25. 06. 2025
Reading time: 2 minutes
Scientists from the IEM CAS and the Central European Institute of Technology CEITEC have collaborated on a study that opens up new possibilities for treating injured corneas. The research team focused on a combined therapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs), proving its effectiveness in a mouse model. The study brought encouraging results, which were published in the prestigious journal ACS Nano (IF 15,8) (open in a new window) of the American Chemical Society.
MSCs are considered promising candidates for regenerating damaged corneas due to their immune-modulating and regenerative properties. However, in the inflammatory environment of the eye, they are often exposed to oxidative stress, which limits their effectiveness. This is where CeNPs come into play, providing protection to cells and increasing their chances of survival and effective action thanks to their antioxidant properties.
The study showed that the application of MSCs enriched with CeNPs significantly reduces inflammation at the site of damage, resulting in reduced leukocyte infiltration, lower expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes and reduced production of inflammatory factors. In addition, the combined therapy led to faster and more effective regeneration of the cornea, promoting the growth of cells typical of the healthy corneal epithelium (carrying keratin 12) and reducing opacity and other damage, such as thinning of the corneal epithelium.
The results suggest that combining MSCs with CeNPs can significantly enhance the effectiveness of treating eye injuries. This synergistic effect represents a promising basis for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.
