Transplantation of limbal derived MSCs grown on contact lenses in dogs with dry eye syndrome - can stem cells help?

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), also known as “dry eye syndrome”, is a common ocular disease in dogs, caused by inflammation of the lacrimal gland, resulting decreased tear production. Efforts are being made to develop alternative therapies order prevent lifelong use drugs for patients with KCS. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) be effective treatment many immune-mediated diseases human and animal models due their immunoregulatory properties. The aim this study was transplant limbal mesenchymal (LMSCs) surface on contact lenses evaluate therapeutic effects LMSCs clinical examination findings. animals were randomly divided into control groups. LMSC group (n = 10) received (at least 2×106 cells) cultured lenses. conventional artificial tears, topical 0.05% Cs A, antibiotic drops, 3 times day 4 weeks. Schirmer test, break-up time, impression cytology, Rose Bengal staining, osmolarity measured all patients. findings pre-treatment, two weeks four after treatment, evaluated statistically. In both groups, significant improvement present compared pre-treatment However, there no difference between KCS using produced promising, its ease application, non-immunogenic properties single dose administration.