Application of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell lysate in dry eye syndrome and retinal injury.

Abstract

PURPOSE: Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell lysates (UCML) have crucial bioactivities, including tissue regeneration, wound healing, and immune regulation, showing great potential for treating eye diseases. This study investigates the therapeutic efficacy of UCML loaded in artificial tears (AT@UCML) on dry eye syndrome (DES) and retinal injury. METHODS: This study first evaluated the safety, antioxidant properties, and tissue-repairing effects of AT@UCML in disease-relevant ocular cells. Then, we treated DES and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) retinal injury mouse models by AT@UCML. To assess the effects in DES mice, we measured tear secretion, corneal damage, and goblet cell numbers. For I/R mice, we examined retinal ganglion cell numbers and retinal thickness. RESULTS: Experiments showed that AT@UCML reduced oxidative stress and protected ocular cells. In DES mice, it increased tear secretion, repaired corneal damage, and restored goblet cell counts. In I/R mice, it reduced retinal ganglion cell loss and restored retinal thickness. CONCLUSIONS: AT@UCML effectively treated DES and I/R injuries by protecting key ocular cells. This study expands the application of stem cell therapy in ophthalmology and provides a basis for developing related treatments.