gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people over age 55 in the developed world. Loss of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) plays a major pathophysiologic role in the disease. Stem cells are currently considered for RPEreplacement. Based on their level of differentiation and their potential they are classified in embryonal stem cells (ESC) and adult stem cells (ASC), while the latter group can be subclassified in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and natural pluripotent stem cells (nPSC).

Methods: On basis of the published literature these stem cell groups are evaluated with regard to their potential and feasibility of clinical application in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.

Results: All these mentioned stem cell populations are able to generate RPE-like cells in terms of morphology and function. These findings have been demonstrated in vitro and in preclinical animal studies. But with reference to ESC and iPSC several methodical and ethical controversies and disadvantages exist, which might favour the clinical application of nPSC.

Conclusion: Stem cells are going to prove beneficial in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Different stem cell classes are considered of which the natural pluripotent stem cells might be the most feasible option for clinical application.