Human IPSC for Repair of Vasodegenerative Vessels in Diabetic Retinopathy

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · Jan 11, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring the use of special cells called human inducible pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to help repair damaged blood vessels in the eyes of people with diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes that can lead to vision problems. The researchers will create these iPSCs from blood samples of both individuals with diabetes and healthy older adults, and then test how well these cells can help generate new blood vessels in laboratory animals. The goal is to see if these cells can improve vision by restoring healthy blood flow in the eyes.

To participate in this study, you must be between 21 and 98 years old and either have diabetes or be a healthy control. Participants will need to undergo an eye exam and a small skin biopsy. However, individuals with certain conditions, such as ongoing infections, cancer, or specific eye diseases other than diabetic retinopathy, will not be eligible. If you join the study, you can expect to be part of a research effort that could lead to new treatments for vision loss caused by diabetes.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Any man or woman between the ages of 21- 98 years of age will be eligible to participate. To participate in the study as a study subject we will require: a) the subject must either carry the diagnosis of diabetes or be a healthy aged control and b) the patient be willing and have the ability to cooperate with the eye exam and skin punch biopsy protocol.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • We will apply the following exclusion criteria: a) evidence of ongoing acute or chronic infection (HIV, Hepatitis B or C, tuberculosis); b) ongoing malignancy; c) cerebral vascular accident or cerebral vascular procedure; d) current pregnancy; e) history of organ transplantation; f) presence of a graft (to avoid any effect of the graft on inflammatory parameters; and g) patients with anemia. Subjects with AMD, glaucoma, uveitis, known hereditary degenerations or other significant ocular complications other than diabetic retinopathy will be excluded.