Dataset Information

Management of toxic optic neuropathy via a combination of Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells with electromagnetic stimulation.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To investigate the effect of the combination of Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSC) and high frequency repetitive electromagnetic stimulation (rEMS) in the therapy of toxic optic neuropathies with severe symptoms after the available current therapy modalities which were unsucessful.

Material and methods

This prospective, open-label clinical phase-3 study was conducted at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology between April 2019 and April 2021. Thirty-six eyes of 18 patients with toxic optic neuropathy (TON) were included in the study. Within 1-3 months after the emergency interventions, patients with various degrees of sequela visual disturbances were studied in this clinical trial. The cases were divided into three groups according to similar demographic characteristics. Group 1: Consists of 12 eyes of 12 patients treated with the WJ-MSC and rEMS combination in one eye. Group 2: Consists of 12 eyes of 12 patients treated with only rEMS in one eye. Group 3: Consists of 12 eyes of six patients treated with only WJ-MSC in both eyes. The course was evaluated by comparing the quantitive functional and structural assessment parameters measured before and at the fourth month of applications in each group.

Results

The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) delta change percentages of the groups can be ranked as: Group 1 (47%) > Group 3 (32%) > Group 2 (21%). The mean fundus perimetry deviation index (FPDI) delta change percentages of the groups can be ranked as: Group 1 (95%) > Group 2 (33%) > Group 3 (27%). The mean ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness delta change (decrease in thickness) percentages can be ranked as: Group 1 (- 21%) > Group 3 (- 15%) > Group 2 (- 13%). The visual evoked potential (VEP) P100 latency delta change percentages of the groups can be ranked as: Group 1 (- 18%) > Group 3 (- 10%) > Group 2 (- 8%). The P100 amplitude delta change percentages of the groups can be ranked as: Group 1 (105%) > Group 3 (83%) > Group 2 (24%).

Conclusion

Toxic optic neuropathies are emergent pathologies that can result in acute and permanent blindness. After poisoning with toxic substances, progressive apoptosis continues in optic nerve axons and ganglion cells. After the proper first systemic intervention in intensive care clinic, the WJ-MSC and rEMS combination seems very effective in the short-term period in cases with TON. To prevent permanent blindness, a combination of WJ-MSC and rEMS application as soon as possible may increase the chance of success in currently untreatable cases. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04877067.

SUBMITTER: Ozmert E

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8477499 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:PURPOSE:The aim of this study is to determine if umbilical cord Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells implanted in sub-tenon space have beneficial effects on visual functions in retinitis pigmentosa patients by reactivating the degenerated photoreceptors in dormant phase. MATERIAL AND METHODS:This prospective, open-label, phase-3 clinical trial was conducted between April of 2019 and October of 2019 at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology. 32 RP patients (34 eyes) were included in the study. The patients were followed for 6?months after the Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cell administration, and evaluated with consecutive examinations. All patients underwent a complete routine ophthalmic examination, and best corrected visual acuity, optical coherens tomography angiography, visual field, multifocal and full-field electroretinography were performed. The quantitative results were obtained from a comparison of the pre-injection and final examination (6th month) values. RESULTS:The mean best corrected visual acuity was 70.5 letters prior to Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cell application and 80.6 letters at the 6th month (p?=?0.01). The mean visual field median deviation value was 27.3?dB before the treatment and 24.7?dB at the 6th month (p?=?0.01). The mean outer retinal thickness was 100.3??m before the treatment and 119.1??m at 6th month (p?=?0.01). In the multifocal electroretinography results, P1 amplitudes improved in ring1 from 24.8 to 39.8 nv/deg2 (p?=?0.01), in ring2 from 6.8 to 13.6 nv/deg2 (p?=?0.01), and in ring3 from 3.1 to 5.7 nv/deg2 (p?=?0.02). P1 implicit times improved in ring1 from 44.2 to 32.4?ms (p?=?0.01), in ring2 from 45.2 to 33.2?ms (p?=?0.02), and in ring3 from 41.9 to 32.4?ms (p?=?0.01). The mean amplitude improved in 16 Tds from 2.4 to 5.0 nv/deg2 (p?=?0.01) and in 32 Tds from 2.4 to 4.8 nv/deg2 (p?=?0.01) in the full-field flicker electroretinography results. Full field flicker electroretinography mean implicit time also improved in 16 Tds from 43.3 to 37.9?ms (p?=?0.01). No ocular or systemic adverse events related to the two types of surgical methods and/or Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells itself were observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION:RP is a genetic disorder that can result in blindness with outer retinal degeneration. Regardless of the type of genetic mutation, sub-tenon Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cell administration appears to be an effective and safe option. There are no serious adverse events or ophthalmic / systemic side effects for 6?months follow-up. Although the long-term adverse effects are still unknown, as an extraocular approach, subtenon implantation of the stem cells seems to be a reasonable way to avoid the devastating side effects of intravitreal/submacular injection. Further studies that include long-term follow-up are needed to determine the duration of efficacy and the frequency of application. TRIAL REGISTRATION:SHGM56733164. Redistered 28 January 2019 https://shgm.saglik.gov.tr/organ-ve-doku-nakli-koordinatorlugu/56733164/203 E.507.

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