Flow diagram of the identification of relevant studies.

<p>Flow diagram of the identification of relevant studies.</p

Role of the APOE ε2/ε3/ε4 Polymorphism in the Development of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: Evidence from a Comprehensive Meta-Analysis

<div><p>Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. The association between the APOE ε2/ε3/ε4 polymorphism and the risk of POAG has been widely reported, but the results of previous studies remain controversial. To comprehensively evaluate the APOE ɛ2/ɛ3/ε4 polymorphism on the genetic risk for POAG, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of previously published studies. The PubMed and Web of Science databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Data were extracted from these studies and odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed to estimate the strength of the association. Stratified analyses according to ethnicity and sensitivity analyses were also conducted for further confirmation. A total of nine studies were eligible for the meta-analysis, and these studies included data on 1928 POAG cases and 1793 unrelated match controls. The combined results showed that there were no associations between the APOE ε2/ε3/ε4 polymorphism and POAG risk in any of the 10 comparison models. The analysis that was stratified by ethnicity subgroups also failed to reveal a significant association. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability and reliability of the findings. There was no risk of publication bias. Our meta-analysis provides strong evidence that the APOE ε2/ε3/ε4 polymorphism is not associated with POAG susceptibility in any populations.</p> </div

Sensitivity analyses through deletion of one study at a time to reflect the influence of the individual dataset to the pooled ORs.

<p>Sensitivity analyses through deletion of one study at a time to reflect the influence of the individual dataset to the pooled ORs.</p

Forest plot of the association between the APOE ε2/ε3/ε4 polymorphism and POAG risk.

<p>Each study is shown by the point estimate of the OR with the 95% CI. (A) ε2 vs ε3, fixed-effects model. (B) ε4 versus ε3, random-effects model.</p

Changes in tear film parameters after cataract surgery.

<p>The ANOVA with the Bonferroni correction method was used when compared with the baseline. Higher OSDI scores (A) and lower TBUT values (B) in diabetic patients were found at 7 days and 1 month after cataract surgery, while the OSDI scores and TBUT values worsened only at 7 days postoperatively in nondiabetic patients. The postoperative CFS scores (C) and SIT values (D) of the diabetic and nondiabetic patients were similar to the baseline values. OSDI = Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire scores; TBUT = tear film break-up time; CFS = corneal fluorescein staining; SIT = Schirmer’s I test. * <i>P</i> < 0.05.</p

Measurements of our fabricated eye models.

<p>Measurements of our fabricated eye models.</p

Parameters of Navarro's model eye (relaxed) [4].

<p>ACD: anterior chamber depth; TAL: total axial length.</p><p>Parameters of Navarro's model eye (relaxed) <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0109373#pone.0109373-EscuderoSanz1" target="_blank">[4]</a>.</p

On-axis modulation transfer function (MTF) curves of four model eyes in ZEMAX.

<p>(wavelength: 589.3 nm; pupil diameter: 3 mm; T = tangential; S = sagittal).</p

5-degree off-axis modulation transfer function (MTF) curves of four model eyes in ZEMAX.

<p>(wavelength: 589.3 nm; pupil diameter: 3 mm; T = tangential; S = sagittal).</p

Parameters of our schematic model eye.

<p>Parameters of our schematic model eye.</p