VEGFA and retinopathy of prematurity: The role of Zn in the development of ROP is controversial and not well studied but could affect the development of ROP by several mechanisms: (1) as a potent antioxidant; (2) as modulator of glutamate receptors and amelioration of related toxicity as noted above, especially since glutamate can induce VEGF, a key molecule for development of ROP (228); (3) via modulation of transcription factors.