Scientists devise method to treat corneal damage that regenerates destroyed cells without the need for transplants.
NEW DELHI: There could be light at the end of the tunnel for those suffering from eye ailments and awaiting eye transplants due to damaged corneas. Chennai-based microbiologist H N Madhavan of Sankara Netralaya, along with Japanese polymer scientist Prof Muri from the Vasada University of Tokyo, has devised a method to treat corneal damage that regenerates destroyed cells without the need for transplants. With tests on rabbits completed successfully, the duo is now waiting to carry out similar trials on human subjects.
Speaking from Chennai, Madhavan told DNA, “We have applied to the India Council for Medical Research for permission to conduct the experiment on humans. We proved that rabbits could accept the treatment and hope that humans would also be able to benefit from it.”
Muri and Madhavan began their experiment by extracting cells from donor eyes, which were not suitable for transplants, and found that they could develop healthy cells when treated in a particular way.
Next, they devised the rabbit test model where stem cells from the healthy eye of a rabbit were cultivated in a polymer called mepiol gel, developed by Muri. They found that in nine months they were able to create a healthy cornea. “The most important part of this experiment is that it does not require any suturing. In fact, the cultivated cells in the gel can be transferred into the eye as drops which are absorbed by the eye,” added Madhavan.
The procedure, should it prove to be successful, can be used to treat eyes destroyed by chemical agents such as acids, accidents that physically damage the cornea and even Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The cost of treatment is expected to be between Rs 20,000-25000.
Reacting to the news Dr Ranjana Mittal, senior consultant, ophthalmology, Apollo hospital, said, “So far stem cells have only been limited to the use of cells from the placenta in most cases. If this proves to be successful, it could spell relief to a lot of patients, especially because this involves no surgery.
“The only thing that goes against it is the time that the cells have taken to grow. Also, one needs to see how many drops will patients require and ultimately how economical it would be.”
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}