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Oxidative Stress Markers and the Retinopathy of Prematurity
Alessandro Graziosi1,2, Marika Perrotta1,2, Daniele Russo1,2
1Neonatal Intensive Unit Care, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of preventable infant blindness. This review updates on biomarkers for early detection of oxidative stress, aiding ROP prevention in preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal ophthalmology
- Biomarker research
- Oxidative stress mechanisms
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) causes preventable blindness in preterm infants due to incomplete retinal vascularization and oxidative stress.
- An imbalance between pro-oxidants and anti-oxidants is implicated in ROP pathogenesis.
- Recent research focuses on identifying ROP antecedents and pathogenic mechanisms, including oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current biomarkers investigated for predicting Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP).
- To highlight the strengths and weaknesses of these potential ROP biomarkers.
- To provide an update on ROP biomarker research for early detection and prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating biomarkers for ROP prediction.
- Analysis of proposed criteria by regulatory bodies (FDA, EMA, NIH) for biomarker inclusion.
- Synthesis of current evidence on nutritional elements and oxidative stress in ROP.
Main Results:
- Several biomarkers are under investigation for early detection of oxidative stress in ROP.
- Nutritional elements show potential in ROP prevention strategies.
- No single biomarker has demonstrated conclusive superiority for ROP prediction yet.
Conclusions:
- Biomarker research is crucial for early ROP detection and prevention of infant blindness.
- Further research is needed to validate specific biomarkers for clinical use in ROP management.
- Standardized criteria are emerging for incorporating new biomarkers into clinical practice.
Abstract:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of potentially preventable blindness in low birth weight preterm infants. Several perinatal and postnatal factors contribute to the incomplete maturation of retinal vascularization, leading to oxidative stress damage. Literature data suggest that the lack of equilibrium between pro-oxidants and anti-oxidants plays a key role. In the last decade, there has been an increasing interest in identifying the antecedents of ROP and the relevant pathogenic mechanisms involved. In this context, a panel of biomarkers was investigated in order to achieve early detection of oxidative stress occurrence and to prevent retinal damage. Several nutritional elements have been found to play a relevant role in ROP prevention. At this stage, no conclusive data have been shown to support the usefulness of one biomarker over another. Recently, the Food and Drugs Administration, the European Medicine Agency, and the National Institute of Health proposed a series of criteria in order to promote the inclusion of new biomarkers in perinatal clinical guidelines and daily practice. The aim of the present review is to offer an update on a panel of biomarkers, currently investigated as potential predictors of ROP, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
