126-3p, along with a downregulation of miR-200b, in vitreous samples from patients with PDR, accompanied by elevated VEGF-A levels. These findings provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of PDR. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications of these molecular changes and to explore their viability as potential therapeutic targets.