Abstract
To evaluate whether grafting of autologous mesenchymal cells, adipose-derived stem cells, and platelet-rich plasma into the supracoroideal space by surgical treatment with the Limoli retinal restoration technique (LRRT) can exert a beneficial effect in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients. Twenty-one eyes underwent surgery and were divided based on retinal foveal thickness (FT) ≤ 190 or > 190 µm into group A-FT and group B-FT, respectively. The specific LRRT triad was grafted in a deep scleral pocket above the choroid of each eye. At 6-month follow-up, group B showed a non-significant improvement in residual close-up visus and sensitivity at microperimetry compared to group A. After an in-depth review of molecular biology studies concerning degenerative phenomena underlying the etiopathogenesis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), it was concluded that further research is needed on tapeto-retinal degenerations, both from a clinical and molecular point of view, to obtain better functional results. In particular, it is necessary to increase the number of patients, extend observation timeframes, and treat subjects in the presence of still trophic retinal tissue to allow adequate biochemical and functional catering.
Highlights
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a heterogeneous group of hereditary retinal diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of photoreceptors
After an in-depth review of molecular biology studies concerning degenerative phenomena underlying the etiopathogenesis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), it was concluded that further research is needed on tapeto-retinal degenerations, both from a clinical and molecular point of view, to obtain better functional results
The main objectives of our suprachoroidal autograft technique were to evaluate whether autologous stem cell may useful for retinal restoration through the paracrine factors
Summary
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a heterogeneous group of hereditary retinal diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of photoreceptors. It primarily and severely affects the rods, with subsequent involvement of cone functions [1,2,3]. The etiology is quite variable, the ultimate pathway is progressive photoreceptor cell death by apoptosis, with subsequent retinal atrophy. The prevalence of RP is approximately 1:4000, affecting more than 1 million people worldwide [4]. In X-linked patients, who account for approximately 5–15% of all cases, the phenotype of the disease generally tends to be the most severe. Patients with autosomal recessive RP, comprising 50–60% of cases, and patients with autosomal dominant RP, which is responsible for 30–40%
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