# Dietary control of angiogenesis in retinopathy models

> **NIH NIH R01** · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · 2021 · $550,560

## Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects ~16,000 premature infants per year in the US. At
preterm birth, loss of ω3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA), normally provided by
the maternal/placental interface prominently contributes to initiation and progression of ROP.
The link between ω3LCPUFA and glucose metabolism has not been explored although in
human ROP, hyperglycemia during phase I (vessel loss or suppression of vessel development)
is very strongly associated with retinopathy progression. In mouse pups we found that
hyperglycemia delayed retinal vascular development (phase I ROP) which was greatly
attenuated with dietary ω3LCPUFAs. To define the link between ω3LCPUFA and glucose
control we looked to an important adipocyte-derived hormone and metabolic regulator,
adiponectin (APN). In premature infants, low ω-3LCPUFA, low serum APN, and hyperglycemia
are all correlated with development of ROP. We will explore ω3LCPUFA effects on
hyperglycemic exacerbation of early vessel loss in ROP and the role of hormones in
ω3LCPUFA protection against hyperglycemic retinopathy.
ω3LCPUFA regulates lipid/glucose metabolism to prevent hyperglycemia-induced ROP through
APN
In hyperglycemic mice in phase I ROP (vessel growth suppression) we will: i) ω3LCPUFA
protects against hyperglycemia-induced suppression of retinal development (phase I ROP); ii)
determine retinal and vessel glucose/lipid metabolic regulation with ω3LCPUFA preservation of
vessels during hyperglycemia, and iii) determine if APN mediates ω3LCPUFA vascular and
neuronal retina protection in neonatal hyperglycemia.
SUMMARY: These studies will determine ω3LCPUFA metabolic control (through lipid
associated hormones) of hyperglycemia, which increases ROP risk. Hormonal modulation is
likely to lead to new preventive approaches and treatment options for ROP and has therapeutic
implications for many other diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10117254
- **Project number:** 5R01EY017017-15
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Lois Smith
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $550,560
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2006-07-01 → 2022-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10117254

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10117254, Dietary control of angiogenesis in retinopathy models (5R01EY017017-15). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10117254. Licensed CC0.

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