Upregulation of rhodopsin gene in regenerated retina followed by adipose-derived stem cell therapy in a rat model

Abstract Background: Retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt disease, and retinitis pigmentosa are phenotypically diverse and lead to photoreceptor cell death and downregulation of rhodopsin gene expression. Retinal degeneration is difficult to treat; therefore, artificial devices, autologous grafts, and the retinal donation should be used to replace damaged tissues or organs. Methods: In this study, the photoreceptor layer of the retinal tissue of rats was damaged by intravitreal sodium iodate (NaIO3) administration. Following the confirmation of retinal damage, intravitreal injections of adipose stem cells with a hydrogel scaffold were implanted into the intravitreal space’s retinas of rats. The process of retinal regeneration was assessed by histopathology, and RT-PCR analyzed the expression of the rhodopsin gene. Results: Histopathological examination demonstrated that injecting a suitable biomaterial hydrogel and mesenchymal stem cells improved tissue regeneration. In addition, the data showed that the expression of the rhodopsin gene was upregulated in repaired retinal tissue compared to damaged tissue. Conclusion: NaIO3 injection into the intravitreal space of rats’ results in severe retina injury. The application of mesenchymal stem cells is suggested as competent cells to cure degenerative retinal defects. This model could be a valuable tool for seeking and evaluating novel therapeutic modalities for the treatment of retinal degeneration.