Increased circulation mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells in preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a result of increased pathological neoangiogenesis of the retina in preterm infants. Cells responsible for the pathogenesis of ROP are unclear, but some evidence indicates that bone marrow derived cells are involved in this disorder. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), play a role in angiogenesis in response to tissue ischemia or endothelial damage. In this study, the number of cEPCs in preterm infants with ROP was determined to identify whether the circulation mobilization of EPCs is associated with ROP. We evaluated 99 participants in this study: 22 preterm infants with ROP, 35 preterm infants without ROP, and 42 full-term infants. The release of EPCs in the circulation was first quantified. Thereafter, cEPCs were harvested and cultivated, then the biological features of these cells including migratory, proliferative, and tubulogenic activities were analyzed. The mRNA levels of some proangiogenic factors were also measured in preterm infants. Our results showed greater numbers of cEPCs in infants with ROP, which was associated with increased serum concentrations of angiogenic factors and with augmented proliferative, migratory, and tubulogenic activity of these cells. Western blotting showed increased protein levels of VEGF and HIF-α in cEPCs harvested from ROP infants. This study showed that ROP in preterm infants is associated with increased mobilization of EPCs into the circulation. Therefore, increased cEPCs along with elevated levels of angiogenic factors and tubulogenesis suggest that these cells may play a role in the development and progression of ROP.

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“…According to IC 50 values with 95% CI in different groups, ELISA analysis was performed to analyze Bax and Bcl2 protein expression and the absorption of the standards and samples at a wavelength of 470 nm. Also, for each group, western blot analysis was performed for the evaluation of DRD1-DRD5 protein expression 21 , 22 .…”

Increased circulation mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells in preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity

“…We would like to thank you for the opportunity to respond to a letter written by some authors regarding our recently published article entitled "Increased circulation mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells in preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity." 1 First, we thank the authors for their inputs on our manuscript. Actually, the information requested by the authors is provided in our paper.…”

Endothelial progenitor cells in preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity

“…However, the results are inconclusive suggesting that further research is needed to unravel the mechanisms involved in alterations of EPCs in preterm birth and to identify potential new treatment modalities to restore their function. 1,2 We read with interest the recent report by Babaei et al, 3 which suggests that increased circulating levels of endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs) may be associated with higher risk of ROP in preterm infants. 3 In this study, the authors evaluated the concentration of cEPCs and thoroughly analyzed the biological features of these cells, including secretion of angiogenic factors, proliferation, migration, and tubulogenesis activities.…”

“…If the results of Babaei et al 3 are to be applicable in future research, it is important to associate them with the age of the study population at the time of the blood sample collection so as to attempt associations and draw sensible conclusions.…”