Dysregulated genomic and coding-transcriptomic factors in retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a type of vitreous retinopathy in premature children that leads to visual impairment and blindness at early ages. ROP is a lifetime disease that can impose a tremendous economic and psychological burden on the government and society. ROP is characterized by abnormal neovascularization in the retina. ROP is a multifactorial disease that means many factors are involved in the pathogenesis of ROP, such as low birth weight, short gestational age as a primary risk factor for ROP, anemia, intraventricular hemorrhage, inflammation, sepsis, underlying diseases, maternal preeclampsia, and other factors. Some studies suggest that genetic factors play an essential role in ROP pathogenesis and development. In addition, monitoring genetic factors such as genetic polymorphism may pave the way for diagnosis and prognosis ROP, leading to prevention and stopping disease progression in time. Understanding the genomics of diseases opened a new door for treatment. Genetic-based therapeutic approaches are preventive strategies that can effectively prevent the progression of ROP and improve infants' lives. In this study, we reviewed some genetic factors involved in ROP pathogenesis and development, and in the following, we survey some new genetic-based therapeutic approaches for treating ROP in preterm infants.