AIM: To investigate the effects of insulin on syndecan-1 expression, cellular permeability and proliferation in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells.

METHODS: Cells were treated with 100nmol/L and 1 000nmol/L insulin for 48h respectively. Expression of protein and mRNA were detected by western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cellular proliferation and permeability were examined by methods of methylthiazolyl tetrazolium and horseradish peroxidase.

RESULTS: With treatment of insulin, protein and mRNA of syndecan-1 both increased obviously, and the effect of high level insulin was more significant. After treated with insulin, cellular proliferation and permeability both enhanced, and the effects of high level insulin were stronger.

CONCLUSION: Insulin can up-regulate syndecan-1 protein and mRNA in cultured human retinal microvascular endothelial cells, and increase cellular permeability and proliferation.