AIM: To analyze the predictive value of combined detection of plasma microRNA-93(miR-93)and microRNA-21(miR-21)in the progression of type 2 diabetic retinopathy(DR).

METHODS: Totally 76 patients with type 2 diabetic retinopathy admitted to our hospital from June 2013 to June 2014 were divided into DR non-progressive group(34 cases)and DR progressive group(42 cases)according to the follow-up results, and 45 healthy people were selected as the control group. The serum levels of miR93 and miR21 in three groups were detected; the independent risk factors of prognosis in DR patients were analyzed; and the predictive value of miR93 and miR21 in DR patients was analyzed.

RESULTS: The serum levels of miR93 and miR21 in DR progressive group were significantly higher than those in non-progressive group and control group(all P< 0.01); both of them could be used as independent risk factors affecting the progress of DR patients; the area, specificity and sensitivity under the combined detection curve were higher than those of single detection(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The serum levels of miR93 and miR21 are increased in DR patients, which can affect the progress of DR patients, and can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis of DR.