PEDF Promotes Biosynthesis of a Novel Anti-inflammatory and Anti-apoptotic Mediator NPD1 in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells.

Purpose: Neuroprotectin D1 is a stereospecific cytoprotective messenger synthesized from docosahexaenoic acid in retinal pigment epithelial cells challenged by oxidative stress. A key step in neuroprotectin D1 synthesis is to define how growth factors may modulate its formation and its bioavailability. Here we have explored the action of pigment epithelium derived factor, a neurotrophin made in retinal pigment epithelial cells, on neuroprotectin D1.

Lions Clubs International Foundation Core Four Photoscreening: results from 17 programs and 400,000 preschool children.

Introduction: Photoscreening programs for preschool vision screening have been promoted by Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) via their 17 Core Four grant project awards since 1999. Results from 15 Core Four grant programs in the United States and one in Taiwan are presented here.

Methods: Photoscreening was modeled after the Tennessee program and instituted statewide in each area.