Stem cell therapy of cataract

Abstract

Introduction: Cataract is recognized as a disease of the lens resulting in many blindness cases, while the only therapeutic procedure is surgery. Thus, to tackle this disease, alternative methods are required. Stem cell therapy is one of the alternative treatment modalities. Paired lens' epithelial pieces induced by vitreous body were shown to produce lens-like structures. Here, Wharton's jelly derived stem cells are suggested as the best candidates for this purpose, as these cells have potency for the differentiation into the lens fiber cells. Hypothesis: It is hypothesized that Wharton's jelly derived stem cells could be used as a novel and appropriate source for the treatment of cataract. Evaluation of Hypothesis: To attain this aim, lens of an animal model of cataract can be removed. Then, the human Wharton's jelly stem cells (hWJSCs) are injected into a capsule. Finally, the expression of crystalline proteins and vision function are analyzed. Conclusion: It is hypothesized that the lens capsule could act as a natural scaffold and hWJSCs could be used to restore the lens structure in the empty capsule.