Researchers in the United States have developed a stem cell infusion that may help to treat patients at risk of glaucoma. The stem cell infusion restores proper drainage in fluid-clogged eyes, reducing pressure in the eyes and dramatically reducing the risk of the glaucoma.
The research team, led by Dr. Markus Kuehn, involved researchers from the University of Iowa and Veterans Affairs Research Communications.
Glaucoma occurs when the nerve between the eye and the brain is damaged. It is caused by an excess amount of fluid building up in the front of the eye, causing the eye pressure to increase to high levels. It mostly affects older people and is the second-leading cause of blindness in the world.
There is currently no cure for glaucoma, however, certain medications and surgeries can be used to slow its progression. Scientists have recently been testing the ability of stem cells to treat glaucoma and reduce the risk of glaucoma occurring in the first place.
In the study performed by Dr. Kuehn and his associates, a stem cell infusion was injected into the eyes of mice with glaucoma. The researchers found that the stem cells regenerated the trabecular meshwork — a patch of tissue that drains fluid from the eyes, reducing the pressure found in the eye.
Dr. Kuehn said of the findings: “We believe that replacement of damaged or lost trabecular meshwork cells with healthy cells can lead to functional restoration following transplantation into glaucoma eyes.”
Researchers monitored the mice for nine weeks after the stem cell infusion was given to them. The mice had improved eye fluid outflow during this time.
Scientists used skin cells from the mice to create the stem cell infusion. This approach has the added advantage of eliminating the risk that the stem cell infusion could trigger an immune system response. The findings are very promising and will hopefully lead to a useful treatment for glaucoma.
Source: Stem Cell Infusion Helps Reverse the Effects of Glaucoma in Mice Study
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