Uric Acid Promotes Diabetic Retinopathy Progression through Transforming Growth Factor β2(TGF-β2) Signaling and Beneficial Effects of Fenofibrate

Purpose: To elucidate the role of TGF-β2 and Fenofibrate in DR concomitant with HUA. Methods: : In vitro, human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were incubated with high glucose(HG), HUA and HG mixed HUA respectively. The apoptosis rate was evaluated by TUNEL assay and Capase-3 activity. TGF-β2 and VEGF was detected by Western blot and real-time PCR. The therapeutic effect of Fenofibrate was revealed by detecting the level of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor a(PPARa) through Western blot and real-time PCR. Results: : The level of cellular apoptosis, TGF-β and VEGF was conducted to increase most significantly in presence of HG mixed HUA stimulated HRECs. HG mixed HUA led to PPARa suppression which resulted in activated TGF-β2 expression, and this effect could be inhibited by Fenofibrate. Conclusion: TGF-β2 might be a pivotal mediator for the progression of DR with uric acid stress and Fenofibrate could be an important pathway to ameliorate diabetic complication.