Signaling pathways triggered by oxidative stress that mediate features of severe retinopathy of prematurity

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity for decades. It is becoming increasingly understood that reactive oxygen species can trigger signaling pathways that have beneficial or pathologic outcomes. Broad inhibition of reactive oxygen species in the preterm infant may lead to unwanted consequences, as has been experienced with vitamin E studies in the past. In this study, we provide a current understanding of the role of oxidative stress in activating signaling pathways that cause pathologic features in severe retinopathy of prematurity as it manifests in the era of oxygen regulation.