title: [HIF-1α siRNA reduces retinal neovascularization in a mouse model of retinopathy of prematurity].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the inhibition effect of HIF-1α specific siRNA expression vector pSUPERH1-siHIF-1α on retinal neovascularization in a mouse model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
  
  
  METHODS
  The mouse model of ROP was prepared by the method Smith described. Forty-eight ROP mice were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group that was intravitreously injected with pSUPERH1-siHIF-1α and a control group that was injected with pSUPER retro vector. The levels of HIF-1α and vascular endothelia growth factor (VEGF) in the retina were examined by Western blot. The retinal neovascularization was evaluated by angiography using FITC Dextran and quantitated histologically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The levels of HIF-1α and VEGF in the retina in the experimental group were reduced 90% and 65% respectively compared with those in the control group. Meanwhile, the number of retinal neovascular endothelial nucleus outbreaking the inner limit membrane in the experimental group was significantly reduced compared with that in the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The development of retinal neovascularization of ROP can be markedly inhibited by RNA interference targeting HIF-1α.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
authors.forename: Hui-Zhuo
authors.initials: HZ
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Shuang-Zhen
authors.initials: SZ
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Si-Qi
authors.initials: SQ
authors.lastname: Xiong
authors.forename: Xiao-Bo
authors.initials: XB
authors.lastname: Xia
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit / Q000032:analysis / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000235:genetics; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics*; D015861:Retinal Neovascularization / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000628:therapy*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: C497444:Hif1a protein, rat; D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A