“Neovascularization, i.e., the formation of new blood vessels, has a central role in the patho-mechanism and development of quite a few eye diseases. These include retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in adults and the elderly, and diabetic retinopathy (DR). A common feature of these conditions is that, if they are untreated, they can easily lead to severe visual impairment and, ultimately, irreversible blindness. The objective of our study was to find out whether there is a correlation between the process of new blood vessel formation and retinal hemorrhage,” said Tamás Gáll, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Internal Medicine of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Debrecen to hirek.unideb.hu.
Tamás Gáll added that the first phase of their research activities was the collection of relevant patient data. Based on the clinical data obtained this way, it was assumed that there ought to be a correlation between retinal hemorrhage and pathological neovascularization. On the basis of this, the next step in their research was to find out whether, under laboratory conditions, hemorrhage could trigger the process of abnormal vascular remodeling on its own.
“Our tests were conducted over a period of three years and included the collection of clinical patient data and in vitro laboratory experiments. Our experimental findings demonstrated that hemoglobin and hem released during hemorrhage induces hypoxic reprogramming of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. As a consequence, the cells produce increased levels of proangiogenic factors that stimulate endothelial cell vascularization. We also observed that this process can be inhibited by the use of certain agents, which raises therapeutic possibilities in the treatment of pathological neovascularization,” said the researcher of the University of Debrecen.
The publication containing the results of several years of study came out in the journal Redox Biology. For this scientific article, the researchers were given the award Gróf Tisza István Debreceni Egyetemért Alapítvány – Debreceni Egyetem Publikációs Díja.
“It is a great honor for me to receive this recognition. Awards of this kind indicate and confirm that a researcher is on the right track and that his or her work is valuable. They also encourage the entire research team to continue its activities and to achieve new goals,” said Tamás Gáll.
In addition to members of the research staff from the Institute of Internal Medicine, the research project involved students working in student circles and PhD students, as well as specialists in ophthalmology and neonatology from the University of Debrecen. Their efforts were also supported by other experienced specialists from Országos Onkológiai Intézet [National Institute of Oncology] and the University of Pécs. The research team is expected to continue the work they have started and are also working on the topic currently. Their objective is to explore signaling pathways and identify therapeutic targets relevant for treatment.
Press Centre- CzA
