Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is one of hereditary retinal diseases characterized by the loss of photoreceptors. Cell transplantation has been clinically applied to treat RP patients. Human retinal progenitor cells (HRPCs) and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs) are the two commonly and practically used stem cells for transplantation. Since combined transplantation could be a promising way to integrate the advantages of both stem cell types, we transplanted HRPCs and HBMSCs into the subretinal space (SRS) of Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats. We report that HRPCs/HBMSCs combined transplantation maintains the electroretinogram results much better than HRPCs or HBMSCs single transplantations. The thickness of outer nuclear layer also presented a better outcome in the combined transplantation. Importantly, grafted cells in the combination migrated better, both longitudinally and latitudinally, than single transplantation. The photoreceptor differentiation of grafted cells in the retina of RCS rats receiving combined transplantation also showed a higher ratio than single transplantation. Finally, activation of microglia and the gliosis of Müller cells were more effectively suppressed in combined transplantation, indicating better immunomodulatory and anti-gliosis effects. Taken together, combining the transplantation of HRPCs and HBMSCs is a more effective strategy in stem cell-based therapy for retinal degenerative diseases.
Background:Little is known about the ocular penetration following intrastromal or intracameral injection of amphotericin B (AMB), the current drug of choice in fungal keratitis. Concentrations of AMB were investigated in the cornea and aqueous humor of rabbits after using one of three different routes of administration: topical 0.25% AMB eye drops and intrastromal and intracameral injection of AMB (10 µg). Methods: Forty-five healthy rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups. The eyes of group A and group B received a 0.1-ml intrastromal and intracameral injection, respectively, containing 10 µg AMB. Group C received topical 0.25% AMB (corneal epithelium debrided, every 5 min for 30 min). Cornea and aqueous humor concentrations of AMB after 30 min, 6 h, 1, 3 and 7 days were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: After a single injection, effective drug levels were achieved in corneas in group A, maintained for 7 days, exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration at which 90% of isolates are inhibited (MIC90) for a wide spectrum of fungi and molds. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) compared with group B and group C. Effective drug levels were achieved in the aqueous humor in group B at 30 min after a single injection, exceeding MIC90, but drug levels decreased abruptly within 1 day. There were significant differences (p < 0.004) compared with group A and group C, and a considerable amount of AMB was detected in corneas and aqueous in group C within 1 day. Conclusion: High drug levels can be reached that cover the MICs of most fungi in the rabbit cornea and aqueous humor after intrastromal and intracameral injection, respectively. Penetration of topical AMB greatly increased after epithelial abrasion.
A novel compound mutation in CNGA1 gene, coding for the cGMP-gated ion channel protein, results in a protein product that is not targeted to the plasma membrane, which would be deleterious to rod photoreceptors leading to retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
Retinal degenerative diseases (RDDs) are the leading causes of blindness and currently lack effective treatment. Cytotherapy has become a promising strategy for RDDs. The transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) or neural stem cells (NSCs) has recently been applied for the experimental treatment of RDDs. However, the longterm outcomes of single-cell transplantation are poor. The combined transplantation of multiple types of cells might achieve better effects. In the present study, OECs [containing olfactory nerve fibroblasts (ONFs)] and NSCs were cotransplanted into the subretinal space of Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats. Using electroretinogram (ERG), immunofluorescence, Western blot, and in vitro Transwell system, the differences in the electrophysiological and morphological changes of single and combined transplantation as well as the underlying mechanisms were explored at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperation. In addition, using the Transwell system, the influence of OECs on the stemness of NSCs was discovered. Results showed that, compared to the single transplantation of OECs or NSCs, the combined transplantation of OECs and NSCs produced greater improvements in b-wave amplitudes in ERGs and the thickness of the outer nuclear layer at all three time points. More endogenous stem cells were found within the retina after combined transplantation. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression decreased significantly when NSCs were cotransplanted with OECs. Both the vertical and horizontal migration of grafted cells were enhanced in the combined transplantation group. Meanwhile, the stemness of NSCs was also better maintained after coculture with OECs. Taken together, the results suggested that the combined transplantation of NSCs and OECs enhanced the improvement in retinal protection in RCS rats, providing a new strategy to treat RDDs in the future.
Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common cause of combined blindness and deafness inherited in an autosomal recessive mode. Molecular diagnosis is of great significance in revealing the molecular pathogenesis and aiding the clinical diagnosis of this disease. However, molecular diagnosis remains a challenge due to high phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity in USH. This study explored an approach for detecting disease-causing genetic mutations in candidate genes in five index cases from unrelated USH families based on targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Through systematic data analysis using an established bioinformatics pipeline and segregation analysis, 10 pathogenic mutations in the USH disease genes were identified in the five USH families. Six of these mutations were novel: c.4398G > A and EX38-49del in MYO7A, c.988_989delAT in USH1C, c.15104_15105delCA and c.6875_6876insG in USH2A. All novel variations segregated with the disease phenotypes in their respective families and were absent from ethnically matched control individuals. This study expanded the mutation spectrum of USH and revealed the genotype-phenotype relationships of the novel USH mutations in Chinese patients. Moreover, this study proved that targeted NGS is an accurate and effective method for detecting genetic mutations related to USH. The identification of pathogenic mutations is of great significance for elucidating the underlying pathophysiology of USH.
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