Intravitreal stem cell paracrine properties as a potential neuroprotective therapy for retinal photoreceptor neurodegenerative diseases.

ABSTRACT: Retinal degenerations are the leading causes of irreversible visual loss worldwide. Many pathologies included under this umbrella involve progressive degeneration and ultimate loss of the photoreceptor cells, with age-related macular degeneration and inherited and ischemic retinal diseases the most relevant. These diseases greatly impact patients' daily lives, with accompanying marked social and economic consequences. However, the currently available treatments only delay the onset or slow progression of visual impairment, and there are no cures for these photoreceptor diseases. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are being investigated, such as gene therapy, optogenetics, cell replacement, or cell-based neuroprotection. Specifically, stem cells can secrete neurotrophic, immunomodulatory

SUBMITTER: Puertas-Neyra K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7437593 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature