Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell implantation in patients with optic atrophy

Background: Optic nerve cells can be irreversibly damaged by common various causes. Unfortunately optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells have no regenerative capacity and undergo apoptosis in case of damage. In this study, our aim is to investigate the safety and efficacy of suprachoroidal umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) implantation in patients with optic atrophy. Methods: This study enrolled 29 eyes of 23 patients with optic atrophy who were followed in the ophthalmology department of our hospital. BCVA, anterior segment, fundus examination, color photography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were carried out at each visit. Fundus fluorescein angiography and visual field examination were performed at the end of the first, third, sixth months, and 1 year follow-up. Results: After suprachoroidal UC-MSCs implantation there were statistically significant improvements in BCVA and VF results during 12 months follow-up (p < 0.05). When we evaluate the results of VF tests, the mean deviation (MD) value at baseline was -26.11 +/- 8.36 (range -14.18 to -34.41). At the end of the first year it improved to -25.01 +/- 8.73 (range -12.56 to -34.41) which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). When we evaluate the mean RNFL thickness measurements at baseline and at 12 month follow-up the results were 81.8 +/- 24.9 mu m and 76.6 +/- 22.6 mu m, respectively. There was not a significant difference between the mean values (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Stem cell treatment with suprachoroidal implantation of UCMSCs seems to be safe and effective in the treatment for optic nerve diseases that currently have no curative treatment options