Efficacy of Subconjunctivally Applied Everolimus- and Sirolimus-Pretreated MSCs in Preventing Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision impairment in diabetic patients. This study investigates the preventive effects of subconjunctivally applied mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) pretreated with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors on DR.

Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, with diabetes induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 55 mg/kg. Four groups were established: diabetic control, MSC-treated, everolimus-pretreated MSC-treated (MSC-E), and sirolimus-pretreated MSC-treated (MSC-S). Each treated group received subconjunctival injections of 1 × 106 MSCs in 30 µL phosphate-buffered saline at 3, 5, and 7 weeks post-STZ. Electroretinography (ERG) was performed at 2 and 8 weeks post-STZ. At 11 weeks, cataract formation, uveitis grading, and retinal histology were assessed.

mTOR inhibitor-pretreated MSCs significantly prevented the decline in retinal function compared to untreated MSCs and diabetic controls. Everolimus-pretreated MSCs tended to show higher ERG flicker amplitudes than sirolimus-pretreated MSCs, although the difference was not statistically significant. Histologically, both pretreated groups showed preserved thickness in the outer plexiform and nuclear layers, suggesting protection against retinal damage.

Subconjunctival application of MSCs pretreated with mTOR inhibitors may help prevent DR progression, with everolimus showing a potential advantage in preserving retinal function.

These findings suggest that mTOR inhibitor-pretreated MSCs could be a viable therapeutic strategy for DR, warranting further clinical trials to confirm efficacy and safety in humans.