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Updated: May 22, 2025
Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
Published on: April 2, 2021
[Advances in pharmacological research for retinopathy of prematurity]
Yanxi Xie1, Suilian Zheng2, Hui Yang3
1Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China. 1374199290@qq.com.
Abstract:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative retinal vascular disease that threatens the vision of premature infants. Various novel drugs have demonstrated therapeutic potential for ROP by targeting signaling pathways associated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [such as PI3K/AKT, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α/VEGF], oxidative stress, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and Notch pathways. Propranolol, insulin-like growth factor-1, and celecoxib attenuate pathological neovascularization via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Tripterine and melatonin inhibit retinal neovascularization by modulating the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling axis. Adiponectin mitigates the damage caused by oxidative stress and preserves endothelial function by enhancing endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids suppress TNF-α-mediated inflammatory responses, modulate retinal development and angiogenesis, and reduce retinal neovascular lesions. DAPT, a γ-secretase inhibitor, blocks Notch signaling to suppress abnormal vascular proliferation. These agents exhibit synergistic multi-pathway anti-angiogenic effects in preclinical models and early-phase clinical trials, offering critical insights for advancing drug development and clinical translation in ROP management.
Insights
Novel drugs targeting multiple pathways show promise for treating retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants. These therapies aim to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and preserve vision by modulating key signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a serious vision-threatening condition in premature infants.
- ROP involves abnormal retinal blood vessel proliferation, driven by complex signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel therapeutic agents targeting various signaling pathways for ROP management.
- To highlight the potential of these drugs in preclinical models and early clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of drugs targeting VEGF, PI3K/AKT, HIF-1α, oxidative stress, TNF-α, and Notch pathways in ROP.
- Analysis of preclinical and early clinical data on drug efficacy.
Main Results:
- Several agents like propranolol, tripterine, adiponectin, omega-3 fatty acids, and DAPT demonstrate anti-angiogenic effects.
- These drugs modulate specific pathways, including PI3K/AKT, HIF-1α/VEGF, oxidative stress, TNF-α, and Notch.
- Synergistic multi-pathway effects observed in ROP models.
Conclusions:
- Novel drugs targeting multiple pathways offer significant therapeutic potential for ROP.
- Further drug development and clinical translation are crucial for advancing ROP management.
