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Sabanci S, Kucuk MF, Savas HB, Suren E, Erol MK, Yavuz A, Sipahioglu H. Can Serum Biomarker Values from Second-Trimester Aneuploidy Screening Predict the development of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Premature Infants? BEYOGLU EYE JOURNAL 2024; 9:95-100. [PMID: 38854900 PMCID: PMC11156475 DOI: 10.14744/bej.2024.81598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to evaluate serum biomarker values measured during second-trimester aneuploidy screening in terms of their predictive ability for the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants. Methods This retrospective cohort study evaluated the data of 1985 idiopathic premature infants who underwent ROP screening from 2016 to 2022. The infants were divided into two groups according to the presence of ROP, and those with ROP were further evaluated in two subgroups based on the presence of proliferation. Comparisons were made concerning the serum multiple of the median values of unconjugated estriol (uE3), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) among aneuploidy screening biomarkers. Results While 1628 premature infants were in the non-ROP group, 357 were in the ROP group. Of the infants with ROP, 72 were in the proliferative ROP group and 285 in the non-proliferative ROP group. There was no significant difference in the multiple of the median values of the evaluated serum biomarkers (uE3, hCG, and AFP) between the ROP and non-ROP groups or between the proliferative ROP, non-proliferative ROP, and non-ROP groups. Conclusion The multiple of the median values of second-trimester aneuploidy screening serum biomarkers were not able to predict the development of ROP in premature infants. This result may have been caused by the fact that the blood tests were taken only once and in the same weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senol Sabanci
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Mehmet Fatih Kucuk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Hasan Basri Savas
- Department of Biochemistry, Mardin Artuklu University, Medical Faculty, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Elcin Suren
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Muhammet Kazim Erol
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - And Yavuz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Haydar Sipahioglu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Ministry of Health Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Alanya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye
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Küçük MF, Savaş HB, Suren E, Erol M, Yaprak L, Sabanci S. Is There a Relationship Between First-Trimester Aneuploidy Screening Serum Biomarker Values and Nuchal Translucency Measurements and the Development of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in Premature Infants? Cureus 2023; 15:e46969. [PMID: 37841996 PMCID: PMC10572682 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study is the evaluation of serum biomarker and nuchal translucency (NT) values measured during first-trimester aneuploidy screening in terms of the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants and investigation of whether the development of ROP is associated with these parameters. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, 3,750 premature infants who underwent ROP screening from 2016 to 2021 were identified from the hospital medical record system. Among 2,130 premature babies screened for first-trimester aneuploidy, 166 babies whose mothers had single pregnancies were screened by the same method and showed the same clinical course in both eyes were included in the study. The infants were divided into two groups according to the presence of ROP, and those with ROP were further evaluated in two groups according to the presence of proliferation. The groups were compared in terms of the serum values of human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, among aneuploidy screening biomarkers, and NT measurements. Results There was no significant difference in the evaluated serum biomarker values and NT measurements between the ROP and non-ROP groups or between the proliferative ROP, non-proliferative ROP, and non-ROP groups. Conclusion Our results showed that first-trimester aneuploidy screening serum biomarker values and NT measurements were not associated with the development of ROP in premature infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Fatih Küçük
- Ophthalmology, Health Sciences University, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, TUR
| | - Hasan Basri Savaş
- Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mardin Artuklu University, Mardin, TUR
| | - Elcin Suren
- Ophthalmology, Health Sciences University, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, TUR
| | - Muhammet Erol
- Ophthalmology, Health Sciences University, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, TUR
| | - Lütfiye Yaprak
- Ophthalmology, Health Sciences University, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, TUR
| | - Senol Sabanci
- Ophthalmology, Antalya Education and Research Hospital, Antalya, TUR
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Wu J, Tan L, Ning Y, Yuan W, Lee Z, Ma F, Wang E, Zhuo Y. Characteristics of retinal image associated with premature ovarian insufficiency: a case- control study. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:146. [PMID: 37488629 PMCID: PMC10367310 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01231-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To establish an early clinical diagnosis model based on the retinal vascular features associated with POI, supplying a non-invasive way for accurately and early predicted the risk of POI. METHODS A total of 78 women with spontaneous POI and 48 healthy women were recruited from the Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital in the study. Retinal characteristics were analyzed using an automated retinal image analysis system. Binary logistic regression was used to identify POI cases and develop predictive models. RESULTS Compared to the normal group, the POI group had larger central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) (P = 0.006), central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) (P = 0.001), index of venules asymmetry (Vasym) (P = 0.000); larger bifurcation angles of arterioles (Aangle) (P = 0.001), bifurcation coefficient of venule (BCV) (P = 0.001) and more obvious arteriovenous nipping (Nipping) (P = 0.005), but lower arteriole-to-venule ratio (AVR) (P = 0.012). In the POI group, the odds ratio (OR) of Vasym was 6.72e-32 (95% C.I. 4.62e-49-9.79e-15, P = 0.000), the OR of BCV was 5.66e-20 (95% C.I. 1.93e-34-.0000, P = 5.66e-20) and the OR of Nipping was 6.65e-06 (95% C.I. 6.33e-10-.0698, P = 0.012). Moreover, the area under the ROC curve for the binary logistic regression with retinal characteristics was 0.8582, and the fitting degree of regression models was 60.48% (Prob > chi-square = 0.6048). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that retinal image analysis can provide useful information for POI identification and certain characteristics may help with early clinical diagnosis of POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaman Wu
- Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Liya Tan
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Ning
- Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Weiqu Yuan
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Zuowei Lee
- Division of Biostatistics, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Clinical Trials and Biostatistics Lab, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fei Ma
- Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Erfeng Wang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhuo
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
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Lund M, Pearson AC, Sage MAG, Duffy DM. Luteinizing hormone receptor promotes angiogenesis in ovarian endothelial cells of Macaca fascicularis and Homo sapiens†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:258-268. [PMID: 36214501 PMCID: PMC9930396 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis within the ovarian follicle is an important component of ovulation. New capillary growth is initiated by the ovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), and angiogenesis is well underway at the time of follicle rupture. LH-stimulated follicular production of vascular growth factors has been shown to promote new capillary formation in the ovulatory follicle. The possibility that LH acts directly on ovarian endothelial cells to promote ovulatory angiogenesis has not been addressed. For these studies, ovaries containing ovulatory follicles were obtained from cynomolgus macaques and used for histological examination of ovarian vascular endothelial cells, and monkey ovarian microvascular endothelial cells (mOMECs) were enriched from ovulatory follicles for in vitro studies. mOMECs expressed LHCGR mRNA and protein, and immunostaining confirmed LHCGR protein in endothelial cells of ovulatory follicles in vivo. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a ligand for LHCGR, increased mOMEC proliferation, migration and capillary-like sprout formation in vitro. Treatment of mOMECs with hCG increased cAMP, a common intracellular signal generated by LHCGR activation. The cAMP analog dibutyryl cAMP increased mOMEC proliferation in the absence of hCG. Both the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 and the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122 blocked hCG-stimulated mOMEC proliferation, suggesting that multiple G-proteins may mediate LHCGR action. Human ovarian microvascular endothelial cells (hOMECs) enriched from ovarian aspirates obtained from healthy oocyte donors also expressed LHCGR. hOMECs also migrated and proliferated in response to hCG. Overall, these findings indicate that the LH surge may directly activate ovarian endothelial cells to stimulate angiogenesis of the ovulatory follicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merete Lund
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Andrew C Pearson
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Megan A G Sage
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Diane M Duffy
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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Yao Y, Xie W, Chen D, Han Y, Yuan Z, Zhang H, Weng Q. Seasonal expressions of VEGF and its receptors VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 in the prostate of the wild ground squirrels (<em>Spermophilus dauricus</em>). Eur J Histochem 2021; 65. [PMID: 33764018 PMCID: PMC8033528 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2021.3219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
As a vital male accessory reproductive gonad, the prostate requires vascular endothelial growth factors for promoting its growth and development. In this study, we investigated the localizations and expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors including VEGF-receptor1 (VEFGR1) and VEGF-receptor2 (VEGFR2) in the prostate of the wild ground squirrels during the breeding and the non-breeding seasons. The values of total prostate weight and volume in the breeding season were higher than those in the non-breeding season. Histological observations showed that the exocrine lumens of the prostate expanded in the breeding season and contracted in the non-breeding season. The mRNA expression levels of VEGF and VEGFR2 in the prostate were higher in the breeding season than those in the non-breeding season, but the mRNA expression level of VEGFR1 had no significant change between the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Immunohistochemical results revealed that VEGF, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 were presented in epithelial and stromal cells during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. In addition, the microvessels of the prostate were widely distributed and the number of microvessels increased obviously in the breeding season, while decreased sharply in the non-breeding season. These results suggested that expression levels of VEGF and VEGFR2 might be correlated with seasonal changes in morphology and functions of the prostate, and VEGF might serve as pivotal regulators to affect seasonal changes in the prostate functions of the wild male ground squirrels via an autocrine/paracrine pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Yao
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Wenqian Xie
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Di Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Yingying Han
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing.
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Assessment of the retinal and choroidal microvascularization in polycystic ovary syndrome: an optical coherence tomography angiography study. Int Ophthalmol 2021; 41:2339-2346. [PMID: 33728491 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-01787-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the retinal, peripapillary, choroidal microvascularization and the choroid thickness (CT) of the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and compare the results to measurements obtained from healthy controls. METHODS In total, 47 eyes of 47 patients recently diagnosed with PCOS and 47 eyes of 47 age-matched healthy women were included in this study. An RT XR Avanti instrument with AngioVue software was used for the OCT-A imaging using 6 × 6 mm macular and 4.5 × 4.5 mm optic nerve head scans. Quantitative vessel density results of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC); flow area and flow density of choriocapillaris; and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area were analyzed. CT was evaluated by using the measurements obtained from the subfoveolar area. RESULTS No significant differences were detected between the groups for any of vessel density results for the SCP, DCP, and RPC as well as the FAZ area. The difference in the choriocapillaris flow area and flow density between the groups was not statistically significant. The choroid was significantly thicker in women with PCOS than in the healthy group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Retinal and choroidal microvascularization was comparable between the women who were evaluated early after diagnosed with PCOS and age-matched healthy controls. Choroid was found thicker in patients with PCOS than in healthy women. OCT-A, as a new and noninvasive imaging method, may help in understanding the effect of PCOS on the posterior segment of the eye.
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Sun Q, Jing Y, Zhang B, Gu T, Meng R, Sun J, Zhu D, Wang Y. The Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy in a Chinese Population: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Diabetes Res 2021; 2021:5340453. [PMID: 33575359 PMCID: PMC7861953 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5340453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Epidemiological data on diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Chinese population is still rather scarce, and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy are inconsistent because of study designs, grading standards, and population samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS This hospital-based retrospective study included 1052 type 2 diabetes patients. Diabetic retinopathy was diagnosed by nonmydriatic fundus photography and/or fundus examination apparatus. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk of diabetic retinopathy. RESULTS A total of 352 (33.5% prevalence) subjects were diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy based on our population. The patients in the DR group not only had significantly higher hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), urinary microalbumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), and systolic blood pressure but also had higher follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels compared to those in the non-DR group. Moreover, we confirmed that diabetes duration and HbA1c are strongly associated with DR risk. We also found that serum LH was an independent risk factor in male diabetic retinopathy patients (OR = 1.086, 95% CI 1.024-1.152), and the levels of LH were significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy prevalence (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS Our study strengthens the argument that diabetes duration and HbA1c are risk factors for patients with DR. Additionally; we firstly confirmed that serum LH was an independent risk factor in male diabetic retinopathy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingmin Sun
- Department of Medical Genetics, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210093, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yali Jing
- Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, No321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Bingjie Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, No321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Tianwei Gu
- Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, No321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Ran Meng
- Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, No321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, No321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Dalong Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, No321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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Althumairy D, Zhang X, Baez N, Barisas G, Roess DA, Bousfield GR, Crans DC. Glycoprotein G-protein Coupled Receptors in Disease: Luteinizing Hormone Receptors and Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptors. Diseases 2020; 8:E35. [PMID: 32942611 PMCID: PMC7565105 DOI: 10.3390/diseases8030035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transduction by luteinizing hormone receptors (LHRs) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptors (FSHRs) is essential for the successful reproduction of human beings. Both receptors and the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor are members of a subset of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) described as the glycoprotein hormone receptors. Their ligands, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and a structurally related hormone produced in pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), are large protein hormones that are extensively glycosylated. Although the primary physiologic functions of these receptors are in ovarian function and maintenance of pregnancy in human females and spermatogenesis in males, there are reports of LHRs or FSHRs involvement in disease processes both in the reproductive system and elsewhere. In this review, we evaluate the aggregation state of the structure of actively signaling LHRs or FSHRs, their functions in reproduction as well as summarizing disease processes related to receptor mutations affecting receptor function or expression in reproductive and non-reproductive tissues. We will also present novel strategies for either increasing or reducing the activity of LHRs signaling. Such approaches to modify signaling by glycoprotein receptors may prove advantageous in treating diseases relating to LHRs or FSHRs function in addition to furthering the identification of new strategies for modulating GPCR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duaa Althumairy
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (D.A.); (G.B.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (X.Z.); (N.B.)
| | - Nicholas Baez
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (X.Z.); (N.B.)
| | - George Barisas
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (D.A.); (G.B.)
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (X.Z.); (N.B.)
| | - Deborah A. Roess
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - George R. Bousfield
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260, USA;
| | - Debbie C. Crans
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (D.A.); (G.B.)
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (X.Z.); (N.B.)
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Movsas TZ, Gewolb IH, Paneth N, Lu Q, Muthusamy A. The association between high levels of luteinizing hormone and proliferative retinopathy of prematurity in female preterm infants. J AAPOS 2020; 24:145.e1-145.e5. [PMID: 32522707 PMCID: PMC7508840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2020.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), generally considered reproductive hormones, have potent proangiogenic properties. Both of these hormones and their joint receptor (CG/LH receptor) are found in the human eye. We hypothesized that an excess of these hormones is associated with proliferative retinopathy of prematurity (P-ROP). METHODS Dried blood spots (DBS) were used to perform a cross-sectional study of infants (gestational age of <26 weeks) with and without P-ROP, born in Michigan between August 1, 2012, and March 15, 2015. The DBS were collected at 1 week and 4 weeks of age from 45 preterm infants (27 no-ROP and 18 P-ROP). The DBS were linked to hospital records and then deidentified. ICD-9 codes were used to identify P-ROP cases. Hormones levels were measured via electrochemiluminescence assays on the Meso Scale Discovery platform. Associations between hormone levels at 1 and 4 weeks of age and the presence or absence of P-ROP were assessed. RESULTS In female infants, we noted a trend toward higher LH levels in ROP cases at week 1 (P = 0.11) and significantly higher LH levels in cases at week 4 (P = 0.03). In male infants, no ROP-related differences in LH levels were found at either time point. For hCG levels, no associations with P-ROP were found in either sex at either time point. CONCLUSIONS The association of high LH with P-ROP in female but not male infants raises the possibility that there are sex-specific hormonal determinants of aberrant retinal angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Z Movsas
- Zietchick Research Institute (ZRI), Plymouth, Michigan; College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.
| | - Ira H Gewolb
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Nigel Paneth
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Qing Lu
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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The potential effect of human chorionic gonadotropin on vasoproliferative disorders of the immature retina. Neuroreport 2019; 29:1525-1529. [PMID: 30300333 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is known to be a powerful vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-regulating hormone. It stimulates vascularization of the gravid uterus by upregulating VEGF expression. In the body, hCG activates the same receptor as luteinizing hormone (LH). Like hCG, LH is also strongly proangiogenic. Recently, it has been shown that LH/hCG receptors are present in the retina and that both LH and hCG are found in the eye. In fact, the human eye can synthesize its own hCG. We have previously shown that LH and VEGF are significantly correlated in mammalian eyes, potentially implicating LH-receptor/hCG-receptor activation in intraocular VEGF regulation. Given that elevated VEGF is associated with progression of two vasoproliferative pediatric retinal disorders, retinopathy of prematurity and retinoblastoma, our objective was to determine whether hCG may potentially affect VEGF production and pathologic retinal vascularization in vasoproliferative disorders affecting the immature retina. In this study, we used (a) oxygen-induced retinopathy mouse model (standard model for retinopathy of prematurity) and (b) Y79 retinoblastoma cells (a human cell line derived from immature retinal cells). In the oxygen-induced retinopathy model, number of preretinal nuclei (representing pathologic retinal neovascularization) significantly increases by 57% (P<0.05) in hCG-treated mice. In Y79 cells, VEGF production significantly increases by 37% (P<0.05) in hCG-treated cells. These findings suggest that hCG is potentially able to influence retinal vascularization and VEGF production and thus, the hCG receptor may potentially represent a therapeutic target for vasoproliferative retinal disorders affecting the young eye.
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