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

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

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

Effects of Astragaloside IV on pattern ERG outcomes.

<p>Data are expressed as the mean ± SD. A. Pattern ERG amplitudes in all groups. NC group received significantly decreased amplitudes compared with LC group (NC vs LC, p = 0.037, * p<0.05). Mice in Astragaloside IV treatment groups have increased amplitudes compared with NC group (AL, AH vs NC, p = 0.005, 0.037 respectively. ## p<0.01; # p<0.05). Amplitudes have no significance between AL and AH group. B. Pattern ERG latency in all groups. Astragaloside IV treatment changed the latency, but latency levels did not reveal a statistically significant difference.</p

Animal general situations (collected every 4 weeks).

<p>A: body weight in all groups during treatment. B: Blood glucose in all groups during treatment.</p

Pattern ERGs derived from each eye in response to pattern reversal of horizontal gratings in a population of 48 mice aged 28 weeks.

<p>Individual waveforms of each eye are shown superimposed in each group. Mean amplitude in each group is regarded as a consult. A: LC, B: NC, C: AL, D: AH.</p

Schematic diagram of experimental design in vivo.

<p>12 db/m mice were treated with physiological saline as a littermate control. Physiological saline was also given to 12 db/db mice as a negative control. 4.5 mg/kg and 9 mg/kg astragaloside IV were treated to see their effects on db/db mice eyes.</p

Effects of astragaloside IV on dissolve blood Aldose reductase (AR) and retina AR activity (mean with SD) in db/db mice.

<p>There is a difference between NC and LC group in AR activity (NC vs. LC, p = 0.000, 0.026 in blood AR, retina AR respectively. ** p<0.01; * p<0.05). Astragaloside IV treatment showed a significance in AR activity compared with NC group. (blood AR: AL, AH vs. NC, p = 0.000, 0.000 respectively. Significance also showed in AL and AH groups. p = 0.000. ^## p<0.01; retina AR: AL, AH vs. NC, p = 0.218, 0.025 respectively. No significance between AL and AH groups. p = 0.159. ^# p<0.05).</p><p>Effects of astragaloside IV on dissolve blood Aldose reductase (AR) and retina AR activity (mean with SD) in db/db mice.</p

The effect of astragaloside IV on the apoptosis of retina cells.

<p>Apoptotic cells were marked with green fluorescence, the nuclei of cells are stained by blue fluorescence (DAPI). A: LC, B: NC, C: AL, D: AH. GCL, retinal ganglion cell layer; IPL, inner plexiform layer; INL, inner nuclear layer; OPL, outer plexiform layer; ONL, outer nuclear layer. Original magnification: ×20; scale bar, 100 mm. Triangles: Apoptotic cells.</p