Abstract
Purpose :
Amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSc) are developmentally and functionally akin to embryonic stem cells, as both can differentiate into multiple cell lineages. However, the AFSc are widely acceptable in both ethical and resourceful aspects. Besides, ASCs are regarded as highly potential in clinical applications due to their promoting effects on cellular proliferation and differentiation.
Methods :
This study investigated the mitigation effects of dry eye symptoms by factors derived from AFSc on an UVB-induced photokeratitis model. The mice were allocated into 6 study groups（n = 6 in each group）：(1) Blank: treated with 0.9% NaCl eye drops only; (2) UVB Damage：UVB exposure and treated with 0.9% NaCl eye drops; (3) AFSc factors at 1/5 dose：UVB exposure and treated with 1/5 dose of AFSc factors; (4) AFSc factors at 1/10 dose：UVB exposure and treated with 1/10 dose of AFSc factors;(5) AFSc factors at 1/20 dose：UVB exposure and treated with 1/20 dose of AFSc factors; (6) AFT：UVB exposure and treated with artificial tears. The entire experimental period was 11 days. The eye drops, with or without AFSc factor treatments, were administered from Day -2 until Day 8. UVB irradiation (0.72 J/cm2) was performed daily from Day 1 to Day 7. Tear volume (TV) and Tear film breakup time (TBUT) were measured on Days 0, 4, and 7 and ocular surface stain was assessed on Day 8, followed by mouse sacrifice for histopathological analyses.
Results :
The results showed that AFSc factors could promote TV and TBUT and reduce the damaged area on the ocular surface. Histopathological analyses showed that AFSc factors at 1/10 dose enhanced limbal stem cell mobilization as indicated by increased p63 and PCNA markers and reduced damage areas on cornea surface, which outperformed the use of artificial tears.
Conclusions :
In conclusion, AFSc factors could mitigate photokeratitis symptoms comparable to those observed under a dry eye status and may be developed for therapeutic use to relieve dry eye symptoms.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.