title: The omega-3 and retinopathy of prematurity relationship.
abstract: The aim of this article is to examine the effect of omega-3 (ω-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) intake on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by reviewing the experimental and clinical trials conducted on animal models and infants. LCPUFAs demonstrate cytoprotective and cytotherapeutic actions contributing to a number of anti-angiogenic and neuroprotective mechanisms within the retina. Their intake appears to have a beneficial effect on ischemia, oxidative stress, inflammation and cellular signaling mechanisms, influencing retinal cell gene expression and cellular differentiation. ω-3 LCPUFAs may modulate metabolic processes that activate molecules implicated in the pathogenesis of vasoproliferative and neurodegenerative retinal diseases such as ROP.
authors.affiliation: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Eye Department, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
authors.forename: Angelakis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Malamas
authors.affiliation: First Department of Ophthalmology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54621, Greece.
authors.forename: Angeliki
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chranioti
authors.affiliation: Second NICU and Neonatology Department, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 56403, Greece.
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tsakalidis
authors.affiliation: Second Department of Ophthalmology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 56403, Greece.
authors.forename: Stavros A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Dimitrakos
authors.affiliation: Second Department of Ophthalmology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 56403, Greece.
authors.forename: Asimina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mataftsi
keywords: omega-3; retinopathy of prematurity