Vitreous Levels of Stromal Cell–Derived Factor 1 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Patients with Retinopathy of Prematurity

Purpose To understand better the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell–derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) in the pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Design Experimental study. Participants The study group consisted of 22 eyes with stage 4 ROP (12 vascularly active, 10 vascularly inactive), from which vitreous samples were obtained. Vitreous samples from 5 eyes undergoing surgery for congenital cataract were used as controls. Methods The vitreous samples were analyzed for concentrations of total protein, VEGF, and SDF-1α. Vascular activity was graded at the time of surgery and was defined as the presence of plus disease, neovascularization growing onto the vitreous at the ridge or tractional detachment area, or combined effusive and tractional retinal detachment. Main Outcome Measures Vitreous concentrations of VEGF and SDF-1α were compared among vascularly active stage 4 ROP eyes, vascularly inactive stage 4 ROP eyes, and control eyes. Results Vitreous concentrations of VEGF and SDF-1α were elevated in eyes with ROP compared with control eyes. The median VEGF level was 59 pg/ml (range, 38–135 pg/ml) in the control group, 316 pg/ml (range, 105–665 pg/ml) in the vascularly inactive ROP group, and 3454 pg/ml (range, 774–8882 pg/ml) in the vascularly active ROP group. The median SDF-1α level was 327 pg/ml (range, 299–393 pg/ml) in the control group, 609 pg/ml (range, 515–1116 pg/ml) in the vascularly inactive ROP group, and 1029 pg/ml (range, 807–3015 pg/ml) in the vascularly active ROP group. The differences in both vitreous VEGF and SDF-1α concentrations between the three groups were statistically significant ( P