Scientists Use Skin Cells To Restore Patient’s Vision For First Time
A skin-to-eye transplant has been used to partially restore a patient’s vision for the very first time.
Japanese scientists report that the successful transplant was carried out using stem cells derived from a piece skin taken from the 70-year-old patient’s arm.
The cells were reprogrammed into pluripotent stems cells (iPSC) which can be used in almost any type of tissue in the body, including retinal tissue in the eye.
The cells were modified to develop into a thin layer of retinal pigment epithelium - a pigmented cell layer in the eye - which was then transplanted behind the patient’s retina.
The patient was affected by age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of vision loss in the elderly and underwent the treatment described in the study back in 2014.
Two years on, the scientists report that the transplant was, a remains, a success.
“I am very pleased that there were no complications with the transplant surgery. I would like to thank everyone who has assisted with our efforts thus far,” commented project leader Masayo Takahashi.
“However, this is only the first step for use of iPSC in regenerative medicine. I have renewed my resolve to continue forging ahead until this treatment becomes available to many patients.”
Image credit: Design Pics Inc/REX/Shutterstock
Via: ScienceAlert
