Clinical features and possible pathogenesis of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome with different retinal diseases and events: a narrative review.

Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) is a rare fundus disease, characterized by acute vision loss and visual field defects. Many previous studies have explained the possible pathogenesis and clinical features of primary MEWDS. However, as the number of reported cases increases, secondary MEWDS occurs in other related retinal diseases and injuries, exhibiting some special characteristics. The associated retinal diseases include multifocal choroiditis/punctate inner choroidopathy (MFC/PIC), acute zonal occult outer retinopathy, best vitelliform macular dystrophy, pseudoxanthoma elasticum, and ocular toxoplasmosis. The related retinal injury is laser photocoagulation, surgery, and trauma. Although primary MEWDS often have a self-limiting course, secondary MEWDS may require treatment in some cases, according to the severity of concomitant diseases and complications. Notably, MEWDS secondary to MFC/PIC that is prone to forming choroidal neovascularization and focal choroidal excavation, needs positive treatment with corticosteroids. The possible underlying pathogenesis of secondary MEWDS is the exposure of choroidal antigen after the disruption of Bruch's membrane. The MEWDS-related features in secondary MEWDS are still evanescent under most circumstances. Its prognosis and treatment depend on the severity of complications. Current studies propose that the etiology is associated with immune factors, including viral infection, inflammation in choroid and Bruch's membrane, and antigen exposure caused by retinal and/or choroidal insults. More pathogenic studies should be conducted in the future. Accurate diagnosis for secondary MEWDS could benefit patients in aspects of management and prognosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment, Gua Sha, can Induce Subtle Molecular Changes in Gene Expression.

Objective: Here, we explored molecular changes that could potentially mediate healing effects of Gua Sha - a method employed by the Chinese traditional medicine with proven track records of safe and efficient applications dating back to ancient times as well as support from randomized controlled trials performed by modern medical studies - yet remaining almost entirely unexplored by the modern-day high-throughput methods of the -omics sciences. Methods: We investigated transcriptome changes occurring shortly after Gua Sha treatment in the whole blood of healthy volunteers using bulk RNA-seq analysis. We applied various analytical tools to identify genes with consistent expression changes in multiple individuals in response to Gua Sha and their networks. Results: We found that while the changes were very subtle and individual-specific, we could identify consistent upregulation of three histone genes. Further analysis of the potential regulatory networks of these histone genes revealed the enrichment of functions involved in the immune response and inflammation. Conclusion: The significance of these results in the context of potential effects of Gua Sha and the next steps in exploring the molecular mechanisms of action of this technique are discussed.

Analysis of the etiologies, treatments and prognoses in children and adolescent vitreous hemorrhage.

AIM: To determine the etiologies, treatment modalities and visual outcomes of vitreous hemorrhage (VH; range from birth to 18y). METHODS: A total of 262 eyes from 210 patients between January 2010 and September 2016 were included. All children underwent an appropriate ocular and systemic examination. Data collected included demographics, clinical manifestations, details of the ocular and systemic examination, management details, final fundus anatomy and visual acuity (VA). RESULTS: The most common etiologies were non-traumatic VH (64.89%), most of which were due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP; 37.10%); while traffic accidents, including 16 (21.00%) eyes, was the most common ocular traumas. Surgery, performed in 143 (54.58%) eyes, was the most common management modality. The initial mean baseline visual acuity was 2.77±0.21 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) in children and adolescent with traumatic VH, which was significantly improved to 2.15±1.31 logMAR (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: VH in children and adolescent has a complicated and diverse etiology. ROP is the primary cause of non-traumatic VH, which is the most common etiology. Appropriate treatment of traumatic VH is associated with obvious improvement in visual acuity. The initial VA is one of most important predictors of outcome.

Pathologic comparisons of enucleated eyes with retinoblastoma after superselective ophthalmic arterial chemotherapy with or without intravenous chemotherapy.

AIM: To describe and compare pathologic findings in eyes enucleated after superselective ophthalmic arterial chemotherapy (SOAC) or SOAC with intravenous chemotherapy (IVC) for retinoblastoma. METHODS: Medical records between January 1st, 2014 and June 30th, 2017 were retrospectively analyzed, and pathologic findings were recorded. This study included 36 eyes from 22 (61.1%) male and 14 (38.9%) female patients. Nineteen of 36 (52.8%) eyes received SOAC (mean=3, range=1-7) as primary treatment, and 17 of 36 (47.2%) eyes received SOAC (mean=3.7, range=1-10) after IVC (mean=6.1, range=2-11). Tumor extension including choroidal invasion (n=9, 25%), optic nerve invasion (n=5, 13.9%) and anterior segment invasion (n=5, 13.9%) were recorded. RESULTS: Histopathologic evidence of ischemic damage in the retina and choroid was found in 28 (77.8%) eyes. Thrombosed blood vessels were identified in 9 (25%) eyes, including orbital artery in the retrobulbar orbit (n=1), intrascleral vessels (n=4), and chorioretinal vessels (n=6). Fibrotic changes were found in extraocular muscles (n=5, 13.9%) and optic nerve (n=5, 13.9%). Varying degrees of scleral degeneration were found in all eyes. In statistical analysis, there was no significant difference in clinical and pathologic changes between SOAC group and SOAC with IVC group except for optic nerve invasion (P=0.047). CONCLUSION: SOAC for retinoblastoma can result in ocular toxicity, and SOAC with IVC do not increase the toxicity but reduced the incidence of optic nerve invasion.

Localization and characterization of Citrus centromeres by combining half-tetrad analysis and CenH3-associated sequence profiling.

KEY MESSAGE: The physical locations of citrus centromere are revealed by combining genetic and immunological assays for the first time and nine citrus centromere-specific markers for cytogenetics are mined. Centromere localization is challenging, because highly redundant repetitive sequences in centromeric regions make sequence assembly difficult. Although several citrus genomes have been released, the centromeric regions and their characteristics remain to be elucidated. Here, we mapped citrus centromeres through half-tetrad analysis (HTA) that included the genotyping of 54 tetraploid hybrids derived from 2n megagametophytes of Nadorcott tangor with 212 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The sizes of centromeric regions, which estimated based on the heterozygosity restitution rate pattern along the chromosomes, ranged from 1.12 to 18.19 Mb. We also profiled the binding sequences with the centromere-specific histone variant CenH3 by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq). Based on the positions of the top ten CenH3-enriched contigs, the sizes of centromeric regions were estimated to range from 0.01 to 7.60 Mb and were either adjacent to or included in the centromeric regions identified by HTA. We used DNA probes from two repeats selected from the centromeric regions and seven CenH3-binding centromeric repeats to verify centromeric locations by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Centromere localization in citrus will contribute to the mining of centromeric/pericentromeric markers, thus to facilitate the rapid identification of mechanisms underlying 2n gamete formation and serve the polyploidy breeding.

Curcumin potentiates laryngeal squamous carcinoma radiosensitivity via NF-ΚB inhibition by suppressing IKKγ expression.

Context: Curcumin has shown efficacy in promoting radiosensitivity combined with radiotherapy. However, the role and mechanism of curcumin on radiosensitivity in laryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC) is largely unknown.Objective: The aim of our study is to explore the role of IKKγ-NF-κB signaling in curcumin enhancing LSCC cell radiosensitivity in vitro.Materials and methods: Curcumin and X-ray were used to induce cell DNA damage and apoptosis, or inhibit cell clone formation. IKKγ siRNA and plasmid were used to change IKKγ expression. The CCK8 assay was used to detect cell viability. Clone formation ability was analyzed using a clonogenic assay, cell apoptosis was examined using flow cytometry, an immunofluorescence assay was used to detect DNA damage, while mRNA and protein levels were assayed using real time PCR and western blotting, respectively.Results: Curcumin significantly enhanced irradiation-induced DNA damage and apoptosis, while weakening clone-forming abilities of LSCC cell line Hep2 and Hep2-max. Compared to Hep2 cells, Hep2-max cells are more sensitive to curcumin post-irradiation. Curcumin suppressed irradiation-induced NF-κB activation by suppressing IKKγ expression, but not IKKα and IKKß. Overexpression of IKKγ decreased irradiation-induced DNA damage and apoptosis, while promoting clone-forming abilities of Hep2 and Hep2-max cells. IKKγ overexpression further increased expression of NF-κB downstream genes, Bcl-XL, Bcl-2, and cyclin D1. Conversely, IKKγ silencing enhanced irradiation-induced DNA damage and apoptosis, but promoted clone formation in Hep2 and Hep2-max cells. Additionally, IKKγ silencing inhibited expression of Bcl-XL, Bcl-2, and cyclin D1.Conclusions: Curcumin enhances LSCC radiosensitivity via NF-ΚB inhibition by suppressing IKKγ expression.

Internal limiting membrane dragging and peeling: a modified technique for macular holes closure surgery.

AIM: To introduce a modified technique of internal limiting membrane (ILM) centripetal dragging and peeling to treat idiopathic macular hole (IMH) and to observe the ILM-retina adhesive forces. METHODS: Twenty-six consecutive patients with stage 3 to 4 IMH and followed up at least six months were enrolled. All patients underwent complete par plana vitrectomy, ILM dragging and peeling, fluid and gas exchange, 15% C3F8 tamponade and 2-week prone position. The best corrected visual acuity, macular hole evaluation by optical coherence tomography, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean diameter of IMH was 524±148 µm (range: 201-683 µm), with 21 cases (80.8%) greater than 400 µm. ILM dragging and peeling were successfully performed in all cases. Most of the ILM-retina adhesive forces are severe (42.3%, 11/26), followed by mild (38.5%, 10/26), and moderate (19.2%, 5/26). The mean follow-up duration was 21.2±6.1mo. The IMH was closed in 25 (96.3%) eyes. Visual acuity (logMAR) improved significantly from 1.2±0.6 preoperatively to 0.7±0.5 postoperatively (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Preexisting ILM-retina adhesive force is found in IMH patients. With assistance of this force, this modified technique may help to release the IMH edges and improve the closure rate of large IMH.

Non-prescription cold and flu medication-induced transient myopia with uveal effusion: case report.

BACKGROUND: To report a case of non-prescription cold and flu medication-induced transient myopia with uveal effusion. CASE PRESENTATION: Bilateral high intraocular pressure, shallow anterior chambers, uveal effusion, and a myopic shift were encountered in a 39-year-old Chinese male 1 night after taking a non-prescription flu medicine three times than the recommended dose. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) showed bilateral ciliochoroidal effusions, disappearance of the ciliary sulcus, closure of the angle of the anterior chamber, and anterior displacement of the lens-iris diaphragm. Treatment with aqueous suppressants was given. Within a week, the uncorrected vision restored, and the myopia had disappeared. UBM revealed major resolution of the ciliochoroidal effusions in both eyes, deepening of the anterior chamber, return of the lens-iris diaphragm to a more posterior position. CONCLUSIONS: Overdose of non-prescription cold and flu medication may cause bilateral uveal effusions inducing acute angle-closure glaucoma and acute myopia.

Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome following rabies vaccination: a case report.

BACKGROUND: To report a case of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) following simultaneous rabies vaccination. CASE PRESENTATION: Review of the clinical, laboratory, photographic, optical coherence tomographic (OCT), fundus autofluorescent, angiographic, electrophysiologic, and perimetric records of a patient suffering from MEWDS. RESULTS: A healthy 33-year-old Chinese female suffering from rapidly progressive visual loss of her left eye associated with photopsia and a para-central scotoma, seven days after receiving simultaneous rabies vaccination. Both anterior segments and fundus examination were unremarkable. The findings on OCT, electrophysiology, and perimetry were pathognomonic for MEWDS. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical presentation and the benign course were consistent with the diagnosis of MEWDS. No other events could be identified as a cause, other than the rabies vaccination. This case may suggest an autoimmune basis for MEWDS in predisposed patients.

Spectrum of Variants in 389 Chinese Probands With Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy.

Purpose: To identify potentially pathogenic variants (PPVs) in Chinese familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) patients in FZD4, LRP5, NDP, TSPAN12, ZNF408, and KIF11 genes. Methods: Blood samples were collected from probands and their parent(s). Genomic DNA was analyzed by next-generation sequencing, and the sequence of selected variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. The potential pathogenicity of a variant was evaluated by in silico analysis and by cosegregation of the variant with disease. Each proband was subjected to comprehensive retinal examinations, and the severity of FEVR was individually graded for each eye. Whenever possible, fundus fluorescein angiography was obtained and analyzed for parent(s) of each proband. Variation in mutation expressivity was analyzed. Results: Three hundred eighty-nine consecutive FEVR patients from 389 families participated in this study. About 74% of the probands were children younger than 7 years old. One hundred one PPVs, 49 variants with unknown significance (VUS), were identified, including 73 novel PPVs and 38 novel VUS. One hundred ten probands carried PPV (28.3%), and 51 probands carried VUS (13.1%). PPVs in FZD4, LRP5, TSPAN12, NDP, ZNF408, and KIF11 were found in 8.48%, 9.00%, 5.91%, 4.63%, 0.77%, and 0.77% of the cohort, respectively. Probands carrying PPVs in NDP and KIF11 had more severe FEVR in general than those carrying PPVs in other genes. Overall, variants in LRP5 and FZD4 showed more significant variation in phenotype than variants in TSPAN12 and NDP genes. Conclusions: Our study expanded the spectrum of PPVs associated with FEVR.

A case report of Werner's syndrome with bilateral juvenile cataracts.

BACKGROUND: To report a case of Werner's syndrome with bilateral juvenile cataracts. CASE PRESENTATION: Review of the clinical, laboratory, photographic, genetic testing of the patient. A 26-year-old Chinese man presented with impaired vision in both eyes for more than a year. Anterior segment examination of both eyes revealed cataract. According to the ocular symptoms and systemic signs, including low body weight, a short stature, a bird-like face, atrophic and scleroderma-like skin, in addition to the juvenile cataracts, the clinical diagnosis of Werner's syndrome was made. Next-generation sequencing identified a homozygous WRN mutation in this patient. CONCLUSIONS: The ocular and systemic findings in this patient in combination with the homozygous WRN mutation indicated the definitive Werner's syndrome diagnosis.

Loss of LINC01939 expression predicts progression and poor survival in gastric cancer.

As highly tissue-specific genes, it is increasingly recognized that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are considered as promising prognostic biomarkers for multiple human cancers. However, lack of tissue-specific lncRNAs in gastric cancer (GC) still exist. In this study, we identified a novel lncRNA LINC01939 which showed the largest fold change in GC than other human cancers from lnCAR database by bioinformatic analysis. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay confirmed that LINC01939 was significantly downregulated in GC tissues compared with matched normal tissues. Low expression of LINC01939 was positively associated with advanced TNM stage and lymphatic metastasis. Patients with low LINC01939 expression have remarkably shorter overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) than those with high LINC01939 expression. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that LINC01939 is an independent protective predictor of OS and PFS in GC patients. Therefore, our data suggest that the newly identified lncRNA LINC01939 might act as a potential prognostic biomarker for GC.

Association between polymorphism rs11200638 in the HTRA1 gene and the response to anti-VEGF treatment of exudative AMD: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anti-angiogenesis treatments are the most commonly used treatments for the vision loss caused by exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in which the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs with ranibizumab and bevacizumab are current standard treatments. However, the outcome of anti-VEGF therapeutics is not uniform in all patients. METHODS: We performed a literature-based meta-analysis including, five published studies relevant to HTRA1 and response to anti-VEGF treatment (bevacizumab or ranibizumab). Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using fixed- and random-effects models. Sensitivity analysis and meta-regression were also performed. Q-statistic test and Egger's test was used to evaluate heterogeneity and publication bias respectively. RESULTS: Overall, no association between the rs11200638 polymorphism in HTRA1 gene and the anti-VEGF treatment response was found in the genotype GG versus AA (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.77 to 1.48; P = 0.98), genotype GA versus AA (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.47; P = 0.93), genotype GG + GA versus AA (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.57; P = 0.09), and allele G versus A (OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.78 to 1.08; P = 0.14). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity Caucasian population, and a significant association was still not observed in all genetic models. Sensitivity analysis indicated the robustness of our findings, and no publication bias was observed in our meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that there was no association between the polymorphism rs11200638 in HTRA1 gene and response to anti-VEGF treatment of exudative AMD. However, more studies are needed to further prove the conclusion of present study, especially well-designed and high quality randomised controlled trials or intervention studies.

Recurrence of Retinopathy of Prematurity After Intravitreal Ranibizumab Monotherapy: Timing and Risk Factors.

Purpose: To investigate timing and risk factors of recurrent retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) after intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) monotherapy. Methods: Fifty eyes (the more severe eye) of 50 infants treated with IVR monotherapy for type 1 ROP were studied retrospectively. The mean follow-up time was 31 weeks after IVR. Recurrent ROP (recurrence of extraretinal fibrovascular proliferation [EFP]) was determined by RetCam wide-angle fundus imaging and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. Risk time of recurrence was estimated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with recurrence as the endpoint. Time-varying recurrence hazard rate was determined using the hazard function of life-table analysis. The risk factors of recurrence were explored by logistic regression analysis. Results: Recurrence of ROP occurred in 32 (64%) of 50 eyes at 7.9 ± 2.7 weeks after IVR. Most of recurrence (94%) occurred in 2.5 to 12.0 weeks following IVR treatment. The recurrence hazard rate reached its maximum at 8 weeks. Recurrence affecting the initial site of EFP occurred significantly earlier than recurrence only at the new vascular advancing edge (4.5 ± 1.4 weeks versus 9.1 ± 2.0 weeks after IVR, P < 0.001). The independent risk factors of recurrence included extensive retinal neovascularization (P = 0.005) and oxygen requirement after IVR (P = 0.016). Conclusions: Recurrence of type 1 ROP should be carefully watched in a long-term follow-up after IVR monotherapy, particularly in the first 12 weeks after IVR and for those with extensive retinal neovascularization or prolonged oxygen therapy.

Fragile Sites of 'Valencia' Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) Chromosomes Are Related with Active 45s rDNA.

Citrus sinensis chromosomes present a morphological differentiation of bands after staining by the fluorochromes CMA and DAPI, but there is still little information on its chromosomal characteristics. In this study, the chromosomes in 'Valencia' C. sinensis were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using telomere DNA and the 45S rDNA gene as probes combining CMA/DAPI staining, which showed that there were two fragile sites in sweet orange chromosomes co-localizing at distended 45S rDNA regions, one proximally locating on B-type chromosome and the other subterminally locating on D-type chromosome. While the chromosomal CMA banding and 45S rDNA FISH mapping in the doubled haploid line of 'Valencia' C. sinensis indicated six 45S rDNA regions, four were identified as fragile sites as doubled comparing its parental line, which confirmed the cytological heterozygosity and chromosomal heteromorphisms in sweet orange. Furthermore, Ag-NOR identified two distended 45S rDNA regions to be active nucleolar organizing regions (NORs) in diploid 'Valencia' C. sinensis. The occurrence of quadrivalent in meiosis of pollen mother cells (PMCs) in 'Valencia' sweet orange further confirmed it was a chromosomal reciprocal translocation line. We speculated this chromosome translocation was probably related to fragile sites. Our data provide insights into the chromosomal characteristics of the fragile sites in 'Valencia' sweet orange and are expected to facilitate the further investigation of the possible functions of fragile sites.

Thin-film vertical-type AlGaInP LEDs fabricated by epitaxial lift-off process via the patterned design of Cu substrate.

In this study, the thin-film vertical-type AlGaInP LEDs on Cu substrates were fabricated. By performing the epitaxial lift-off (ELO) process, the LED device can be transferred from GaAs to Cu substrate. Then the GaAs substrate was separated and the ELO-LED was completed. To overcome the drawback of crack formation in the epilayer during the ELO process, various patterned Cu substrates were designed. Moreover, the finite element method was used to simulate the stress distribution in the LED sample during the ELO process. From the simulation results, an optimum structure of patterned Cu substrate was obtained since its maximum stress can be confined to the chip edges and the stress was decreased significantly during the ELO process, resulting in an apparent reduction of crack generation after separating the GaAs substrate. This optimum patterned Cu substrate was employed for the fabrication of ELO-LED. In addition, the chemical etching process was also used to etch the GaAs substrate, and this device transferred to Cu substrate was denoted as CE-LED. Based on the measurements of device performances, the forward voltages (@350 mA) of the CE-LED and ELO-LED were measured to be 2.20 and 2.29 V, while the output powers (@350 mA) of these two devices were 49.9 and 48.2 mW, respectively. Furthermore, the surface temperatures (@350 mA) of these two samples were 46.9-48.3 and 45.2-47.0 °C, respectively. Obviously, the device characteristics of the ELO-LED are very similar to those of the CE-LED. It confirms that the design of patterned Cu substrate is very helpful to obtain the thin-film vertical-type AlGaInP LEDs. Additionally, via the ELO process, the separated GaAs substrate can be reused for production cost down.

[Simulation of long-range transport potential of POPs in Poyang Lake].

The long-range transport potential (LRTP) and overall persistence (Pov) of 5 typical persisitent organic pollutants (POPs) through air and water in Poyang Lake were estimated by the TaPL3 model. The characteristic travel distance (CTD) and Pov of different POPs were compared. In addition, the key parameters were examined by the sensitivity analysis method using p, p'-DDT as an example. The results showed that the CTD(Air) of p, p'-DDT, gamma-HCH, HCB, PCP and 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD ranged from 432 km (2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD) to 86 479 km (HCB), and the value of Pov(Air) ranged from 85.6 d (PCP) to 2 231 d (HCB), when POPs were emitted to the atmosphere. Soil phase was the main fate of these typical POPs, and it was about 72.0% percent of the total phase. Meanwhile, the CTD(Water) was from 4 207 km (PCP) to 1.19 x 10(5) km (gamma-HCH), and Pov(Water) was from 103 d (PCP) to 2 890 d (HCB), when POPs were emitted to the water. Sediment phase was the main fate of these typical POPs, and it was about 52.5% percent of the total phase. Half-life in the environment and octanol-water partition coefficient logarithm of POPs were the two main physical-chemical parameters that affected CTD and Pov. When compared with other similar studies in China, the CTD(Air) of related POPs in Poyang Lake is in the middle level. While the CTD(Water) was a little higher than other areas, which was due to the higher water depth and water flow velocity of Poyang Lake. Therefore, the higher water depth and water flow velocity were two significantly-affected parameters of CTD(Water). The results could provide a scientific basis to studies of environmental process and risks of POPs in Poyang Lake.

PI3K-mediated glioprotective effect of epidermal growth factor under oxidative stress conditions.

AIM: To determine the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the proliferation and migration of Müller cell line Moorfields/Institute of Ophthalmology-Müller 1 (MIO-M1), and its related molecular mechanisms under normal and oxidative stress conditions. METHODS: Müller cells were cultured with different concentrations of EGF in the presence or absence of varied amounts of H2O2 and glucose oxidase (GO) which induced oxidative stress. The proliferation and migration of Müller cells were examined by 5-Bromo-2-deoxyUridine (BrdU), MTT assay, Transwell assay and scratch wound healing assays. The cell viability was determined with the MTT assay. The secretion of EGF by Müller cells was evaluated by ELISA. Western blot was performed to detect the activation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK)1/2 and Akt signal pathways. RESULTS: EGF stimulated the proliferation and migration of Müller cells in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro. Under oxidative damage condition, 2h of pretreatment with 10-100 ng/mL EGF can mostly inhibit 50% lethal dose of 0.08 mmol/L H2O2-induced cell damage. The Western blot results showed that after Müller cells were exposed to varying EGF for 24h, Akt and ERK1/2 were phosphorylated in a dose-dependent manner. In the presence of the LY294002, the potent PI3K inhibitor, the p-Akt was significantly attenuated. CONCLUSION: EGF may induce the proliferation and migration of human Müller cells through the Akt and the ERK1/2 signal pathways, and induce PI3K-mediated glioprotective effect under oxidative stress.