Histological Study on the Possible Therapeutic Efficacy of Topical Adipose Tissue Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Experimentally Induced Dry Eye in Male Albino Rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt

2 Department of ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt

3 Department of Histology , Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent ocular disorder characterized by tear film instability, inflammation, and damage to the ocular surface, often resulting in discomfort and impaired vision. Current therapies primarily offer symptomatic relief, underscoring the need for regenerative approaches.
Aim of the work: This study aimed at investigating the possible therapeutic effect of topical adipose tissue derived MSCs (ADMSCs) in benzalkonium chloride (BAC) induced dry eye in male albino rat model.
Material & Methods: Thirty-two adult male albino rats were divided into control and experimental groups. DED was induced using topical BAC. The treatment group received a topical dose of ADMSCs (1 × 105 cells in 25 μl) in right eye once daily for one week. Disease induction and therapeutic response were assessed by corneal fluorescein staining, histological examination (H&E staining), and alcian blue staining for goblet cells. Immunohistochemical analyses for TNF-α and PCNA were performed, alongside morphometric and statistical evaluations.
Results: BAC-induced DED resulted in significant corneal epithelial damage, stromal disorganization, basement membrane disruption, goblet cell loss, and lacrimal gland degeneration, accompanied by increased collagen deposition and elevated TNF-α expression. ADMSCs treatment markedly restored corneal and conjunctival architecture, improved goblet cell density, reduced stromal inflammation, and promoted acinar regeneration in the lacrimal gland. Histochemical analysis confirmed partial restoration of collagen organization and glycosaminoglycan content. Immunohistochemistry revealed enhanced epithelial and acinar proliferation (increased PCNA) and decreased TNF-α expression, indicating reduced inflammation. Morphometric analysis showed significant improvements in corneal thickness and goblet cell count in the ADMSC-treated group compared to untreated DED.
Conclusion: Topical ADMSCs therapy effectively ameliorated BAC-induced dry eye histopathological alterations in rats by promoting tissue regeneration and modulating inflammation. These findings supported the potential of ADMSCs as promising regenerative treatment for DED.

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