High-Color-Temperature Lighting Is Associated With Activation of MAPK/ERK-nNOS Signaling and MMP-2-Related Pathways...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Molecular Biology
• Light and Vision Science

Background:

• Artificial lighting's impact on eye health is a growing concern.
• Understanding early molecular responses to light spectrum is crucial for myopia prevention.
• Different correlated color temperatures (CCTs) may differentially affect ocular physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of varying CCTs on ocular structure.
• To examine myopia-related molecular signaling pathways before axial elongation.
• To utilize a murine model for assessing pre-structural changes in myopia development.

Main Methods:

• Mice were exposed to different CCTs (3000K, 4000K, 6000K) for 21 days.
• Histological analyses assessed ocular structures (cornea, retina, sclera).
• Western blotting and immunohistochemistry evaluated myopia-related molecular markers (p-ERK1/2, nNOS, MMP-2, TNF-α, IL-6, Iba-1).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in systemic growth, axial length, or ocular structural integrity were observed across CCT groups.
• Exposure to 6000K lighting significantly increased expression of p-ERK1/2, nNOS, MMP-2, TNF-α, and IL-6.
• Elevated Iba-1 immunoreactivity was noted in retinal tissues under 6000K lighting.

Conclusions:

• High-CCT lighting induces molecular alterations related to myopia without causing structural changes.
• These findings indicate pre-structural molecular responses to spectral light environments.
• CCT influences myopia-relevant pathways prior to overt ocular remodeling.