<p>Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in Ophthalmology: An Updated Perspective</p>

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide a succinct literature review of the different clinical applications for AMT usage in an ophthalmic setting, ranging from commonly used applications to less mainstream approaches. The hope is that this review enables the reader to have a better understanding of the biological properties of amnion as well as the indications and scenarios in which AMT can be used, whilst presenting relevant evidence from within the literature which may be of interest. We also provide an update on the methods of preservation of amniotic membrane and the application methodologies. Methods: Literature search. A PubMed search was performed using the search terms "amniotic membrane transplant", "amnion AND cornea", amnion AND ophthalmology", "amnion AND ocular surface" and "Amnion AND eye". A full review of the literature using the PubMed database was conducted up until 01/05/20. The articles used were written in English, with all articles accessed in full. Both review articles and original articles were used for this review. All full publications related to ophthalmology were considered.

Insights on the Human Amniotic Membrane in Clinical Practice with a Focus on the New Applications in Retinal Surgery

“…The AM is an excellent substrate and acts as a scaffold for tissue reconstruction, supporting the germination of corneal epithelial progenitor cells by increasing their lifespan, supporting their clonogenicity and limiting epithelial cell apoptosis [49]. The hAM has an anti-inflammatory effect which is achieved through the secretion inhibition of a wide range of mediators, such as the interferon (IFN), bFGF, interleukin (IL)-1,TNF-b and plateletderived growth factor (PDGF) on the damaged corneal and conjunctival surface [50,51]. Its stromal matrix can induce apoptosis in inflammatory cells and contains several forms of protease inhibitors [52][53][54].…”

Comparison of amniotic membrane transplantation with and without cultured limbal epithelium for persistent corneal ulcers

“…Since its first ophthalmic application in the 1940s, amniotic membrane transplantation has become an integral part of ocular surface disease treatment [2]. Among its many properties are the anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and anti-microbial effects, as well as factors regulating and promoting epithelialization [3]. There are numerous transplantation techniques either as an inlay (graft), onlay (patch) or a combination of the two, single or multilayered depending on the depth of the ulcer and required effect.…”

The Main Aspects of Corneal Transplantation in Ukraine and in the World: Demand Analysis, Keratoplasty Types and Future Development

“…На сьогодні рогівка, вилучена у донора-трупа, залишається основним і поки що незамінним транс плантаційним матеріалом. З-поміж неочних тканин лише амніотичну оболонку використовують із лікувальною метою [3,4].…”

“…Завдяки унікальним властивостям амніотичної мембрани (покращення епітелізації, збереження нормального епітеліального фенотипу, зменшення запалення та утворення рубцевої тканини, підсилення процесів адгезії між тканинами, пригнічення неоваскуляризації рогівки, антимікробна активність) її широко використовують за кордоном для лікування інфекційних, нейротрофічних запальних та дистрофічних захворювань рогівки і поверхні ока [3,4] [15,20,21].…”