In addition, a shift in VEGF splice variants reducing neuroprotective [170] and increasing proangiogenic VEGF isoforms [171], as well as the loss of other neuroprotective factors (i.e., somatostatin and IRBP) induced by diabetes, is other mechanisms promoting neuronal death even when an enhancement of VEGF does exist. The gene discussed is RBP3; the disease is diabetes mellitus.