Airborne particulate matter impairs corneal epithelial cells migration via disturbing FAK/RhoA signaling pathway and cytoskeleton organization.

Background: Cornea is the outmost structure of the eye and exposed directly to the air pollution. However, little is known about the effect of PM2.5 on corneal epithelium, which is critical for maintenance of cornea homeostasis and visual function.

Regulation of Apoptosis by miR-122 in Pterygium via Targeting Bcl-w.

Purpose: To identify the differently expressed micro (mi) RNAs in pterygium compared with normal conjunctiva and investigate the potential role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of pterygium.

Methods: With microRNA microarray and quantitative RT-PCR, we identified that microRNA-122 (miR-122) was significantly decreased in pterygium tissue. We detected the expression of Bcl-w, a predicted target of miR-122, in both pterygium and normal conjunctiva, as well as its correlation with the expression of miR-122.

Assessment of DNA Damage and Cell Senescence in Corneal Epithelial Cells Exposed to Airborne Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Collected in Guangzhou, China.

Purpose: To assess the genotoxic effect of airborne particulate matter on corneal epithelial cells and investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in this process.

Methods: Immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) and primary bovine corneal epithelial cells were exposed to airborne particulate matter collected from Guangzhou for 24 hours. The cell viability and toxicity were measured by the CCK-8 test and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, respectively.