Figure 2. Decreased FAM18B expression under diabetic conditions in cultured human retinal microvascular endothelial cells. A: There are significant decreases in the FAM18B mRNA levels in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) treated with 25 mM glucose, 1 ng/ml vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and 25 μM advanced glycation end products (AGEs), compared with 5 mM glucose. B: Western blot of the FAM18B protein and β-tubulin in HRMECs following treatment with VEGF 50 ng/ml and glucose 30 mM for 48 h reveals decreased protein expression. C: Quantification of the FAM18B protein band intensities normalized to β-tubulin band intensities in HRMECs following treatment with VEGF 50 ng/ml and glucose 30 mM for 48 h. Data are represented as percent change mean±standard deviation (SD) regarding control cells treated with media alone (n=3). * p value <0.05 compared to control.