Mesenchymal stromal cells-derived extracellular vesicles for corneal regeneration in an experimental model of corneal injury
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70313/2718.7446.v18.n2.421Keywords:
stromal mesenchymal stem cells, extracellular vesicles, corneal regenerationAbstract
Objective
In recent years, our research has focused on the regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Given that corneal opacity is primarily driven by dysregulation of regenerative and inflammatory pathways, the aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of MSC-derived EVs in an experimental model of corneal injury.
Methods
We previously established a protocol for the isolation of EVs and the assessment of their anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. This protocol includes the controlled culture of MSCs derived from human umbilical cord tissue, collection of conditioned medium, and EV purification through ion-exchange chromatography. In this study, a murine model of corneal injury was developed by topical application of 10 µL of NaOH (0.125 M), followed by daily topical treatment with 10 µL of EVs (1×10⁹ particles/mL) for five consecutive days. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by histological staining (hematoxylin- eosin) and quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis of inflammatory cytokines.
Results
Clinical and histological analyses revealed that NaOH application induced moderate corneal injury, which was significantly ameliorated following EV treatment compared to vehicle controls. Expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were markedly upregulated after chemical injury and significantly downregulated after EV administration (n=5, p<0.05).
Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate the successful establishment of a simple and reproducible model of corneal epithelial injury, suitable for evaluating new therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, the results underscore the potent regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties of MSC-derived EVs, highlighting their promising potential for the treatment of inflammatory ocular diseases.
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References
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