[THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED]AIM: Through the expression of VEGF₁₆₅ and VEGF_165b in human retinal pigment epithelial cells in vitro in artificial simulated hypoxia and high glucose environment, to discuss their roles in the development of diabetic retinopathy and the relationship between each other.

METHODS: After normal inoculation and cultivation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells(RPE)in vitro, the cells was divided into the normal group(5.56mmol/L glucose, without CoCl₂), the hypoxia group(5.56mmol/L glucose + 150μmol/L CoCl₂), the high glucose group(25mmol/L glucose, without CoCl₂), the combination group(25mmol/L glucose + 150μmol/L CoCl₂), a total of four groups. The RNA of each group was extracted respectively in 12h, 24h, 36h, and 48h. We used the MTT colorimetry to detect cell vitality and growth trend; RT-PCR method to detect VEGF₁₆₅ and VEGF_165b relative expression of mRNA of RPE cells in four different time points.

RESULTS: Hypoxia and high sugar environment limited proliferation of RPE cell division and cell vitality. After comparing cells of the same group in different time points, in the normal group there was no statistically significant different expression over time(P>0.05); the expression in the hypoxia group, the high glucose group and the combination group increased over time, the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). At the same time, differences of the expression between groups was not statistical significant in 12h(P>0.05); the difference was statistically significant in 24h, 36h, 48h(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Cultured RPE cells can express VEGF_165b normal. Lack of oxygen and high glucose can induce the increase of VEGF₁₆₅ mRNA, at the same time reduces the VEGF_165b mRNA expression.