MSCs can secrete a variety of cytokines, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF), among which, BDNF has been proven to be an essential and effective protective factor for glaucoma optic nerve damage [54]. The gene discussed is CNTF; the disease is glaucoma.