Background & Aims: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the most causes of retinal detachment and blindness. Although many studies have been conducted on the pathophysiology of ROP, the exact mechanism is yet under investigation. This study aimed at evaluating the role of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and its binding protein (IGFBP-3), and leptin in ROP.

Materials & Methods: In this case-control setting, 30 premature neonates with ROP (case group) and 41 premature without ROP (control group) were recruited during an 18-month period in Tabriz Alzahra Teaching Hospital. Patients with congenital or chromosomal anomalies were excluded. Serum VEGF, IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin were measured by immunoassay method one month after birth. Finally, these serum parameters were compared between two groups.  .

Results: The mean levels of serum VEGF, leptin, IGF-I and IGBFP-3 were 267.35±103.43 pg/ml, 0.64±0.41 ng/ml, 18.48±11.79 µg/l, and 592.51±472.85 ng/ml in the case group and 237.52±130.92 pg/ml, 0.79±0.83 ng/ml, 16.75±13.74 µg/l, and 995.46±422.19 ng/ml in the control group, respectively. The mean levels of serum VEGF, leptin and IGF-I were comparable between the two groups (p=0.305, 0.392 and 0.580, respectively). The median of serum IGFBP-3 was significantly lower in the case group (622.9 ng/ml vs. 868.2 ng/ml, p=0.001). The best cut-off point of serum IGFBP-3 in indiscriminating between the case and controls was ≤770.45ng/ml, with sensitivity and specificity of 65.9% and 66.7%, respectively.

Conclusion: Based on our findings, supplementation with IGFBP-3 analogues may be beneficial in prophylaxis against or treatment of ROP.