Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
Published on: April 2, 2021
Proliferative retinopathy is associated with impaired increase in BDNF and RANTES expression levels after preterm
Gunnel Hellgren1, Keirnan Willett, Eva Engstrom
1Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. gunnel.hellgren @ vgregion.se
Insights
Cytokine markers like BDNF and RANTES may predict retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) risk in preterm infants. Lower levels of these markers in early life indicate a higher risk for developing ROP later.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant complication of extremely preterm birth.
- ROP can lead to vision impairment and blindness due to abnormal retinal blood vessel growth.
- Early identification of risk factors is crucial for preventing ROP progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify cytokine biomarkers in early life for predicting ROP risk.
- To establish predictive markers for the development of retinopathy of prematurity.
Main Methods:
- Serum cytokine levels (27 analytes) were measured in preterm infants (gestational weeks 23-30) using multiplex immunoassay.
- Comparison of cytokine profiles between infants who developed proliferative ROP and those who did not.
- Analysis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA in mouse retinas under hyperoxia using quantitative real-time PCR.
Main Results:
- Infants who did not develop ROP had higher IL-5 levels at birth.
- Lower serum levels of BDNF and RANTES were observed 10-14 days after birth in infants who later developed proliferative ROP.
- Significantly lower BDNF mRNA expression was found in mouse retinas exposed to hyperoxia.
Conclusions:
- BDNF and RANTES show potential as predictive biomarkers for ROP development in preterm infants.
- These findings suggest a role for BDNF and RANTES in the pathogenesis of ROP.
- Further research may lead to novel strategies for ROP prevention and treatment.
Background:
Extremely preterm delivery is, amongst other complications, associated with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Untreated, ROP can progress to visual impairment and blindness due to an overgrowth of new vessels in the retina and vitreous cavity.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to identify cytokine markers within the first weeks of life that could be used to predict the risk for development of ROP later in life.
Methods:
Serum levels of 27 different cytokines in infants born at gestational weeks 23-30 were analyzed using a multiplex immunoassay method and compared between infants who did not develop ROP and infants who later developed proliferative ROP. In addition, mRNA levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in retinas from mice exposed to hyperoxia were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR.
Results:
At birth, serum levels of IL-5 were higher in infants with no ROP compared to infants with proliferative ROP. 10-14 days after birth, serum levels of BDNF and RANTES were lower in infants who later developed proliferative ROP compared to infants who did not develop ROP. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels of BDNF in retinas from mice exposed to hyperoxia were significantly lower at postnatal day 15 compared to retinas from mice in room air.
Conclusions:
These results indicate that BDNF and RANTES may be important factors in the selective vulnerability of ROP development in preterm infants.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
01:07Teratogenicity