Researchers from Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear identified a growth factor-based treatment that may be effective in restoring vision in patients with severely scarred corneas.
According to researchers, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently been shown to help return clarity to corneas scarred by severe ocular trauma, however scientists were unclear as to how MSCs worked. The Schepens team — led by senior author and assistant professor of ophthalmology Dr. Sunil K. Chauhan — identified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) secreted by MSCs as the key factor responsible for promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation in preclinical models of corneal injury. The researchers believe their findings will help develop new treatment modalities to help reverse corneal scarring.
The findings were recently published in the journal Stem Cell Reports.
Click here to read the full press release.
Source: Massachusetts Eye and Ear