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Published on: November 12, 2017
Tear Proteomics in Infants at Risk of Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Feasibility Study
Chloe Shipton1, Julie Aitken2, Samuel Atkinson3
1Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
Insights
Collecting and analyzing tear proteins from premature infants is feasible using Schirmer test strips and mass spectrometry. This research may lead to new biomarkers for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Proteomics
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant concern in preterm infants.
- Identifying non-invasive biomarkers for ROP is crucial for early detection and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of collecting and analyzing tear proteins in preterm infants at risk for ROP.
- To explore potential tear protein biomarkers implicated in ROP pathophysiology and prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Tear samples were collected from preterm infants using Schirmer test strips.
- Proteomic analysis was performed using mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- Tear protein analysis was feasible in 12 preterm infants.
- Seven hundred one proteins were identified, with 261 common to most samples.
- Increased lactate dehydrogenase B chain correlated with ROP risk (G-ROP criteria).
- Immunoglobulin complexes increased with infant age; similar proteomes were observed in twins.
Conclusions:
- Tear sampling and proteomic analysis are feasible in preterm infants.
- Further research is needed to validate tear proteomics for identifying ROP.
Purpose:
This feasibility study investigated the practicability of collecting and analyzing tear proteins from preterm infants at risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). We sought to identify any tear proteins which might be implicated in the pathophysiology of ROP as well as prognostic markers.
Methods:
Schirmer's test was used to obtain tear samples from premature babies, scheduled for ROP screening, after parental informed consent. Mass spectrometry was used for proteomic analysis.
Results:
Samples were collected from 12 infants, which were all adequate for protein analysis. Gestational age ranged from 25 + 6 to 31 + 1 weeks. Postnatal age at sampling ranged from 19 to 66 days. One infant developed self-limiting ROP. Seven hundred one proteins were identified; 261 proteins identified in the majority of tear samples, including several common tear proteins, were used for analyses. Increased risk of ROP as determined by the postnatal growth ROP (G-ROP) criteria was associated with an increase in lactate dehydrogenase B chain in tears. Older infants demonstrated increased concentration of immunoglobulin complexes within their tear samples and two sets of twins in the cohort showed exceptionally similar proteomes, supporting validity of the analysis.
Conclusions:
Tear sampling by Schirmer test strips and subsequent proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry in preterm infants is feasible. A larger study is required to investigate the potential use of tear proteomics in identification of ROP.
Translational Relevance:
Tear sampling and subsequent mass spectrometry in preterm infants is feasible. Investigation of the premature tear proteome may increase our understanding of retinal development and provide noninvasive biomarkers for identification of treatment-warranted ROP.
