An injection of stem cells into the eye may soon slow or reverse the effects of early-stage age-related macular degeneration, according to new research from scientists at Cedars-Sinai
Currently, there is no treatment that slows the progression of the disease, which is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 65.
“This is the first study to show preservation of vision after a single injection of adult-derived human cells into a rat model with age-related macular degeneration,” said Shaomei Wang, MD, PhD, lead author of the study published in the journal STEM CELLS and a research scientist in the Eye Program at the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute.
The stem cell injection resulted in 130 days of preserved vision in laboratory rats, which roughly equates to 16 years in humans.
Age-related macular degeneration affects upward of 15 million Americans. It occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates. The retina is the light-sensing nerve tissue at the back of the eye. Macular degeneration may also be caused by environmental factors, aging and a genetic predisposition.
When animal models with macular degeneration were injected with induced neural progenitor stem cells, which derive from the more commonly known induced pluripotent stem cells, healthy cells began to migrate around the retina and formed a protective layer. This protective layer prevented ongoing degeneration of the vital retinal cells responsible for vision.
Cedars-Sinai researchers in the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) Core, directed by Dhruv Sareen, PhD, with support from the David and Janet Polak Foundation Stem Cell Core Laboratory, first converted adult human skin cells into powerful induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), which can be expanded indefinitely and then made into any cell of the human body. In this study, these induced pluripotent stem cells were then directed toward a neural progenitor cell fate, known as induced neural progenitor stem cells, or iNPCs.
“These induced neural progenitor stem cells are a novel source of adult-derived cells which should have powerful effects on slowing down vision loss associated with macular degeneration,” said Clive Svendsen, PhD, director of the Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and contributing author to the study. “Though additional pre-clinical data is needed, our institute is close to a time when we can offer adult stem cells as a promising source for personalized therapies for this and other human diseases.”
Read more: Stem Cell Injection May Soon Reverse Vision Loss Caused By Age-Related Macular Degeneration
The Latest on: Age-Related Macular Degeneration
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Age-Related Macular Degeneration” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Age related macular degeneration: What to ask your doctoron May 6, 2024 at 4:59 pm
We've tried to contact you several times as we haven't been able to take payment. You must update your payment details via My Account or by clicking update payment details to keep your ...
- AsclepiX Therapeutics Completes Enrollment in DISCOVER Trial for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD)on May 6, 2024 at 5:00 am
The DISCOVER Phase 1/2a trial is an open-label, single ascending dose, 9-month study that will evaluate the safety and bioactivity of AXT107 ...
- Home-monitoring tests lack satisfactory diagnostic accuracy to identify neovascular age-related macular degeneration:JAMAon May 5, 2024 at 7:30 am
A recent study found home-monitoring tests as a potential solution to reduce the burden of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) on patients and healthcare systems. The ...
- Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degenerationon May 2, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Anti-Vascular Endothelium Growth Factor. Results from a phase I clinical trial using an anti-VEGF pegylated aptamer (Macugen TM, EyeTech Pharmaceuticals, New York, NY) have been published.
- Macular Degeneration: 11 Ways to Protect Your Eyeson May 2, 2024 at 9:17 am
It is crucial to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms associated with AMD to detect and manage the condition early.
- What Is Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration?on May 1, 2024 at 5:00 pm
To help detect or confirm a diagnosis of wet AMD, your doctor may perform other tests and procedures, including the following: Both dry and wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) involve ...
- Local group helps macular degeneration patients cope with vision losson April 26, 2024 at 3:07 am
To provide opportunity for encouragement, Phoenix-based Associated Retina Consultants, in coordination with the International Low Vision Support Group, has established a Macular Degeneration Support ...
- High dose aflibercept may be promising for treatment of age-related macular degenerationon April 24, 2024 at 2:55 pm
Aflibercept 8 mg was non-inferior to 2 mg for best-corrected visual acuity at 48 weeks. 2. Ocular adverse events were comparable across treatment groups. Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent) Study ...
- Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degenerationon April 17, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Choroidal neovascularization is the primary cause of visual loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration. Current treatments, proven to offer a benefit for these patients through ...
- Atrophic macular degeneration: What to knowon April 15, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Atrophic macular degeneration, or geographic atrophy, is an advanced stage of dry age-related macular degeneration. Destruction of the cells — known as atrophy — in the retina can eventually ...
via Bing News