AIM:To investigate the effect and mechanism of Mingjing decoction combining with argon laser on the levels of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in patients with diabetic retinopathy(DR).

METHODS:The 66 patients(118 eyes)with DR at Ⅲ～Ⅴ stage were randomly divided into two groups(treatment group and control group). The control group(33 patients with 56 eyes)was treated with argon laser, and the treatment group(33 patients with 62 eyes)was treated with mingjing decoction combining with argon laser, and a blank group(30 eyes)was set up. The levels of plasma VEGF were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The results of best corrected visual acuity and fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA)were analyzed, as well as detected glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c), blood coagulation function and the function of liver and kidney.

RESULTS:Patients with DR had significantly risen plasma VEGF before treatment when compared with blank control group(P<0.05). After 3mo of combined treatment, the levels of plasma VEGF significantly reduced and HbA1c decreased in patients treated with mingjing decoction and argon laser, there were statistically significant difference compared to control group(P<0.05). In the treatment group, the best corrected visual acuity and FFA were significantly improved in patients treated with mingjing decoction combining with argon laser compared to patients treated with argon laser alone after 3mo of combined treatment.

CONCLUSION:Mingjing decoction combining with argon laser for DR can effectively reduce the level of plasma VEGF, stabilize blood sugar levels, improve the function of retina, and delay DR progresses.