Epigenetics is a researching hot topic of worldwide now.Increasing evidence shows that the pathogenesis of human diseases is not only influenced by the abnormalities of genetic factors but also by epigenetic mechanisms.Recent technological advances in epigenomic profiling has led to further understanding of the role epigenetic factors played in development,inflammation,aging,immunity,angiogenesis,tumorigenesis,and stem cell biology.The researchers in ophthalmology should pay close attention to the current research of major epigenetic mechanisms and their involvement in human diseases,especially ocular diseases.Moreover,the potential application of epigenetic drugs in the treatment of common human diseases also should be understood.Finally,the challenges and future perspectives underlying epigenetic research are discussed in this editorial paper.

Epigenetics has become a hot topic in biomedical research in last a few years.Epigenetics refers to as epigenome,and it is interpreted as epigenetic changes (DNA methylation,histone modifications and non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs) in the regulation of genes expression on chromatin-based pathways rather than a single gene.Epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation,histone modification and miRNA serve as an interface for environmental stimuli and interacts each other to regulate gene expression and control phenotypes of cell.All of those epigenetic factors are essential in the keeping homeostasis of human body and contribute to many biologic conditions.In addition,the application of epigenetic drugs has been come into clinical trials especially in the treatment of cancers,therefore the understanding the mechanism of epigenetics in the development of human diseases and the therapeutic potential of epigenetic regulators in the treatment of human disease will bring us into the epigenetics era in biomedical research.

Abstract Objective To investigate the expression of interleukin 2 receptor alpha (IL-2Rα) in human retinal pigment epithelial cell (RPE) and the effect of IL-2 on RPE proliferation. Methods Passage 2 -4 human fetal RPE cells were used in the experiment. RT-PCR was performed with the specific primer for IL-2Rα. IL-2 binding was assayed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Immunofluorescent staining was applied to identify the receptor expression using anti-CD25. The effect of recombinant IL-2 on RPE cell proliferation was determined by3H uptake. Results RPE cells expressed IL-2Rα mRNA. The expression of IL-2 receptor α was also revealed by immunofluorescent staining and IL-2 binding. IL-2 induced cell proliferation at the higher concentrations of IL-2 ( P＜0.05 ). Conclusion Cultured human RPE cells express IL-2α receptor. Recombinant IL-2 enhances RPE cell proliferation.

Objective To investigate the differentiation of CD4+T helper cell in expressed prostatic secretions(EPS)in type Ⅲ prostatitis. Methods Seventy-six patients were studied,aged from 18 to 47(average 31.8).All patients presented with typical clinical symptoms for over 3 months.Cases were classified as type Ⅲ A(47 cases),type Ⅲ B(29 cases)and control group(16 cases)according to NIH classification system.Type Ⅲ A was also divided into group Ⅲ A1 with 26 cases(mild inflammation)and group Ⅲ A2 with 21 cases(severe inflammation).Th1 cytokine IFN-γ,Th2 cytokines IL-4 in EPS were detected by double antibody sandwich ELISA,and IFN-γ/IL-4 was determined.Results Compared with group control,IFN-γ in group Ⅲ A and Ⅲ B were significantly up regulated (134.78±43.67 pg/ml,109.82±30.09 pg/ml,P＜0.05),while IFN-γ level in group Ⅲ A was higher than in group Ⅲ B(P＜0.05).IL-4 in groupⅢ A was not changed(51.99±20.59 pg/ml,P＞0.05).IL-4 in group ⅢB was higher(76.40±17.99 pg/ml,P＜0.05).IFN-γ/IL-4 in group ⅢA was elevated significantly(2.94±1.12,P＜0.05),while IFN-γ/IL-4 in group ⅢB was not changed(1.49±0.48,P＞0.05).IFN-γ/IL-4 in group Ⅲ A2 was higher than in groupⅢA1 significantly(3.67±0.82vs 2.34±0.97,P＜0.05). Conclusions Th1 eell differentiation took the dominance in type Ⅲ A prostatitis.Th1/Th2 equilibrium was shifted to Th1.It is probably one of the pathogenies that Th1 dominant differentiation leads to local inflammation in prostate of type Ⅲ A prostatitis.

Objective To study the clinical efficacy and operative skill of multi-endoscopic technique in treatment of post-traumatic urethrostenosis in male patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was done on clinical data of 47 male patients with post-traumatic urethrostenosis treated with direct visional incision urethrotomy combined with transurethral resection of scar tissue and ureteroscopic incision.There were 29 patients with anterior urethral strictures and 18 with posterior urethral strictures.Results Of all,43 patients underwent successful endoscopic surgeries at the first time but one underwent secondary surgery because of unsuccessful endoscopic incision.These patients achieved satisfactory results without urinary incontinence,fistula or reoperation.The left three patients underwent open surgeries because of unsuccessful endoscopic incision,in which one patient could micturate at maximal flow rate of 9-12 ml/s,without therapeutic urethral dilation,one could micturate under regular therapeutic dilation and the other one could not micturate.Conclusions With the advantages of safety,high success rate and good long-term efficiency,multi-endoscopic technique can be used as an initial treatment for male patients with post-traumatic urethrostenosis and is worthy to be popularized.

Objective To assess the clinical value of intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) measured by transabdominal uhrasonography in judgement of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Methods According to pressure-flow study, 109 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia were di-vided into 3 groups (non-obstruction, equivocal obstruction and obstruction). IPP was measured by transabdominal ultrasonography in all patients. The difference of IPP between different groups was studied and the correlation between IPP and the parameters reflecting BPO was analyzed. Results IPP value of the non-obstruction group, equivocal obstruction group and obstruction group was 2.7 ±1.2 mm, 2.9±1.4 mm and 15.4±6.5 mm. There was significant difference in IPP between the non-obstruction group, equivocal obstruction group and obstruction group (P<0.01). IPP was correlated with the parameters including Pdet. Qbeg, Pdet. Qmax, Pdet. Qend, Qmax and A-G number, Spearman's ratio was 0. 628, 0. 714, 0. 591, -0. 450 and 0. 729(P<0.01), respectively. The sensi-tivity and specificity of judging BPO were 89.9% and 97.5% if the cut-off was IPP≥10 mm. Con-clasion IPP measured by transabdominal ultrasonography could be a convenient and accurate method in diagnosis of BPO.

Objective To explore the monitoring methods for pancreatic graft function after upper abdominal cluster transplantation.Methods Analysis of the clinical data of 5 cases of successful upper abdominal(cluster) transplantation in our center.Results The patients recovered well after the operation.Endocrine and exocrine functions of all the pancreas graft returned to normal without any rejection.Conclusions Dynamic monitoring of blood glucose,C-peptide,blood insulin,blood amylase,urine amylase,amylase in abdominal drainage and duodenal tube decompression drainage,in addition to Doppler color ultrasound examination,can effectively detect the endocrine and exocrine function of the pancreas graft.

Objective To analyze the surgical procedure and effect of living-related small bowel transplantation(LR-SBTx) on intestinal function failure caused by short bowel syndrome.Methods A boy, 15 years of age with short gut syndrome, who had only 8 cm of residual small intestine, associated with serious malnutrition and poor D-xylase absorption test (0.226/5h). The donor was the boy's mother. They had a match of 4 loci in HLA. In the first stage of the surgical procedure, 120 cm of ileum from the patient′s mother was transplanted into the recipient. Both ends of the transplanted intestine were exteriorized as stomas on the patient′s abdominal wall. The second stage of reconstruction of the intestine was carried out 6 months after his first operation. The residual small bowel of the recipient was transected, and both of its ends were respectively anastomosed end-to-side to the proximal and distal segments of the graft. The stomas of the graft were left in place. Results The donor and recipient operation went on smoothly. Acute rejection and infection of CMV developed postoperatively and were cured after treatment. The patient was followed-up for 8 months, the graft function recovered gradually postoperatively with increase of body weight. He can ingest a semifluid diet and take care of himself independently. Conclusions LR-SBTx is an effective way to treat short bowel syndrome. The reconstruction of the intestine in two stages for LR-SBTx decreased the risk of complications. Rejection and infection are important risk factors of LR-SBTx.

Objective To investigate the methods and effectiveness of heterotopic reconstruetion of hepatic artery in orthotopic liver transplantation. Methods The methods of heterotopic hepatic artery reconstruction and postoperative management of 36 cases of recipient vascular anomalies among 440 cases of liver transplantation performed in our hospital over a ten year period,were retospectively analysed. Results In 10 of 36 recipients the donor hepatic artery was anastomosed to recipient infrarenal aorta ,10 to the suprarenal aorta ,4 to the left gastric artery and 2 to the splenic artery. Five patients died perioperatively with patency of hepatic artery, and 31 recipients have survived for 3 to 48 months without hepatic artery complications; 1 patient had to receive liver retransplantation because of ischemic necrosis of bile duct. Conclusions In cases of disease or anomaly of recipient hepatic artery during liver transplantation,the heterotopic reconstruction of donor hepatic artery to the infarenal or suprarenal aorta,splenic artery or left gastric artery of the reeipient is indicated,and the results are satisfactory.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-α ( HIF-1α) is a regulatory protein in human body, which is closely related to the occurrence and development of cervical cancer. HIF-1α is an important factor affecting the radiosensitivity of cervical cancer. Many genes and proteins are involved in the regulation of radiosensitivity by HIF-1α. These genes and proteins are directly or indirectly affecting the efficacy of radiotherapy for cervical cancer. A lot of research is under way. This review summarizes the recent advances in genes and proteins associated with HIF-1α affecting radiosensitivity in cervical cancer.