Human stem cell transplants successfully repaired macular holes in a monkey model, researchers report October 3 rd in the journal Stem Cell Reports . After transplantation, the macular holes were closed by continuous filling of the space with retinal tissue. "We confirmed for the first time in a non-human primate model that embryonic stem-derived retinal organoid sheet transplantation facilitates the closure of macular holes," says senior study author Michiko Mandai of the Kobe City Eye Hospital.
Our results suggest that this method could become a practical, safe, and effective treatment option with minimal invasive risks, particularly for difficult macular hole cases." Michiko Mandai, Kobe City Eye Hospital Macular holes are small gaps that form in the macula-;the central part of the retina in the eye. They can cause blurred or distorted central vision, making it difficult to read, drive, or see fine details.
In the past decade, advances in surgical techniques have achieved closure rates exceeding 90%, but refractory cases are still a problem. Management of recurrent macular holes after surgery is also challenging. For retinal degenerative diseases, cell-based therapy is a promising strategy for restoring visual function.
Although retinal transplantation has shown good anatomic success, visual improvement is limited, and peripheral visual field defects are inevitable. In the new study, Mandai and collaborators evaluated whether they could overcome these hurdles by transplant.
