Research has demonstrated the capacity for systemically injected stem cells to preserve photoreceptors, maintain visual function and rescue vascular pathology. The exciting developments, reported in the online journal PloSONE (Wang & Lu et al, Vol. 5, Iss. 2, e9200; www.plosone.org), show that a simple systemic injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may soon find clinical application across a range of retinal pathologies including, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). The achievements represent a significant milestone in the potential treatment of several retinal disorders and additionally present a strategy to develop a “one-size-fits-all” approach through the targeting of common characteristics found among many retinal diseases.
Stem cell therapy poised to advance treatment of retinal degeneration and vascular pathology
- by swdadmin