Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cell Transplantation in Optic Nerve Atrophy

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of human bone marrow-derived stem cell transplantation in a single patient with optic nerve atrophy. A total of 735 million bone marrow-derived stem cells were isolated. Of these, 490 million cells were administered intrathecally, 15 million cells were injected into each vitreous cavity, 15 million cells were injected into each episcleral region, and 72.5 million cells were injected into each retrobulbar space. As a result, visual acuity improved from 0.1 to 0.4 at six months post-transplantation and subsequently decreased; however, vision remained superior to baseline values. Comparable improvements were noted in visual field assessments and electroretinogram (ERG) findings. In conclusion, autologous bone marrow-derived stem cell transplantation in patients with optic nerve damage demonstrated transient improvements in visual function.