Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Model for Ischemic Retinal Diseases in Rodents
09:28

Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Model for Ischemic Retinal Diseases in Rodents

Published on: September 16, 2020

9.4K

Prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity: VEGF inhibition without VEGF inhibitors

Michael W Gaynon1, Ronald J Wong2, David K Stevenson2

  • 1Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA. gaynon@stanford.edu.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|July 27, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Modifying systemic factors like oxygen, anemia, and light exposure may reduce the risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants. These adjustments aim to normalize retinal vascular growth and lower VEGF levels, preventing severe ROP.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal ophthalmology
  • Perinatal medicine
  • Vascular biology

Background:

  • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in preterm infants.
  • Type 1 ROP is characterized by abnormal retinal vascularization and elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
  • Systemic factors can influence the development and severity of ROP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate methods for reducing the risk of treatment-warranted Type 1 ROP in preterm infants.
  • To explore the impact of modifying systemic factors on retinal vascular maturation.
  • To assess the potential of lowering intraocular VEGF levels through systemic interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study of preterm infants with prethreshold stage 2-3 ROP without plus disease.
  • Implementation of a management strategy including supplemental oxygen, correction of severe anemia, and light adaptation.
  • Monitoring of ROP severity and retinal vascularization patterns.

Main Results:

  • The combined intervention strategy reduced ROP severity.
  • A return to a more physiologic retinal vascular maturation pattern was observed.
  • These adjustments potentially lowered pathologically elevated intraocular VEGF levels.

Conclusions:

  • Modifying systemic factors presents a viable approach to reduce the risk of Type 1 ROP.
  • Interventions targeting oxygenation, anemia, and light exposure can promote healthier retinal vascular development.
  • Reducing retinal hypoxia may be key to managing ROP by modulating VEGF levels.

More Related Videos

Tear-Derived Exosomal miR-15a as New Diagnostic Tool for Diabetic Retinopathy07:45

Tear-Derived Exosomal miR-15a as New Diagnostic Tool for Diabetic Retinopathy

Published on: December 30, 2025

421
Fluorescence-based Neuraminidase Inhibition Assay to Assess the Susceptibility of Influenza Viruses to The Neuraminidase Inhibitor Class of Antivirals09:31

Fluorescence-based Neuraminidase Inhibition Assay to Assess the Susceptibility of Influenza Viruses to The Neuraminidase Inhibitor Class of Antivirals

Published on: April 15, 2017

19.1K

Related Concept Videos

Eukaryotic Transcription Inhibitors01:52

Eukaryotic Transcription Inhibitors

Certain biochemical processes, such as embryonic development and cell growth regulation, depend on the repression of specific genes. DNA binding proteins known as eukaryotic transcription inhibitors regulate the repression of gene expression in eukaryotes. The presence of these inhibitors at the required location and time in the cell is triggered by the presence of hormones and additional signals from other cells.
Eukaryotic transcription inhibitors usually contain two distinct domains, a...
11.0K
Feedback Inhibition00:46

Feedback Inhibition

Biochemical reactions are occurring constantly in cells, converting starting substances to different products, usually with the help of enzymes that speed the reactions. Without enzymes, it would take far too long for most reactions to occur to be useful to the cell!
57.2K
Enzyme Inhibition01:30

Enzyme Inhibition

Inhibitors are molecules that reduce enzyme activity by binding to the enzyme. In a normally functioning cell, enzymes are regulated by a variety of inhibitors. Drugs and other toxins can also inhibit enzymes. Some inhibitors bind to the enzyme’s active site, while others inhibit enzymatic activity by binding to other sites on the protein structure.
92.6K
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
6.0K
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors01:23

Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) is a serine protease widely distributed in the body. It's involved in the inactivation of GLP-1 and GIP hormones, which are crucial for insulin regulation. DPP-4 inhibitors, such as sitagliptin (Januvia), saxagliptin (Onglyza), linagliptin (Tradjenta), alogliptin (Nesina), and vildagliptin (Galvus), help increase the proportion of active GLP-1, enhancing insulin secretion. These inhibitors work by competitively binding to DPP-4. This binding causes a...
686
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors01:25

Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is an intricate physiological pathway involving numerous enzymes and hormones, including renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin I and II, and aldosterone. Imbalances within this system increase the production of angiotensin II and aldosterone. Increased angiotensin II levels promote vasoconstriction and blood pressure elevation. Concurrently, higher aldosterone levels stimulate sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys,...
1.5K