Atropine 0.01% eye drops slow myopia progression: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIM: To evaluate the effects of atropine 0.01% on slowing myopia progression. METHODS: We searched for relevant studies in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Ovid, CBM, CNKI, VIP and Wan Fang Data in Chinese. A supplementary search was conducted in OpenGrey(System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe), the ISRCTN registry, Clinical Trials.gov, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform(ICTRP) from the dates of inception to June 30, 2018. RESULTS: Seven randomized controlled trials(RCTs) with a total of 1079 subjects were included(505 in the atropine 0.01% group and 574 in the control group). The results showed that the atropine 0.01% group exhibited significantly greater control of axial growth than the control group (MD=-0.12, 95%CI(-0.19,-0.06))There was also a statistically significant difference between the atropine 0.01% and control groups in the changes in axial length [MD=-0.14, 95%CI(-0.25,-0.03)], but the quality of evidence was low. There were no significant differences between the atropine 0.01% and control groups in the overall effect with respect to diopter value, change in diopter, distance vision and intraocular pressure (MD=0.08, 95%CI(-0.27, 0.42);MD=0.09, 95%CI(-0.17, 0.36);MD=-0.01, 95%CI(-0.02, 0.00);MD=0.08, 95%CI(-0.56,0.40))The sensitivity analysis showed that the conclusion of the Meta-analysis is relatively stable. With respect to adverse events, there were significant differences between the atropine 0.01% and control groups (OR=0.26, 95%CI(0.11, 0.61))CONCLUSION: Based on the available evidence, atropine 0.01% eye drops offer benefits in controlling axial growth and safety without causing significant differences in diopter values, distance vision and intraocular pressure.

Protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on retinal ganglion cells in vitro

AIM: To observe the effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) In vitro METHODS: Retinal cells of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats were collected 1 to 3 days after birth, and co-cultured with different concentrations of LBP for 24 hours. Absorbance values (OD) were recorded using MTT assay for calculating survival rates. RESULTS: All the test groups had protective effects on RGCs. The group with 10mg/mL concentration of LOP had the most significantly difference of OD value compared with that in control group ( P<0.01). CONCLUSION: LBP can increase the survival rate and promote the growth of mixed cultured rat RGCs.

Extraction(DSX) from Erigeron breviscapus modulates outward potassium currents in rat retinal ganglion cells

AIMTo investigate the effect of DSX, an active component extracted from Erigeron breviscapus, on the voltage-gated outward K+ channel currents in rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by using electrophysiological method, and to explore the possible mechanisms of DSX on optic nerve protection.METHODSOutward K+ currents were recorded by using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques on acutely isolated rat RGCs. Outward K+ currents were induced by a series of depolarizing voltage pulses from a holding potential of -70 mV to +20 mV in an increment of 10 mV.RESULTSExtracellular application of DSX voltage-dependently suppressed both the steady-state and peak current amplitudes of outward K+ currents in rat RGCs. Furthermore, DSX reversibly and dose-dependently inhibited the amplitudes of outward K+ currents of the cells. At +20 mV membrane potential DSX at the concentrations of 0.02 g/L and 0.05 g/L showed no significant effects on the currents. In contrast, DSX at higher concentrations (0.1 g/L, 0.2 g/L and 0.5 g/L) significantly suppressed the current amplitudes.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that DSX reversibly and dose-dependently suppress outward K+ channel currents in rat RGCs, which may be one of the possible mechanisms underlying Erigeron breviscapus prevents vision loss and RGC damage caused by glaucoma.

Qiming granule in treating type 2 diabetic kidney disease patients:study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background:Diabetic kidney disease(DKD)is a chronic renal microvascular complication associated with abnormal glucose metabolism.According to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)theory,Qi and Yin deficiency with blood stasis(the name of TCM symptoms,its main clinical features are fatigue,dry mouth,red or pale tongue,weak pulse,etc.)is the primary TCM syndrome of DKD,and Qiming granule(QMG)is suitable for the treatment of Qi and Yin deficiency with blood stasis syndrome.In view of this,we designed a randomized controlled trial to assess whether QMG is efficacious and safe in treating DKD patients.Methods:This protocol is for a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled,parallel group,six-centre clinical trial.A total of 180 participants will be randomized into the QMG group or placebo group,with a 1:1 ratio.The study will last for 50 weeks,including a 2-week run-in period,24 weeks of intervention,and 24 weeks of follow-up.The experimental intervention will be QMG,and the control intervention will be a placebo.The primary outcome will be the 24h urinary albumin excretion ratio and the change in the albumin-to-creatinine ratio.The secondary outcome will be evaluation of renal function,fundus changes,management of blood lipids,TCM symptom improvement and safety assessments.Adverse events will be recorded during the trial.Discussion:This study is a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness and safety of QMG for DKD patients.The findings of this study will help to provide evidence-based recommendations in treating DKD patients.Trial registration:Chinese Clinical Trial Registry,ChiCTR-TRC-12002953.Registered 23 December 2012.