Stem Cell Surgery and Growth Factors in Retinitis Pigmentosa Patients: Pilot Study after Literature Review

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.

Antioxidant and Biological Properties of Mesenchymal Cells Used for Therapy in Retinitis Pigmentosa

“…In view of the highlighted influence of MSC secretome on oxidative stress, the MSC graft in retina or adjacent tissues may slow down RP progression [ 100 , 101 , 104 , 126 , 128 , 131 , 132 ]: the bioactive factors released by MSCs could exert a trophic effect on photoreceptors, RMG, and RPE cells, so that the rod and cone lifespan could be prolonged.…”

“…With this method, improvements have been observed in electroretinographic parameters and visual performance in AMD, opticopathies, and RP. Furthermore, it seems to be devoid of the potential complications reported for the intravitreal and subretinal methods [ 128 , 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 ].…”

“…The MSC secretome is very wide and different according to the specific experimental context, probably due to the varying ROS inductors. There is evidence that MSC therapy can have a broad influence on the redox context due to these antioxidant factors [ 168 ] and it can positively influence the evolution of RP ( Figure 2 ) [ 131 , 132 ].…”

Deep Learning-Based Detection of Pigment Signs for Analysis and Diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa

“…The location of the retinal pigment is an important constraint for considering the progression and migration of spots [3,4]. In the retinal image, the X-Y location coordinates of the PS can be found for analysis of RP.…”

“…RP diagnosis and growth rate determination are very important for early treatment. Studies have focused on the growth rate of RP for stem cell therapy and surgery for RP [4]. Monitoring RP progress through retinal imaging morphology and genotyping could benefit gene therapy [5].…”