Thrombospondin-1 and Pigmented Epithelium Derived Factor Levels in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus.

Modulation of Thrombospondin-1 and Pigment Epithelium Derived Factor Levels in Vitreous Fluid and Plasma of Patients With Diabetes

You are being asked to be in a research study to determine blood levels and vitreous levels of compounds called thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) and pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF). These compounds exists naturally in your body.

The hypothesis tested here is that diabetic patients that express the higher molecular weight pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) isoform have lower thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) level and, as a result, are at a greater risk for the development of more severe diabetic retinopathy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ability to provide written informed consent and comply with study assessments for the full duration of the study
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for any reason

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of any anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor ) medications