Vitamin A as a growth factor for the lung – data from neonatal mice

Background: Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) remains a serious problem that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality among preterm newborns. Prematurely born IUGR-neonates are known to be at especially high risk for the development of pulmonary disorders compared with preterm neonates being born appropriate for gestational age.Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is considered as resulting from the impact of lung injury (mechanical ventilation trauma, oxygen toxicity and infection) leading to an arrested maturation of the immature lung. Vitamin A plays an important role in the lung and respiratory…