In summary, a significant increase in the number and size of Iba-1+ cells and NLRP3 expression in the GCL was found in DM, while a significant increase in the expression of GFAP, Cx43 and vitreous IL-18, as well as a further increase in Iba-1 and NLRP3 was found in DR. The gene discussed is GFAP; the disease is diabetes mellitus.