Furthermore, although variantions of two SNPs in the BMP2 gene were associated with an elevated incidence of OPLL, the detailed mechanism by which it occur remains obscure. Further investigation is needed to Tricin pinpoint the specific function of the BMP2 in the development of OPLL. In conclusion, these data may provide some insights into the role of mechanical stress in the ectopic bone formation in OPLL. We observed that mechanical stress could increase the expression of BMP2 protein in the C3H10T1/2 cells transfected by BMP2, rs235768 when compared with the other stretched groups and the corresponding static groups. Based on these observations, we propose that the BMP2 gene variant of rs2273073 can not only increase individual susceptibility to OPLL, but also increase the sensibility to mechanical stress which may play an important role during the pathological process of OPLL. These findings may not only contribute to the prevention of progression or recurrence, but also conduce to the postoperative recovery of OPLL in patients with BMP2 gene variant of rs2273073. Nevertheless, to clarify the detailed mechanism of BMP2 gene variant in the progression of OPLL, more direct evidences and researches are needed. The retina is a highly vascularized neural tissue. Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by progressive vasoregression which is initiated by pericyte loss. Subsequent loss of endothelial cells leads to formation of acellular capillaries. Finally, retinal vessels undergo vasoregression. Diabetic retinopathy is not only a microangiopathy, but also a disease involving neurons and glial cells. Recent evidence suggests that neuronal dysfunction and glial changes precede or parallel vascular damage in diabetic retinopathy. Dysfunction of neuronal cells has been reported in diabetic retinas without the occurrence of vascular damage both in experimen tal H3B-6527 diabetes models as well as in patients. Damages to the neurons in diabetic retinas can be attributed to activation of glial cells before the onset of overt vascular abnormalities. The glial cells in the retina, astrocytes and Muiller cells, closely interact with the retinal vasculature through their end feet enwrapping vessels.