Stem cell transplantation reversed degenerative changes in the retina. According to a publication in the journal Cell Stem Cell, specialists tested retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells obtained from the eye tissues of deceased donors. The main objective was to assess the safety of the new therapeutic approach. There are two types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD): dry and exudative (wet). The dry type predominates, which develops due to dysfunction and subsequent death of RPE cells. In the early stages of AMD, these cells begin to function incorrectly, and in advanced stages, they die off and do not regenerate. Patients with late-stage dry AMD were transplanted with mature stem cells capable of differentiating exclusively into RPE cells. Six volunteers were injected with a minimum dosage of the grafts (50 thousand units). Twelve others received medium and high doses (150 thousand and 250 thousand cells, respectively). In all cases, the medical intervention did not provoke significant immune responses or tumor formation. After one year, subjects in the first group were able to identify an additional 21 symbols on the visual acuity chart. Researchers consider this result outstanding and hopeful. Volunteers in the remaining two groups continue to be monitored. Provided there are no further safety issues, the scientific team will proceed to the next phases of trials. AMD affects the central area of the retina—the macula—which is responsible for sharpness, detail, and color perception. This results in impaired normal vision: a dark spot appears in the center of the field of view, straight lines become distorted, and image brightness and contrast decrease. Peripheral vision is preserved, but the overall quality of life deteriorates noticeably. The risk of developing AMD increases after the age of 50. Existing treatment methods are only capable of slowing the progression of the disease but cannot restore lost visual function.
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