AIM: To investigate the influence and mechanism of blue light on the proliferation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

METHODS: Cells were divided into two groups, including blue light group and control group. The 35W white light lamp with blue filter was used to establish damaged RPE cell model in vitro. Blue ray wavelength ranged between 470nm and 520nm. And the light intensity was about 2 000Lx. After exposure to blue light, we tested the proliferation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells by CCK-8 kit. And then expression of miR-103 was measured by the real-time PCR.

RESULTS: Exposure to blue light inhibited the proliferation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells and increased the expression of miR-103. Moreover, up-regulation of miR-103 inhibited the proliferation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells, and down-regulates miR-103 promoted the proliferation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

CONCLUSION: Blue light inhibits the proliferation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells by the up-regulation of miR-103.