Stem cell eye drops improve tear quality and reduce inflammation

Abstract

This study provides the first assessment of eye drops made using conditioned media from amniotic stem cells (AMSCCM), for the treatment of qualitative keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in dogs. Tear fluid secretion was measured using the Schirmer tear test (STT), and collected samples were analyzed for total protein concentration and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels to assess ocular surface inflammation and potential regenerative effects. To evaluate tear film morphology and see structural changes linked to KCS and therapy response, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used. Results from treatment with AMSCCM-based eye drops were encouraging; 50 % of treated dogs had increased protein levels, decreased MMP-9 expression, and enhanced tear production, all of which suggested anti-inflammatory and restorative effects. These findings lay the groundwork for further exploration of AMSCCM as a novel treatment strategy for canine KCS, particularly in cases unresponsive to conventional therapies. Despite these encouraging findings, further studies should focus on longer treatment durations, optimized dosing regimens, and inclusion of additional diagnostic tools and broader cytokine profiling to fully characterize therapeutic efficacy and safety.