TNF-α has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, this proinflammatory cytokine induces expression of endothelial adhesion molecules via activation of NF-κB. This latter is able to increase the expression of other inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase enzyme-2 (COX-2). Here, NFKB1 is linked to diabetic retinopathy.