Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness in premature infants. Oxidative stress is implicated in its pathophysiology. NADPH oxidase (NOX), a major enzyme responsible for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in endothelial cells, has been studied for its involvement in physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis. Erythropoietin (EPO) has gained interest recently due to its tissue protective and angiogenic effects, and it has been shown to act as an antioxidant. In this review, we summarize studies performed over the last five years regarding the role of various NOXs in physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis. We also discuss the effect of EPO in tissue and vasoprotection, and the intersection of EPO and NOX-mediated oxidative stress in angiogenesis and the pathophysiology of ROP.
Keywords: EPOR; NADPH oxidase; NOX; ROP; ROS; angiogenesis; erythropoietin; oxidative stress.