In vitro induction and intraocular application in oxygen-induced retinopathy of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

PURPOSE: We designed a study to find theoretical evidence for the induction, movement, fusion, proliferation, and safety of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) in intraocular application. METHODS: HADSCs were induced to confirm that they can express the characteristics of endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro. HADSCs were intraocularly injected into oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice to check the movement, fusion, proliferation, and prognosis in vivo. Electron microscopy was used to check retinal changes to confirm the safety of hADSCs in intraocular application. RESULTS: After induction, hADSCs expressed von Willebrand Factor (vWF), the cell marker of ECs. The hADSCs were distributed above the retina after an intravitreal injection in the OIR mice. The injected cells did not fuse with the retina and gathered in the central and peripheral areas, which is the lesion area of the OIR model. Five days after the hADSC intravitreal injection, the area of ​neovascularization was reduced by 94.83% compared with that of the OIR group. Hematologic staining and electron microscopy did not show noticeable proliferation and degeneration of the retina. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence for the intraocular application of hADSCs.