Therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells transplantation in rats with optic nerve injury.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

There are no effective treatments currently available for optic nerve transection injuries. Stem cell therapy represents a feasible future treatment option. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) transplantation in rats with optic nerve injury.

METHODS:

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into three groups: a no-treatment control group (n = 6), balanced salt solution (BSS) treatment group (n = 6), and hUC-MSCs treatment group (n = 6). Visual functions were assessed by flash visual evoked potential (fVEP) at baseline, Week 3, and Week 6 after optic nerve crush injury. Right eyes were enucleated after 6 weeks for histology.

RESULTS:

The fVEP showed shortened latency delay and increased amplitude in the hUC-MSCs treated group compared with control and BSS groups. Higher cellular density was detected in the hUC-MSC treated group compared with the BSS and control groups. Co-localized expression of STEM 121 and anti-S100B antibody was observed in areas of higher nuclear density, both in the central and peripheral regions.

CONCLUSION:

Peribulbar transplantation of hUC-MSCs demonstrated cellular integration that can potentially preserve the optic nerve function with a significant shorter latency delay in fVEP and higher nuclear density on histology, and immunohistochemical studies observed cell migration particularly to the peripheral regions of the optic nerve.

• Authors: Sook Y Looi, Mae-Lynn C Bastion, Sue N Leow, Chi D Luu, N M H Hairul, Raduan Ruhaslizan, Hon S Wong, Abdul H Wan Haslina, Min H Ng, B Hj Idrus Ruszymah, Kong Y Then
• Journal: Indian journal of ophthalmology (Indian J Ophthalmol) Vol. 70 Issue 1 Pg. 201-209 (Jan 2022) ISSN: 1998-3689 [Electronic] India
• PMID: 34937239 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Animals
• Evoked Potentials, Visual
• Humans
• Mesenchymal Stem Cells
• Optic Nerve Injuries (therapy)
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Umbilical Cord