The role of ultraviolet radiation in the pathogenesis of pterygia (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Wei‑Ping Zhou
    • Yuan‑Fang Zhu
    • Bei Zhang
    • Wen‑Ya Qiu
    • Yu‑Feng Yao
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: May 9, 2016     https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2016.5223
  • Pages: 3-15
Metrics: Total Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )


Abstract

Pterygium is a common ophthalmic disease affecting humans only. Extensive epidemiological data have demonstrated a causative effect of chronic ultraviolet (UV) radiation on pterygia. Progress has been made in determining the origin of pterygia, their nasal predilection and wing‑shaped appearance, and the roles of UV radiation in the initiation and the development of pterygia. In the present review, the current understanding of the involvement of UV radiation in the pathogenesis of pterygia is summarized. This involvement includes the alteration of limbal stem cells and fibroblasts that contribute to the initiation of pterygia and the induction of various pro‑inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and matrix metalloproteinases that promote the progression of pterygia. Further elucidation of the roles of UV radiation in the pathogenesis of pterygia may help to encourage individuals at risk of developing pterygia to take preventive measures and aid researchers in the development of novel targeted therapeutic agents to treat pterygia.
View Figures
View References

Related Articles

Journal Cover

July-2016
Volume 14 Issue 1

Print ISSN: 1791-2997
Online ISSN:1791-3004

Sign up for eToc alerts

Recommend to Library

Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Zhou WP, Zhu YF, Zhang B, Qiu WY and Yao YF: The role of ultraviolet radiation in the pathogenesis of pterygia (Review). Mol Med Rep 14: 3-15, 2016
APA
Zhou, W., Zhu, Y., Zhang, B., Qiu, W., & Yao, Y. (2016). The role of ultraviolet radiation in the pathogenesis of pterygia (Review). Molecular Medicine Reports, 14, 3-15. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2016.5223
MLA
Zhou, W., Zhu, Y., Zhang, B., Qiu, W., Yao, Y."The role of ultraviolet radiation in the pathogenesis of pterygia (Review)". Molecular Medicine Reports 14.1 (2016): 3-15.
Chicago
Zhou, W., Zhu, Y., Zhang, B., Qiu, W., Yao, Y."The role of ultraviolet radiation in the pathogenesis of pterygia (Review)". Molecular Medicine Reports 14, no. 1 (2016): 3-15. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2016.5223