Effect of Limbal Mesenchymal Stem Cell in Form Deprivation Myopia Animal Model

Abstract

This study investigates the capability of limbal mesenchymal stem cell (LMSC) in reducing myopia progression in a form-deprivation myopia animal model. A total of 24 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) divided into three equal groups (n=8) as follows:  form-deprivation myopia group (FDM), FDM group with treatment 1x10 ⁵ in 0,1 ml LMSCs injection (FDM+LMSC), and control group. Refraction status was evaluated by streak retinoscopy, and axial length was measured using a-scan biometry. The migration of LMSCs into the posterior sclera was evaluated with red-fluorescent cell dye (PKH26). α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and posterior scleral thickness were evaluated in a 6-week follow-up. This study shows significant differences in α-SMA expression and scleral thickness between the three groups (p<0,05). Besides, there were significant differences in scleral thickness and α-SMA expression between the control and the FDM with the LMSCs group. LMSC has a potential role for myopia control in form-deprivation eye animal models by increasing α-SMA and sclera thickness.