Using stem cells to repair blood vessels in diabetic eye disease
Human iPSC for Repair of Vasodegenerative Vessels in Diabetic Retinopathy
This study is testing if stem cells from the blood of diabetic patients can help repair damaged blood vessels in the eyes of people with diabetic eye disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 98 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT03403699 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the potential of human inducible pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a therapeutic option for diabetic retinopathy and macular ischemia. iPSCs will be derived from the blood of diabetic patients and healthy controls, and their ability to generate mesoderm cells will be tested in diabetic rodent and primate models. The focus is on assessing the capacity of these cells to form endothelial cells and pericytes in damaged blood vessels, as well as evaluating the combined effects of iPSC-derived hematopoietic cells on vascular repair. The ultimate goal is to enhance vessel formation and improve outcomes for patients with diabetic complications.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 21-98 with a diagnosis of diabetes or healthy age-matched controls.
Not a fit: Patients with ongoing infections, malignancies, or significant ocular complications other than diabetic retinopathy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to innovative treatments that restore vascular function in patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of iPSCs in vascular repair is a novel approach, preliminary findings suggest potential for success based on previous studies involving progenitor cells.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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.
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maria B Grant, MD — 1954
- Study coordinator: Jennifer Moorer
- Email: jmoorer@uabmc.edu
- Phone: 205 325 8674
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.