The potential mechanisms underlying the positive correlation between high FFAs levels and retinopathy may include several aspects: Firstly, FFAs can activate multiple inflammatory pathways, leading to a significant increase in the expression of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and promoting the secretion of adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, thereby initiating and exacerbating endothelial dysfunction8,10,26,27. This evidence concerns the gene VCAM1 and retinal disorder.