Radu Madalina, Brănișteanu Daniel Constantin, Pirvulescu Ruxandra Angela, Dumitrescu Otilia Maria, Ionescu Mihai Alexandru, Zemba Mihail
Department of Ophthalmology, "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Grigore T. Popa", 700115 Iasi, Romania.
Life (Basel). 2024 May 23;14(6):668. doi: 10.3390/life14060668.
The escalating prevalence of retinal diseases-notably, age-related macular degeneration and hereditary retinal disorders-poses an intimidating challenge to ophthalmic medicine, often culminating in irreversible vision loss. Current treatments are limited and often fail to address the underlying loss of retinal cells. This paper explores the potential of stem-cell-based therapies as a promising avenue for retinal regeneration. We review the latest advancements in stem cell technology, focusing on embryonic stem cells (ESCs), pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and their ability to differentiate into retinal cell types. We discuss the challenges in stem cell transplantation, such as immune rejection, integration into the host retina, and functional recovery. Previous and ongoing clinical trials are examined to highlight the therapeutic efficacy and safety of these novel treatments. Additionally, we address the ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks governing stem cell research. Our analysis suggests that while stem-cell-based therapies offer a groundbreaking approach to treating retinal diseases, further research is needed to ensure long-term safety and to optimize therapeutic outcomes. This review summarizes the clinical evidence of stem cell therapy and current limitations in utilizing stem cells for retinal degeneration, such as age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and Stargardt's disease.
视网膜疾病的患病率不断攀升，尤其是年龄相关性黄斑变性和遗传性视网膜疾病，这给眼科医学带来了严峻挑战，常常导致不可逆转的视力丧失。目前的治疗方法有限，往往无法解决视网膜细胞的潜在损失问题。本文探讨了基于干细胞的疗法作为视网膜再生的一条有前景途径的潜力。我们回顾了干细胞技术的最新进展，重点关注胚胎干细胞（ESC）、多能干细胞（PSC）和间充质干细胞（MSC），以及它们分化为视网膜细胞类型的能力。我们讨论了干细胞移植中的挑战，如免疫排斥、整合到宿主视网膜以及功能恢复。对以往和正在进行的临床试验进行了研究，以突出这些新疗法的治疗效果和安全性。此外，我们还讨论了干细胞研究的伦理考量和监管框架。我们的分析表明，虽然基于干细胞的疗法为治疗视网膜疾病提供了一种开创性的方法，但仍需要进一步研究以确保长期安全性并优化治疗效果。本综述总结了干细胞治疗的临床证据以及目前在将干细胞用于视网膜变性（如年龄相关性黄斑变性、色素性视网膜炎和斯塔加特病）方面的局限性。
