Corneal scarring is the result of damage to the corneal which is one of the biggest reasons for blindness worldwide. Mesenchymal Stem Cells are used and recognized as wound-healing cells. Many researches are underway that recognize the potential capabilities of Mesenchymal Stem cells for wound healing. These are also reported to be promoting corneal wound healing.
Corneal scarring is caused by varied aetiologies such as trauma, degenerative disease, infections, and more. Overall 10 million people worldwide suffer from corneal blindness. This suggests the gravity of the issue and the need for aggressive research on its treatments. Mesenchymal stem cells are reported to be a way to heal corneal wounds.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotent and originated or extracted from adult tissues. Stem cells derived from these issues include bone marrow, placenta, spleen, liver, blood, etc. The MSCs are known for immunomodulatory activity and were used to treat acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
Exosomes extracted or derived from Mesenchymal stem cells were tested in a trial where they were reported to give a slight shift in healing corneal wounds. The Mesenchymal Stem Cells derived exosomes have cellular molecules, lipids, proteins, and cytokines to promote cell-to-cell communication. These help in promoting wound healing. Many studies on the efficacy of MSC for ocular diseases like experimental autoimmune uveitis. In addition to this, there are many other studies to understand the potential benefits of MSC for wound healing.
As per the report, corneal wound healing is initiated with the transitioning of surviving keratocytes to the repair-type fibroblasts. However, the fibroblasts are not immune cells, but they trigger the inflammatory cells.
Rat Corneal Injury Model
The report on the MSC-exo laser-induced rat corneal injury model that showed in the study states the improvement rate of corneal wound healing. The observations for the trial are constant. It shows the reduced immunoreactivity for molecular markers. These are specific for corneal fibrosis and angiogenesis for Mesenchymal Stem Cells derived exosomes treated cornea tissue.
However, similar to other experiments there are certain limitations to MSC wound healing. There is much ongoing research, but clinical analysis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for wound healing is required on a comprehensive basis. The optimal dosing and delivery route to corneal stroma for effective results is required to investigate more for producing better MSC-based corneal wound healing. With these research and clinical analyses, the assistance for MSC-based products and therapies can be products for the treatment of wounds. Wound healing has varied phases and can have complications, to address these complications and understand the use of MSC for complicated wound healing is required.
