BackgroundAlkali-burned corneas can seldom heal properly to restore corneal transparency. Treatment of this severe disorder of the ocular surface remains a challenge.Aim of the Workwas to investigate whether systemically transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) can promote corneal wound healing after alkali burn.Material and MethodsThirty five male New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. The animals were divided into three groups. Group I; the control group was sham operated. Group II; corneal alkali burn was created. Group III; underwent corneal alkali burn then treated with BM-MSCs. All corneas were collected after fourteen and twenty eight days. Evaluation using H&E, PAS & alkaline phosphatase reaction was carried out. Immune histo-chemical staining for CD44 and vimentin was performed as well.Resultsthe corneal epithelium of (Group II) showed marked alterations. Vascularization, cellular infiltration and irregularity of the collagen fibers were also seen in the substantia propria. Increase in the thickness of the Descemet’s membrane was noticed as well. On the other hand, at the time of 28 days, Group III rabbits showed best histological results with nearly healed corneas compared to other groups. Meanwhile, vimentin was more strongly expressed in Group III assessing the differentiating ability of BM-MSCs.ConclusionBM-MSCs could effectively promote corneal alkali burn healing.

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Background & objectives: One of the major challenges facing the surgeons is replacing a full-thickness skin loss successfully. This study aimed at testing the efficacy of decellularized dermal matrix seeded with bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) as a scaffold for the repair of skin defects in rats comparison to using acellular dermal matrix (ADM) alone. Methods: A 2×2 cm2 size full thickness skin defect was created on the dorsum of thirty male Wister rats (200- 250g) under xylazine (5 mg/kg) and ketamine (50 mg/kg) anesthesia. The animals were then randomly divided into three equal groups: group I; The defect was left for spontaneous recovery, group II; The defect was repaired with ADM alone, and group III;Tthe defect was repaired with ADM seeded with labeled BM-MSCs. The healing rate of the defect in all groups was assessed by measuring wound area and healing percentage twice weekly. The specimens from the wound site were obtained from all groups on day 14 and day 28 post-operative for histological analysis. Results: Treatment of wound defect with BM-MSCs seeded dermal matrix resulted incomplete wound recovery on gross examination. Moreover, histological analysis showed proper reepithelization, proper collagen rearrangement together with minimal inflammatory cells. Well developed hair follicles and sebaceous glands were noted as well. Statistically, 28 days post-operatively, significant increase in healing rate, healing area percentage and collagen area percentage was detected together with significant decrease in vascular density compared to group I&II. Conclusion: Stem cells seeded ADM facilitated early and better healing of skin defect in rats than the non- seeded ADM and spontaneous healing.

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