ABSTRACT
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of human?derived umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HDUMSC) and human?derived umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells expressing erythropoietin (HDUMSC?EPO) to rescue total degenerated retina in a rat model. Methods: The study included four treatment groups, namely negative control using normal saline (HBSS) injection, positive control using sodium iodide 60 mg/kg (SI), SI treated with HDUMSC, and SI treated with HDUMSC?EPO given via subretinal and intravenous routes, to test the efficacy of retinal regeneration following SI?induced retinal degeneration. Retinal function in both phases was tested via electroretinography (ERG) and histological staining examining the outer nuclear layer (ONL). Results: There was a statistically significant result (P < 0.05) in the SI treated with HDUMSC?EPO only when comparing day 11 (mean = 23.6 ?v), day 18 (mean = 25.2 ?v), day 26 (mean = 26.3 ?v), and day 32 (mean = 28.2 ?v) to the b?wave ERG on day 4 rescue injection day (mean = 12.5 ?v). The SI treated with HDUMSC?EPO showed significant improvement in b?wave ERG readings in the Sprague–Dawley (SD) rat but did not restore baseline readings prior to degeneration (day 0). Both treated groups’ ONL thicknesses did not show significant changes compared to the negative control group (HBSS) following rescue therapy. Conclusion: Total retinal degeneration following intravenous SI injection was observed at 60 mg/kg. SI treated with HDUMSC and HDUMSC?EPO showed no regenerative potential compared to baseline in SI?induced total retina degeneration on ERG or histology, whereas SI treated with HDUMSC?EPO group showed a substantial increase in b?wave ERG amplitude over time
ABSTRACT
Traumatic optic neuropathy due to missile injury typically results in unilateral visual loss.[1] We discuss an uncommon case, in which injury from retroocular passage of a single bullet resulted in bilateral orbital perforations, frozen globes, and complete blindness. A 20‑year‑old female presented with bilateral absent light perception detected immediately, following alleged accidental bullet injury. There were no cranial manifestations and sutured skin wounds were visible on the temporal aspects of both the orbits. Bilateral ocular coats were intact with normal intraocular pressure and anterior segments. However, there was bilateral complete afferent pupillary defect and vitreous hemorrhage. Noncontrast computerized tomography (NCCT) imaging revealed multiple orbital and nasal fractures, a bony fragment abutting the right globe [Fig. 1a], and bilateral temporal orbital perforations on reconstructed images [Fig. 1b and c]. The entry wound was left‑sided and slightly lower than the right‑sided exit wound [Fig. 1b and c]. Sonography revealed attached bilateral retinas. The combination of complete afferent and efferent neural dysfunction was attributed to injury of bilateral posterior orbits near the apical region. No ocular intervention was planned due to poor prognoses and absence of any foreign body.