Markers and mechanisms of abnormal neurovascular development in the preterm infant
Abstract
Background: The extremely preterm infant is at risk of lifelong neurodevelopmental impairments due to brain injuries or abnormal neurovascular development. Mechanisms are largely unknown and biomarkers for adverse outcomes are sparse. The growth factor insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 is a key regulator of neuro-vascular developmental processes and endogenous levels are low following pre-term birth.
Aim of the thesis: To investigate the impact of growth factors on neurovascular development, e.g. retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), brain injury, brain volumes measured by magnetic resonance imaging, and neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants and in an animal model. In addition to identify possible biomarkers for abnormal neurovascular development in preterm infants.
Materials and Methods: Paper I: Associations between serum glucose levels, serum IGF-1, and ROP were explored in preterm infants (n=117) and in an oxygen-induced reti-nopathy/hyperglycemia mice model including IGF-1 substitution treatment. Paper II: Longitudinal serum Neurofilament Light (NfL, biomarker for axonal injury) levels were evaluated in preterm infants (n=221) as a biomarker for ROP, brain injury, and neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of age. Paper III: Longitudinal serum growth factor levels were correlated with total and regional brain volumes at term in extremely preterm infants (n=49). Paper IV: Longitudinal serum levels of NfL and IGF-1 and the association to neurodevelopmental outcomes at early school age were investigated (n=72).
Results: Paper I: Hyperglycemia was associated with lower IGF-1 levels, increased number of any ROP and with ROP severity. Hyperglycemia decreased endogenous IGF-1 expression, and IGF-1 treatment decreased ROP-associated vascular changes in the mice model. Paper II: NfL levels increased after birth and remained high, with increased levels independently associated with ROP development. High NfL levels were associated with unfavorable neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years. Paper III: Low serum IGF-1 levels were independently associated with reduced total brain, white matter, cortical grey matter, deep grey matter, and cerebellar volumes. Paper IV: Unpublished results, see Paper IV.
Conclusion: IGF-1 may have a beneficial role in brain development and may have a protective role in ROP development. NfL may serve as a biomarker for ROP and adverse neurodevelopmental outcome.
Parts of work
Paper I. Bertan Cakir, William Hellström, Yohei Tomita, Zhongjie Fu, Raffael Liegl, Anna Winberg, Ingrid Hansen-Pupp, David Ley, Ann Hellström, Chatarina Löfqvist, Lois E. H. Smith. IGF1, serum glucose, and retinopathy of prematurity in extremely preterm infants. JCI Insight. 2020;5(19). https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.140363 Paper II. Ulrika Sjöbom*, William Hellström* Chatarina Löfqvist, Anders K. Nilsson, Ingrid Hansen-Pupp, David Ley, Kaj Blennow, Henrik Zetterberg, Karin Sävman, Ann Hellström. Analysis of Brain Injury Biomarker Neurofilament Light and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes and Retinopathy of Prematurity Among Preterm Infants. JAMA Network Open. 2021;4(4):e214138-e. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.4138 *shared first authorship Paper III. William Hellström, Lisa M. Hortensius, Chatarina Löfqvist, Gunnel Hellgren, Maria Luisa Tataranno, David Ley, Manon J.N.L. Benders, Ann Hellström, Isabella M. Björkman-Burtscher, Rolf A. Heckemann, Karin Sävman. Postnatal serum IGF-1 levels associate with brain volumes at term in extremely preterm infants. Pediatric Research. 2022. Online ahead of print. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-022-02134-4 Paper IV. William Hellström, Chatarina Löfqvist, Ulrika Sjöbom, Anders K. Nilsson, Gunnel Hellgren, Liv Södermark, Staffan Nilsson, Matteo Bruschettini, David Ley, Henrik Zetterberg, Kaj Blennow, Ann Hellström, Karin Sävman. Neonatal serum levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and brain injury marker neurofilament light (NfL) are associated with autism at early school age in children born extremely preterm. In manuscript
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine)
University
University of Gothenburg. Sahlgrenska Academy
Institution
Institute of Clinical Sciences. Department of Pediatrics
Disputation
Fredagen den 10 februari 2023, kl. 9.00, Kammaren, Blå stråket 5
Date of defence
2023-02-10
william.hellstrom@gu.se
Date
2023-01-18Author
Hellström, William
Keywords
Neonatology
Brain development
Extremely preterm infant
Brain volume
Retinopathy of prematurity
Insulin-like growth factor 1
Neurofilament light
Neurodevelopment
Publication type
Doctoral thesis
ISBN
978-91-8069-107-9 (PRINT)
978-91-8069-108-6 (PDF)
Language
eng