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Updated: May 16, 2026
Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
Published on: April 2, 2021
[Pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity]
A Stahl1, W A Lagrèze, H T Agostini
1Universitäts-Augenklinik Freiburg, Kilianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland. andreas.stahl@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a complex disease influenced by birth factors and postnatal care. Understanding angiogenic growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is key for ROP treatment and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Developmental Biology
Context:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness.
- ROP pathogenesis involves complex interactions between prematurity factors and postnatal care.
- Current treatments, including anti-VEGF therapy, highlight the critical role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Purpose:
- To discuss the multifactorial pathogenesis of Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
- To explore the role of angiogenic growth factors, particularly VEGF and IGF-1, in ROP.
- To examine clinical factors like postnatal weight gain for ROP screening and severity prediction.
Summary:
- Gestational age, birth weight, oxygen exposure, and weight gain are key factors in ROP.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a central pathogenetic role, targeted by current therapies.
- Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) may precede VEGF upregulation, offering potential for earlier intervention.
Impact:
- Provides a clinical context for understanding ROP pathogenesis.
- Highlights VEGF as a therapeutic target and discusses upstream factors like IGF-1.
- Suggests postnatal weight gain as a potential screening and severity prediction parameter for ROP.
Abstract:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a complex disease with a multifactorial pathogenetic cascade that is still only partially understood. Important pathogenetic factors are gestational age at birth and birth weight. Potent postnatal factors are exposure to supplemental oxygen, slow weight gain and expression of angiogenic growth factors. Some of these crucial aspects of ROP pathogenesis will be discussed in this article and put into clinical context. With the introduction of intravitreal anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) treatment into ROP therapy, the pathomechanistic role of VEGF in ROP deserves a special focus. Apart from VEGF, other factors will be discussed that may precede VEGF upregulation and thus may represent targets for an earlier and potentially protective intervention. Among these insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) appears to be most prominent. Finally, factors such as postnatal weight gain will be discussed in light of their potential role as screening parameters and their ability to predict ROP severity.
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