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Combination of Microstereolithography and Electrospinning to Produce Membranes Equipped with Niches for Corneal Regeneration
Published on: September 12, 2014
Application of mesenchymal stem cells in corneal regeneration
Mohsen Ghiasi1, Khosrow Jadidi2, Mehrdad Hashemi3
1Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Due to delicate its structure, the cornea is susceptible to physical, chemical, and genetic damages. Corneal transplantation is the main treatment for serious corneal damage, but it faces significant challenges, including donor shortages and severe complications. In recent years, cell therapy is suggested as a novel alternative method for corneal regeneration. Regarding the unique characteristics of Mesenchymal stem cells including the potential to differentiate into discrete cell types, secretion of growth factors, mobilization potency, and availability from different sources; special attention has been paid to these cells in corneal engineering. Differentiation of MSCs into specialized corneal cells such as keratocytes, epithelial and endothelial cells is reported. Potential for Treatment of keratitis, reducing inflammation, and inhibition of neovascularization by MSCs, introducing them as novel agents for corneal repairing. In this review, various types of MSCs used to treat corneal injuries as well as their potential for restoring different corneal layers was investigated.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer a promising alternative to corneal transplantation for treating corneal damage. Their regenerative potential and ability to differentiate into corneal cells highlight their use in corneal engineering and repair.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Therapy
Background:
- The cornea's delicate structure makes it vulnerable to various damages.
- Corneal transplantation, the primary treatment, faces challenges like donor shortages and complications.
- Cell therapy presents a novel alternative for corneal regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in treating corneal injuries.
- To investigate the potential of MSCs in restoring different corneal layers.
- To explore MSCs as novel agents for corneal repair.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on MSCs in corneal regeneration.
- Analysis of MSC differentiation into corneal cell types (keratocytes, epithelial, endothelial cells).
- Evaluation of MSC therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory and anti-neovascularization properties.
Main Results:
- MSCs possess unique characteristics suitable for corneal engineering, such as differentiation potential and growth factor secretion.
- Studies report successful differentiation of MSCs into specialized corneal cells.
- MSCs show potential in treating keratitis, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting neovascularization.
Conclusions:
- Mesenchymal stem cells are a promising cell-based therapy for corneal regeneration.
- Their multifaceted properties make them valuable for repairing various corneal layers and treating corneal diseases.
- Further research into MSCs can advance corneal engineering and overcome transplantation limitations.
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