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Adult Stem Cell Therapeutics in Diabetic Retinopathy

Sriprachodaya Gaddam1, Ramesh Periasamy2, Rajashekhar Gangaraju3,4

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Memphis, TN 38163, USA. sg3538@drexel.edu.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|October 3, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Mesenchymal stem cells show promise for treating diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of blindness. Their paracrine effects and priming strategies offer potential solutions for retinal repair despite challenges in hostile microenvironments.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of vision loss in working-age adults.
  • Disease pathology impairs endogenous retinal repair mechanisms.
  • Current treatments for DR have variable efficacy, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current literature on adult stem cell therapies for diabetic retinopathy.
  • To outline the benefits and limitations of explored stem cell therapeutics.
  • To discuss challenges and future directions in stem cell treatment for DR.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical and clinical literature on stem cell treatments for DR.
  • Focus on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from adipose tissue and bone marrow.
  • Analysis of stem cell priming techniques and paracrine effects.

Main Results:

  • Mesenchymal stem cells, particularly adipose-derived stem cells, show therapeutic potential for DR.
  • The paracrine activity of adipose stem cells is a key advantage.
  • Priming strategies can enhance MSC adaptation to the retinal microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • Stem cell therapeutics, especially MSCs, offer a promising avenue for DR treatment.
  • Addressing challenges like hostile microenvironments and optimizing cell properties is crucial.
  • Further research into clinical trials and safety is warranted for advancing stem cell therapy in DR.
Keywords:
CD140bCD34adipose stem cellsdiabeteshypoxiainflammationmesenchymalparacrineretina

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