Similarly, the PCNA staining confirms these findings by being significantly more expressed in the blue light treated group when compared to controls. A question that one may raise is TPCA-1 nmr whether or not the changes secondary to blue-light exposure are permanent. We have reasons to believe that they are. The fact that even the CMCs from the experimental group presented with higher proliferation rates is further evidence that the changes induced by blue light exposure are not transient. Whatever molecular changes were induced, the secondary generations of

those cells still buy C188-9 exhibited a higher proliferation profile, even after being in circulation and away from a blue light source. The number of eyes that developed tumors, primary tumor size and number of metastasis were not statistically different between groups. We believe that the difference in proliferation rate was not significant enough to cause measurable differences in tumor size during the time period of the study. Another important

question to be answered is whether blue light can induce malignant transformation of a normal melanocyte. The main barrier to get this answer is the scarcity of I BET 762 established cell lines of normal uveal melanocytes. Even if development and availability of such cell lines were adequate, there would likely be numerous changes in gene expression profiles after successive passages and immortalisation, rendering any conclusions drawn from such a comparison incomplete. However, there are a number of epidemiological studies on pediatric literature showing clinical evidence that blue light can indeed affect normal melanocytes. Neonates exposed to blue light phototherapy as a treatment for jaundice present with a larger number of dysplastic cutaneous nevi later in life [23]. Nevi count Adenosine tends to be higher and the average nevus size is also larger in the

exposed group compared to controls [24]. Considering that dysplastic nevus is the most important predisposing lesion for cutaneous melanoma, this is strong evidence that blue-light can induce the transformation of a normal melanocyte into a pre-malignant lesion. The human crystalline lens offers natural protection by filtering UV and blue light. As an individual ages, the ability of the lens to naturally filter out blue light increases significantly [4, 25]. In patients that undergo cataract surgery, the protection provided by the naturally yellowing crystalline lens is lost. Despite all the controversy about the use of blue light filtering lenses in humans, there is compelling evidence that visible blue light is potentially hazardous. Considering the projections for increases in life expectancy, patients are expected to live several years after cataract surgery and secondary lens implantation.