Study Indicates a Potential Treatment for Corneal Endothelial Disease, Reducing the Need for Corneal Transplants

Findings from a study in The American Journal of Pathology, published by Elsevier, reveal that administration of the neuropeptide α-melanocyte–stimulating hormone (α-MSH) promotes corneal healing and restores normal eye function to an otherwise degenerating and diseased cornea by providing protection against cell death and promoting cell regeneration. 

This study examined the effect of local administration of α-MSH on persistent corneal edema and endothelial regeneration in an established model of injury-induced endothelial decompensation. The results show the therapeutic potential of promoting the melanocortin pathway using α-MSH, thus opening new avenues of therapy. 

"Our data, demonstrating the potent therapeutic effects of α-MSH through melanocortin receptor agonism, provide compelling evidence for the therapeutic potential of this pathway for a wide array of ocular disorders such as Fuchs Dystrophy, a common disease and indication for corneal transplantation, as well as other disorders of the corneal endothelium that lead to corneal swelling," said lead investigator Reza Dana, MD, MSc, MPH, Director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service at Mass Eye and Ear, and Claes H. Dohlman Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School.

Read the full Elsevier news release here. 

Caption: Researchers at Harvard Medical School have demonstrated the potent therapeutic effects of administration of the neuropeptide α-melanocyte–stimulating hormone (α-MSH) through melanocortin receptor agonism, providing compelling evidence for the therapeutic potential of this pathway for a wide array of eye disorders. CEnC, corneal endothelial cells; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline (Credit: TheAmerican Journal of Pathology).