Different Applications of Stem Cells Therapy for Degenerative Retinal Diseases

Abstract

Retinal degenerative diseases, such as Stargardt’s disease (SD), glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy (DR), represent the main causes of a decreased quality of vision and blindness worldwide. The progression and management of these conditions have always represented a challenge, but promising new evidences about the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as therapy for these diseases has been shown. The therapeutic potential of MSCs lies on its ability to release paracrine factors with neuroprotective, immunomodulatory and anti-angiogenic properties that stimulate the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and are even similar to those produced by RPE. In literature we can find many studies conducted animal models, in which MSCs proved their efficacy in stopping the progression of retinal degeneration and for rescuing photoreceptors in the dormant phase. Furthermore, they retain a differentiation potential which allow them to differentiate into various cell types, including the cells of the retina. By all of those properties it is clear how MSCs result an important therapy option in these pathologies. In this review we summarize the various properties of MSCs and their promising applications in various retinal diseases, enhanching a new clinical approach on pathologies which otherwise have a difficult managing and a unfavorable prognosis.