In all, 38 miRNAs were identified to be upregulated and 31 downregulated, in TGFβ1-stimulated HTFs. Among those, the miR-29b, downregulated in TGFβ1-treated HTFs, targeted a cadre of mRNAs that encode proteins involved in fibrosis, including PI3Kp85α, Sp1, and collagen type I alpha1 (Col1A1). Treatment of HTFs with TGFβ1 activated the PI3K/Akt/Sp1 pathway and, consequently, induced an increase in the expression of type I collagen. Overexpression of miR-29b inhibited the PI3K/Akt/Sp1 pathway, and attenuated the expression of Col1A1. CONCLUSIONS. miR-29b acted as a suppressor of type I collagen gene by repressing the PI3K/Akt/Sp1 pathway in HTFs. Overexpression of miR-29b protected subconjunctival tissues against collagen production and fibrosis. These findings provided a novel rationale for the development of miRNA-based strategies for attenuating scar formation after glaucoma filtering surgery.

IntroductionA macular hole is a rare complication after high-voltage electrical shock injury and only a few cases have been reported to date. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral impending macular holes after high-voltage electrical shock.Case presentationWe report a case of bilateral impending macular holes in a 39-year-old male Chinese patient who sustained a high-voltage electrical shock three months prior to presentation. Our patient complained of gradually diminished eyesight in both eyes, with visual acuity of 20/100 and 20/40 in his right and left eyes respectively. Our patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy accompanied by octafluoropropane gas and triamcinolone acetonide injections, and was discharged from our hospital with slightly improved vision.ConclusionThe visual outcome of impending macular holes caused by high-voltage electrical shock may be poor despite tissue residue at the fovea and surgical intervention aimed at aiding macular recovery. Surgery is, however, effective in the short term in restoring normal anatomical macular structure.

The results suggest that the expression level of CA IV may be important to maintain retina function in RP.