Effect of miR-27b-3p and Nrf2 in human retinal pigment epithelial cell induced by high-glucose

AIM:To determine whether the microRNA-27b-3p(miR-27b-3p)/NF-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)pathway plays a role in human retinal pigment epithelial(hRPE)cell response to high glucose,how miR-27b-3p and Nrf2 expression are regulated,and whether this pathway could be specifically targeted.METHODS:hRPE cells were cultured in normal glucose or high glucose for 1,3,or 6d before measuring cellular proliferation rates using cell counting kit-8 and reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels using a dihydroethidium kit.miR-27b-3p,Nrf2,NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1)and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)mRNA and protein levels were analyzed using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)and immunocytofluorescence(ICF),respectively.Western blot analyses were performed to determine nuclear and total Nrf2 protein levels.Nrf2,NQO1,and HO-1 expression levels by RT-qPCR,ICF,or Western blot were further tested after miR-27b-3p overexpression or inhibitor lentiviral transfection.Finally,the expression level of those target genes was analyzed after treating hRPE cells with pyridoxamine.RESULTS:Persistent exposure to high glucose gradually suppressed hRPE Nrf2,NQO1,and HO-1 mRNA and protein levels and increased miR-27b-3p mRNA levels.High glucose also promoted ROS release and inhibited cellular proliferation.Nrf2,NQO1,and HO-1 mRNA levels decreased after miR-27b-3p overexpression and,conversely,both mRNA and protein levels increased after expressing a miR-27b-3p inhibitor.After treating hRPE cells exposed to high glucose with pyridoxamine,ROS levels tended to decreased,proliferation rate increased,Nrf2,NQO1,and HO-1 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated,and miR-27b-3p mRNA levels were suppressed.CONCLUSION:Nrf2 is a downstream target of miR-27b-3p.Furthermore,the miR-27b-3p inhibitor pyridoxamine can alleviate high glucose injury by regulating the miR-27b-3p/Nrf2 axis.

Comparison of visual quality after implantation of Al-UV and SN60WF aspheric intraocular lens

AIM:To compare the visual performance of pseudophakic eyes implanted with Al-UV and SN60WF aspheric intraocular lens(IOL),and to investigate the correlations between visual quality parameters and pupil size.METHODS:This prospective comparative study included 105 eyes of 90 patients with age-related cataract who underwent uneventful phacoemulsification.The subjects were divided into two groups according to the implanted IOL type.Three months postoperatively,visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were measured,wave-front aberrations were assessed using a KR-IW aberrometer(Topcon),and objective optical quality parameters were performed using an optical quality analysis system-OQAS Il(Visiometrics).Independent sample Mest and Spearman correlation analysis were used for data analysis.RESULTS:There were no significant differences found in visual acuity,contrast sensitivity and visual quality parameters between the two groups(P>0.05).The measured intraocular spherical aberration(SA)in Al-UV IOL eyes of-0.19±0.05 pm was close to the designed SA value of-0.20 pm.The modulation transfer function cutoff,Strehl ratio and OQAS values were negatively correlated with pupil size in both groups(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The subjective and objective visual quality in pseudophakic eyes with A1-UV and SN60WF IOLs are comparable.For aspheric IOL eyes,visual quality decreases with increasing pupil size.

Effects of lighting conditions and accommodation on the three-dimensional position of Visian implantable collamer lens

Background To investigate the effects of lighting conditions and accommodation on the three-dimensional position of Visian implantable collamer lens(ICL V4c).Methods This observational study recruited 62 eyes of 31 myopia patients underwent ICL V4c implantation.Anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT)assessed the anterior chamber depth(ACD),ACD-ICL(distance from the corneal endothelium to anterior surface of the ICL V4c),vault(distance between the posterior ICL V4c surface and anterior crystalline lens surface),and crystalline lens tilt under various lighting conditions and accommodation relative to the corneal topographic axis at one year after ICL V4c implantation.Baseline was defined as the scotopic condition,which was also the non-accommodative stimulus condition.The ICL V4c tilt was analyzed using MATLAB.The significance level was set at P<0.05.Results The ACD-ICL values were similar under various lighting conditions(P=0.978)but decreased during accommodation(P<0.001).The vault was significantly smaller under mesopic and photopic conditions than the baseline(P=0.044 and P<0.001,respectively)but remained unchanged during accommodation(P=0.058).The inferotemporal proportion of ICL V4c(88.7%,55 eyes)and crystalline lens(74.2%,46 eyes)tilts were not significantly different(P=0.063).Crystalline lens under various lighting conditions and accommodation exhibited similar tilts.The vertical tilt of ICL V4c was significantly larger under photopic conditions than the baseline(P=0.038).The horizontal and total tilts were significantly decreased during accommodation(P=0.043 and 0.013,respectively).Conclusions The axial position of ICL V4c in the anterior chamber was stable under various lighting conditions.Lighting conditions and accommodation may influence vertical,horizontal and total tilts of ICL V4c.

Myopia genetics in genome-wide association and postgenome-wide association study era

Genome-wide association studies(GWAS) of myopia and refractive error have generated exciting results and identified novel risk-associated loci. However, the interpretation of the findings of GWAS of complex diseases is not straightforward and has remained challenging. This review provides a brief summary of the main focus on the advantages and limitations of GWAS of myopia, with potential strategies that may contribute to further insight into the genetics of myopia in the post-GWAS or omics era.

Association between lumican gene-1554 T/C polymorphism and high myopia in Asian population:a meta-analysis

AIMTo investigate the association between lumican gene -1554 T/C polymorphism and high myopia susceptibility.

Correlation between polymorphisms in the MFN1 gene and myopia in Chinese population

AIM: To explore whether genetic variations in the MFN1 gene are associated with low to moderate myopia in Chinese population. METHODS: The case-control association analysis was used. The study included 100 independent myopia patients (-0.75 D <= spherical refraction <= -8.00 D) and 100 sex -matched healthy controls (with binocular spherical equivalent ranges between -0.50 D and +0.50 D). Four single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) tags (rs3976523, rs13098637, rs6762399 and rs7618348) were selected for genotyping by direct sequencing. The frequencies of genotypes and their alleles were calculated based on the number of SNP genotypes in each sample. The Chi-square test was used to examine the difference in the frequency between the myopia cases and controls. RESULTS: Genotype distributions in the four SNPs were all in accordance with the Hardy -Weinberg equilibrium; analysis showed that rs13098637 was significantly associated with low to moderate myopia (P=0.003 and empirical P=0.010). There were no statistically significant differences observed for the genotype or allele frequencies of the other three SNPs between the myopia cases and controls in the Chinese population in this study. CONCLUSION: The current study has revealed that the C allele of rs13098637 in MFN1 had a significant association with low to moderate myopia.

Effect of light-emitting diodes with different color rendering indexes on the ocular tissues of rat

AIM:To compare the damage of light-emitting diodes(LEDs)with different color rendering indexes(CRIs)to the ocular surface and retina of rats.METHODS:Totally 20 Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into four groups:the first group was normal control group without any intervention,other three groups were exposed by LEDs with low(LED-L),medium(LED-M),and high(LED-H)CRI respectively for 12 h a day,continuously for 4 wk.The changes in tear secretion(Schirmer I test,SIt),tear film break-up time(BUT),and corneal fluorescein sodium staining(CFS)scores were compared at different times(1 d before experiment,2 and 4 wk after the experiment).The histopathological changes of rat lacrimal gland and retina were observed at 4 wk,and the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in lacrimal gland were detected by immunofluorescence method.RESULTS:With the increase of light exposed time,the CFS value of each light exposed group continued to increase,and the BUT and SIt scores continued to decrease,which were different from the control group,and the differences between the light exposed groups were statistically significant.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)results showed that the lacrimal glands of each exposed group were seen varying degrees of acinar atrophy,vacuoledistribution,increasing of eosinophil granules,etc.;the retina showed obvious reduction of photoreceptor cell layer and changes in retinal thickness;LED-L group has the most significant change in all tests.Immunofluorescence suggested that the positive expressions of TNF-αand IL-6 in the lacrimal glands of each exposed group were higher than those of the control group.CONCLUSION:LED exposure for 4 wk can cause the pathological changes of lacrimal gland and retina of rats,and increase the expression of TNF-αand IL-6 in lacrimal gland,the degree of damage is negatively correlated with the CRI.

Management of cataract surgery in Lowe syndrome

AIM: To evaluate the ophthalmic and anesthesiologic management of cataract surgery in children with Lowe syndrome receiving lens removal, the development and management of secondary glaucoma.METHODS: This retrospective case series included 12 eyes of 6 children with genetically verified Lowe syndrome receiving cataract removal. Information regarding the type and duration of surgery and total anesthesia time were recorded. Additionally, intra-and postoperative complications were noted as well as clinical examinations such as visual acuity and funduscopy. RESULTS: All children received simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery at the mean age of 8.98±3.58 wk. Lensectomy combined with posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy was performed in all children. The mean time for cataract surgery per eye was 35.83±8.86 min, whereas the total time of surgery was 153.33±22.11 min. The mean extubation time and duration at recovery room was 42.33±22.60 min and 130.00±64.37 min, respectively. During surgery, a decrease of oxygen saturation below 93% was found in only one child. During the postoperative followup, nystagmus(6 children) and strabismus(5 children) was commonly found in contrast to no case of visual axis opacification. Secondary glaucoma developed in five eyes of three children, which was treated with topical eye drops in only one child. A trabeculectomy was performed in both eyes of one child, whereas removal of syechia and an iridectomy in one eye of one child. CONCLUSION: Bilateral simultaneous cataract surgery under general anesthesia is a safe surgical procedure in Lowe syndrome children. The glaucoma screening with intraocular pressure measurements is crucial in the postoperative management of Lowe syndrome patients to avoid additional visual impairment.

Improving myopia awareness via school-based myopia prevention health education among Chinese students

AIM:To investigate the myopia awareness level,knowledge,attitude,and skills at baseline and to implement and evaluate the efficacy of myopia prevention health education among Chinese students.METHODS:A total of 1000 middle school students from 2 middle schools were invited to participate in the study,and myopia prevention health education was conducted.The students were assessed at baseline,followed by a survey.The efficacy of health education was evaluated using the self-comparison method pre-and post-health education.RESULTS:The study included 957 and 850 pre-and post-health education par ticipants,respectively.The baseline knowledge of all respondents on myopic symptoms(87.5%),myopia is a risk of eyes(72.9%),myopia prevention(91.3%),myopia increases with age(86.7%),performing periodic eye examinations(92.8%),and one first,one foot,and one inch(84.8%)significantly increased after health education(P<0.001 for all).However,the percentage of students who still did not think it necessary to take breaks after 30-40min of continuous near work was 27.0%.The opinion that“myopia can be cured”was still present in 38.3%.CONCLUSION:Implementing school-based myopia prevention health education improves knowledge,attitudes,and skills regarding myopia among Chinese middle school students.

Impact of ablation ratio on 5-year postoperative posterior corneal stability after refractive surgery:SMILE and FS-LASIK

Background:To investigate the impact of the ablation ratio on 5-year postoperative posterior corneal stability in myopic eyes after small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK)surgery.Methods:A prospective,nonrandomized,cohort study:80 eyes of 43 patients underwent SMILE surgery and 63 eyes of 32 patients underwent FS-LASIK surgery at the EYE&ENT Hospital,Fudan University.Ablation ratio Was defined as lenticule thickness(SMILE cases)or ablation depth(FS-LASIK cases)divided by central corneal thickness(CCT).Posterior corneal elevation changes were recorded as posterior central elevation(PCE),posterior corneal surface at thinnest point(PTE)and posterior corneal mean elevation(PME).Patients were followed up at 6-month and 5-year intervals to investigate the impact of the ablation ratio on posterior corneal elevation after SMILE and FS-LASIK surgery.Results:PCE dropped at the 6-month follow-up for both SMILE(decreased by-1.11±2.93μm,P<0.05)and FSLASIK groups(decreased by-0.46±3.72μm,P<0.05).PTE also dropped in SMILE(reduced by-2.04±3.02μm,P<0.05)and FS-LASIK group(reduced by-1.28±4.21μm,P<0.05)at the 6-month follow-up.Stable PCE(elevation change:SMILE-0.28±4.03μm;FS-LASIK 0.79±4.13μm,P>0.05)and PTE(elevation change:SMILE-0.08±4.28μm;FS-LASIK 1.42±3.85μm,P>0.05)for both groups were recorded at the 5-year follow-up compared to the 6-month visit.Ablation ratio was strongly correlated with 5-year postoperative PCE(β=2.68±1.05,P<0.01)and PTE(β=2.35±1.17,P<0.05).Cut-off value raised for 5-year postoperative PCE and PTE was 27.3%and 27.1%,respectively.Conclusions:Ablation ratio was strongly correlated with postoperative posterior corneal elevation in a 5-year follow-up in both SMILE and FS-LASIK groups.PCE and PTE underwent slight backward displacement 6 months postoperatively and remain stable at the 5-year follow-up.Threshold of the ablation ratio for resisting forward displacement of posterior corneal surface Was 27.3%and 27.1%for SMILE and FS-LASIK groups,respectively.

Impact of ablation ratio on 5-year postoperative posterior corneal stability after refractive surgery:SMILE and FS-LASIK

Background:To investigate the impact of the ablation ratio on 5-year postoperative posterior corneal stability in myopic eyes after small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK)surgery.Methods:A prospective,nonrandomized,cohort study:80 eyes of 43 patients underwent SMILE surgery and 63 eyes of 32 patients underwent FS-LASIK surgery at the EYE&ENT Hospital,Fudan University.Ablation ratio was defined as lenticule thickness(SMILE cases)or ablation depth(FS-LASIK cases)divided by central corneal thickness(CCT).Posterior corneal elevation changes were recorded as posterior central elevation(PCE),posterior corneal surface at thinnest point(PTE)and posterior corneal mean elevation(PME).Patients were followed up at 6-month and 5-year interval to investigate the impact of the ablation ratio on posterior corneal elevation after SMILE and FSLASIK surgery.Results:PCE dropped at the 6-month follow-up for both SMILE(decreased by−1.11±2.93μm,P<0.05)and FSLASIK groups(decreased by−0.46±3.72μm,P<0.05).PTE also dropped in SMILE(reduced by−2.04±3.02μm,P<0.05)and FS-LASIK group(reduced by−1.28±4.21μm,P<0.05)at the 6-month follow-up.Stable PCE(elevation change:SMILE−0.28±4.03μm;FS-LASIK 0.79±4.13μm,P>0.05)and PTE(elevation change:SMILE−0.08±4.28μm;FS-LASIK 1.42±3.85μm,P>0.05)for both groups were recorded at the 5-year follow-up compared to the 6-month visit.Ablation ratio was strongly correlated with 5-year postoperative PCE(β=2.68±1.05,P<0.01)and PTE(β=2.35±1.17,P<0.05).Cut-off value for 5-year postoperative raised PCE and PTE was 27.3 and 27.1%,respectively.Conclusions:Ablation ratio was strongly correlated with postoperative posterior corneal elevation in a 5-year follow-up in both SMILE and FS-LASIK groups.PCE and PTE underwent slight backward displacement 6-month postoperatively and remain stable at the 5-year follow-up.Threshold of the ablation ratio for resisting forward displacement of posterior corneal surface was 27.3 and 27.1%for SMILE and FS-LASIK groups,respectively.

Inhibitory Effect of Jingui Shenqi Pills on Glucocorticoid-Enhanced Axial Length Elongation in Experimentally Myopic Guinea Pigs

Objective:To explore the underlying mechanism of inhibition by Jingui Shenqi Pills(JGSQP)on glucocorticoid-enhanced axial length elongation in experimental lens-induced myopia(LIM)guinea pigs.Methods:Sixty 2-week old male guinea pigs were randomly divided into 4 groups with 15 guinea pigs in each group,according to the random numbers generated by SPSS software:control,LIM,saline and JGSQP groups.The control group includes animals with no treatment,while the guinea pigs in the other 3 groups received lens-induced myopization on the right eyes throughout the experiment(for 8 weeks).The saline and JGSQP groups were given daily intraperitoneal injections of 10 mg/kg hydrocortisone for 2 consecutive weeks at the same time,and then orally administered either saline or JGSQP 13.5 g/(kg·d)for 6 consecutive weeks.Body weight,anal temperature and animal appearance were observed and recorded to evaluate the GC-associated symptoms.The ocular parameters,including refraction and axial length,were measured by streak retinoscopy and A-scan ultrasonography,respectively.The levels of plasma hormones associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis(HPAA),including free triiodothyronine,free thyroxine,estradiol and testosterone,were measured by radioimmunoassay,and cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)and cyclic guanosine monophosphate were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.In addition,the mRNA and protein expressions of retinal amphiregulin(AREG)was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting,respectively.Results:JGSQP effectively increased body weight and anal temperature,improved animal appearance and suppressed axial length elongation in glucocorticoidenhanced myopic guinea pigs with normalization of 4 HPAA-associated plasma hormones(all P<0.05).The plasma level of cAMP was significantly increased,whereas the plasma level of cGMP and the mRNA and protein expressions of retinal AREG were decreased after treatment with JGSQP(all P<0.05).Conclusion:JGSQP exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on axial length elongation with decreased expression of AREG in the retina,and normalized 4 HPAA-associated plasma hormones and the expression of cAMP and cGMP in GC-enhanced myopic guinea pigs.

A novel needle probe for deeper photoacoustic viscoelasticity measurement

We present for the first time,to the best of our knowledge,a needle probe for photoacoustic viscoelasticity(PAVE)measurements at a depth of 1 cm below the sample surface.The probe uses a gradient index rod lens,encased within a side-facing needle(0.7 mm outer diameter),to direct excitation light(532 nm)and detection light(1325 nm)focused on the sample,collecting and directing the returned detection light in a spectral domain low coherence interferometry system,which allows for obtaining optical phase differences due to photoacoustic oscillations.The feasibility of needle probe for PAVE depth characterization was investigated on gelatin phantoms and in vitro biological tissues.The experimental results in an in vivo animal model predict the great potential of this technique for in vivo tumor boundary detection.