Abstract
To assess effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) in corneal alkali injuries in an experimental animal model. Twenty white New Zealand rabbits were included in the study. The animal models were randomly divided into 2 groups. Rabbits in the AMSC group (n = 10) received an intrastromal, a subconjunctival injection, and topical instillation of 0.5 ml totally of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 2 × 106 AMSCs. In the control group (n = 10), rabbits received only 0.5 ml of PBS using the same methods. A masked investigator measured the corneal sensation, anterior chamber Inflammation (ACI), and conjunctival congestion. Additionally, a blind histological and immunohistochemical evaluation was made. In the AMSC group, the central corneal sensation was increased whereas ACI and conjunctival congestion were reduced compared to the control group in the 28 days of follow-up (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was noted between the two groups as recorded in the above parameters. Histological analysis showed that pathological vascularization was markedly reduced in the AMSC group which was consistent with the absence of factor VIII in the immunohistochemistry sections. There is a trend towards improved clinical outcomes including corneal sensation as well as acceleration in the restoration of normal corneal architecture in corneal alkali burns treated with AMSCs, results that support the need for further research in the field.
Highlights
Alkali burns of the cornea are a common ophthalmologic emergency, accounting for 60% of ocular burns [1]
We investigated the therapeutic effect of the treatment method in some additional but clinically important outcomes such as corneal sensation, anterior chamber inflammation (ACI), and conjunctival congestion (CC), which to our knowledge have not been described in other studies [10]
In the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) group, the mean value of the threshold was within normal limits and compared to the control group at all time points
Summary
Alkali burns of the cornea are a common ophthalmologic emergency, accounting for 60% of ocular burns [1]. Alkali agents are lipophilic, penetrating tissues more rapidly than acids and can produce extensive damage to the ocular surface through four phases, including immediate, acute, early, and late repair phases, leading potentially to blindness [2]. The initial clinical management during the acute phase with copious irrigation of the affected eye is critical in limiting the duration of chemical exposure [3, 4]. A more definitive surgical management including limbal stem cell transplantation or amniotic membrane grafting is usually needed [5, 6]. Corneal transplantation has the limitation of the possibility of graft
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
