Background Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critically involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Nevertheless, the role of lncRNA TINCR in DR has not been fully elucidated. Objective This study aimed to examine the relationship between the lncRNA TINCR polymorphism rs2288947 and DR susceptibility in a Chinese Han population with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to explore the diagnostic potential of plasma lncRNA TINCR levels. Methods A case‐control study was conducted with 507 participants (255 NPDR patients and 252 T2DM controls). Plasma TINCR expression was measured via qRT‐PCR, and rs2288947 genotyping was performed using the TaqMan assay. Multivariate logistic regression and ROC analyses were applied to evaluate diagnostic value and risk associations. Results LncRNA TINCR expression was significantly elevated and served as an independent risk factor in NPDR patients and exhibited high diagnostic value. The G allele of rs2288947 was associated with increased NPDR risk and higher lncRNA TINCR expression. Carriers of GA/GG genotypes showed upregulated lncRNA TINCR, which correlated with longer diabetes duration, elevated HbA1c, reduced HDL‐C, and impaired renal function. Conclusion Both lncRNA TINCR and the rs2288947 polymorphism contribute to NPDR development and show promise as biomarkers for early screening and risk evaluation.
Liu et al. (Thu,) studied this question.