The potential therapeutic effect of stem cells loaded on two different vehicles (amniotic membrane and platelet rich plasma gel) in experimentally induced corneal alkali burns in rats

Abstract

Background: Corneal alkali burns are common ophthalmic emergencies which may lead to permanent visual impairment. In spite of great advances made in the treatment of these cases, the structural and functional restoration of corneal alkali burns remains challenging. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have been demonstrated to enhance corneal healing. However the problem remains in finding a suitable vehicle to deliver BM-MSCs to the site of injury. Objectives: To evaluate the therapeutic potential of BM-MSCs loaded on two biological vehicles (amniotic membrane versus platelet-rich plasma gel) in corneal alkali burns. Materials & Methods: Fifty rats were randomly divided into five equal groups. Group I (control group), group II (corneal ulcer group) and group III (recovery group). Group IV rats with corneal ulcers were treated with amniotic membrane loaded with BM-MSCs while in the group V the rats with corneal ulcers were treated with platelet-rich plasma cells loaded with BMMSCs. The corneal specimens were processed for the light microscope, transmission electron microscope examination, and RT qPCR assay for VEGF and iNOS. Results: Group II showed epithelial separation and denudation with disorganized stroma and disrupted Descemet's membrane and endothelium. Group III showed residual epithelial separation and vacuolation with neovascularization of the disorganized stroma. Group IV showed thinning of corneal epithelium with inflammatory infiltration of the stroma. Group V corneas revealed restoration of corneal epithelial thickness, organized stroma and continuous Descemet's membrane. Also, there was an upregulation of iNOS & VEGF gene expression in groups II and III which was downregulated in group IV and V. Conclusions: The combination of BM-MSCs with PRP gel was a promising treatment for corneal alkali burns and may be applicable for other types of corneal disorders.

Regenerative and Antioxidant Properties of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Can Reserve the Aging Process of the Cornea in the Rat Model

“…Moreover, Bowman's membrane in the aged cornea was very thin and irregular that associated with widening in intercellular spaces and loss of desmosomal junctions. Ebrahim et al [ 17 ] mentioned similar findings in the case of corneal alkali burns in rats due to corneal epithelial cells desquamation and necrosis. Also, Aseta et al [ 31 ] detected these changes in case of eye closure and clarified that any changes occurred in the barrier function of the corneal epithelium will affect the integrity of the cornea that leads to an increased risk of infections, corneal diseases, and corneal damage.…”

“…The supernatant plasma containing platelets was transferred into another sterile tube without anticoagulant. Secondly, the centrifuge was done at 4000 rpm for 15 minutes at 20°C to separate platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (lower 1/3rd) from platelet-poor plasma (PPP) (the upper 2/3rd) [ 17 ]. Samples were centrifuged by using Jouan ki22 Refrigerated Centrifuge (LAB EQUIP LTD, France) and processed at the Tissue Culture and Research Center in the Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Egypt.…”

Activated Platelet Rich Plasma as a New Treatment Modality for Cataract Disorders: In Vivo Study

“…Growth factors are part of anti-inflammatory cytokines that play a role in inflammation inhibition and activation of tissue regeneration processes. [14][15][16] This potential is quite promising for the improvement of chronic inflammatory processes in cataract cases. This study is one of the early exploratory studies that have the potential to determine the role of platelet-rich plasma in inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1B, thereby triggering tissue repair in cataract cases in vivo study.…”