Protection of the optic nerve with the help of neural progenitor cells؛

The result of the differentiation of embryonic stem cells in a laboratory animal model

26 October 2022 | 09:44 Code : 49771 scientific issues Top NEWS

About 0.5 to 5% of vehicle accidents result in optic nerve damage. Due to the limited regeneration of retinal ganglion cells, if the damage to the optic nerve is severe, it will eventually lead to blindness. Conventional treatment methods, including the use of neuroprotective drugs such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, or surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve, have little therapeutic effect; For this reason, a large part of the victims, who are usually from the younger generation of the society, lose their sight.

Protection of the optic nerve with the help of neural progenitor cells؛

According to the public relations report of Jihad University،Research has shown that neural progenitor cells secrete nutrients that are necessary to protect the visual system. With the aim of investigating the therapeutic effect of neural progenitor cells on the optic nerve in a laboratory animal model, Dr. Leila Satarian, Dr. Shiva Nemati, Dr. Farzad Pakdel, Dr. Mohammad Javan and their colleagues at Royan Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Tarbiat Modares University designed a research during which embryonic pluripotent stem cells were differentiated into neural progenitor cells. Then they investigated the therapeutic effect of these cells on a laboratory model of damage to the optic nerve. The results of this research, published in the Cell Journal, showed that intravenous injection of 50,000 cells into the retina does not improve the vision of model animals. However, laboratory studies showed that in the experimental group that received neural progenitor cells, retinal ganglion cells were preserved twice as much. The results of this research showed that intravenous injection of nerve progenitor cells probably protects optic nerve cells by releasing nutrients.