Restorative Eye Surgery Method May Offer Sight Recovery for Macular Degeneration Sufferers
Research Breakthrough: Dual Retinal Grafts Advance Treatment for Dry AMD
Scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have developed an innovative surgical technique for implanting multiple retinal tissue grafts. This new method could potentially revolutionize the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss among older adults.
In an groundbreaking study, the team implanted two grafts simultaneously in animal models, focusing on those containing retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. These cells provide essential support and nutrition to the retina's light-sensing photoreceptors.
The results demonstrated that RPE grafts effectively preserved photoreceptors and regenerated the choriocapillaris, a vital layer of blood vessels that supplies the retina with oxygen and nutrients. This finding is crucial, as the choriocapillaris is often affected in AMD.
The researchers designed a specialized surgical clamp to maintain eye pressure during the insertion of two tissue patches, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. The technique allows for direct, side-by-side comparison of different graft designs within the same lesion, accelerating the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and safety.
In the study, one graft included RPE cells, while the other served as a control without RPE cells. After surgery, scientists used artificial intelligence to analyze retinal images and compare the effects of each graft. They observed that the RPE grafts led to the survival of photoreceptors, while photoreceptors near the control grafts died at a higher rate.
The findings build upon existing research, particularly the ongoing, NIH-led first-in-human clinical trial of patient-derived RPE grafts for the dry form of AMD. The work was supported by the National Eye Institute Intramural Research Program.
Key Impacts of Dual Implantation with RPE Cells
- Comparative Analysis: By allowing direct, intraocular comparison of different graft designs, the novel method accelerates the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and safety.
- Photoreceptor Preservation: RPE grafts effectively preserve light-sensing photoreceptors compared to control grafts without RPE cells.
- Choriocapillaris Regeneration: RPE grafts uniquely promote the regeneration of the choriocapillaris, a vital layer of blood vessels that nourishes the retina.
- Enhanced Therapeutic Coverage: The technique enables higher treatment coverage in larger retinal areas, potentially restoring significant visual function in patients with extensive retinal damage.
- Reduced Surgical Impact: Specialized surgical tools help minimize the risk of further retinal damage during the complex procedures.
These advancements highlight the potential for dual-implantation techniques to transform dry AMD therapy, moving beyond symptom management to potentially restoring retinal structure and function. The results enhance ongoing efforts to translate lab-grown stem cell therapies into clinical treatments for vision loss.
Funding: The work was supported by the National Eye Institute Intramural Research Program.
About this AMD and visual neuroscience research news
- Author: NIH Office of CommunicationsSource: NIHContact: NIH Office of Communications - NIH
- Image: The image is credited to our website
- Original Research: Open access."iPSC-RPE patch preserves photoreceptors and regenerates choriocapillaris in a pig outer regina degeneration model" by Kapil Bharti et al. JCI Insight
Abstract
iPSC-RPE patch preserves photoreceptors and regenerates choriocapillaris in a pig outer regina degeneration model
The innovative technique may lead to improved treatment options for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss among older Americans.
- The groundbreaking study conducted by scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has demonstrated that simultaneous implantation of dual retinal tissue grafts, containing retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, could revolutionize the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- By facilitating direct, intraocular comparison of different graft designs, the novel dual implantation technique accelerates the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and safety in AMD treatment.
- In the study, RPE grafts were observed to effectively preserve light-sensing photoreceptors and stimulate the regeneration of the choriocapillaris, a vital blood vessel layer that nourishes the retina.
- Artificial intelligence was employed to analyze retinal images and assess the relative effectiveness of the RPE grafts and control grafts without RPE cells.
- The enhancement of existing research through this study further underscores the potential for stem cell therapies to combat AMD and improve medical-conditions such as chronic diseases, eye-health, and health-and-wellness through advanced therapies-and-treatments.
