·AIM:To investigate the protective effect of a novel polysaccharide compound derived from algae on high glucose-induced abnormal proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial(RPE)cells.METHODS:RPE cells were divided into 3 groups:blank control group,high glucose group and polysaccharide compound group.RPE cells were exposed with 30 mmol/L high glucose in high glucose group,and exposed with 30 mmol/L high glucose and 200mg/L polysaccharide compound in polysaccharide compound group.Cell viability of RPE cells was determined by MTT cell viability assay at different time points(6,12,24,36 hours).RESULTS:High glucose caused abnormal proliferation of RPE cells,which was abrogated in polysaccharide compound group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The novel polysaccharide compound derived from algae can protect RPE cells from high glucose-induced abnormal proliferation.