Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in a Rabbit Corneal Alkali Burn Model (A Histological and Immune Histo-chemical Study)

Abstract

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.

Therapeutic Effect of Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Experimental Corneal Failure Due to Limbal Stem Cell Niche Damage

“…Our results are consistent with the migration of topically applied hAT‐MSCs to the burned cornea and limbus as described by other authors . Other groups have also demonstrated the migration of limbal stromal MSCs or BM‐MSCs to the damaged cornea and limbus when they were applied by different routes . On the other hand, some studies have reported that AT‐MSCs or BM‐MSCs administered by subconjunctival injection did not migrate away from the injection site .…”

“…These findings are consistent with the anti‐inflammatory role of hAT‐MSCs delivered by different routes for corneal chemical burn or in LSCD animal models . Moreover, BM‐MSCs or MSCs isolated from the limbal stroma can reduce the inflammation in the ocular surfaces . Some of the molecules that are implicated in this anti‐inflammatory process are interleukin‐10, transforming growth factor‐β, and Tumor necrosis factor‐stimulated gene 6 (TSG‐6) .…”

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Fibrotic Effects of Human Amniotic Membrane Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Potential in Corneal Repair

“…In this context, there is evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of transplanting bone marrow MSC (BM‐MSC), by different routes, in corneal alkali‐burn models. It has been shown that systemic injection of BM‐MSC into the ear 24 hours before injuring the cornea is able to promote healing in a corneal alkali‐burn model ; similar results were obtained when BM‐MSC were seeded on artificial scaffolds and transplanted on the conjunctiva in an alkali corneal‐burn model ; these results demonstrate that different methods of application of BM‐MSC are effective.…”

Cigarette smoke challenges bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell capacities in guinea pig

“…The mechanism by which BM-MSCs is directed to the tissue and migrate across the endothelium, is not yet fully understood but it is likely that damaged tissue expresses specific receptors or ligands to facilitate traffic, adhesion and infiltration of BM-MSCs to the site of injury. C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9) is expressed by circulating BM-MSCs and it is known to play an important role in their migration through endothelium [40, 41]. …”