Researchers from the Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences reported promising results from a study on the treatment of corneal diseases. They showed that stem cell transplant improved vision in corneal clouding. This new method has been successfully tested in rabbits, and scientists hope it will lead to the development of effective cell-based drugs for the treatment of corneal diseases in humans.
When the cornea becomes cloudy, the functions of limbal stem cells are impaired, which causes their number to decrease. This is a transparent shell of the eye, it ceases to be updated correctly and is replaced by an opaque texture. As a result, a spike forms, which blocks light from entering the retina and reduces the visual functions of the eye.
Scientists from the Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences conducted an experiment to study the behavior of transplanted stem cells in rabbit eye tissue. They used a special cell product containing stem cells deposited on a biocompatible substrate. After that, they placed this structure on the surface of a rabbit’s eye with a corneal clouding. The results of the experiment showed positive dynamics and a more effective restoration of the transparency of the cornea compared with traditional methods.
Scientists believe that for the normal functioning of the eye after a stem cell transplant, additional protection is necessary, for example, the use of special membranes or lenses. They plan to continue the research and develop better cell products based on the results. The project was initiated by the Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg State University and ophthalmologists from the Military Medical Academy. Supported by SM Kirov and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
Source: Ferra
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