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International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology2013; 26(1 Suppl); 61-68; doi: 10.1177/03946320130260s108

Allogeneic adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in combination with platelet rich plasma are safe and effective in the therapy of superficial digital flexor tendonitis in the horse.

Abstract: Overstrain tendonitis are common pathologies in the sport horses. Therapeutic approaches to tendon healing do not always result in a satisfactory anatomical and functional repair, and healed tendon is often characterized by functional impairment and high risk of reinjury. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet rich plasma (PRP) have been proposed as novel therapeutic treatments to improve the tendon repair process. MSCs are multipotent, easy to culture and being originated from adult donors do not pose ethical issues. To date, autologous MSCs have been investigated mainly in the treatment of large bone defects, cardiovascular diseases, osteogenesis imperfecta and orthopaedic injuries both in human and veterinary medicine. The clinical applications in which autologous MSCs can be used are limited because patient-specific tissue collection and cell expansion require time. For clinical applications in which MSCs should be used right away, it would be more practical to use cells collected from a donor, expanded in vitro and banked to be readily available when needed. However, there are concerns over the safety and the efficacy of allogeneic MSCs. The safety and efficacy of a therapy based on the use of allogeneic adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) associated to platelet rich plasma (PRP) were evaluated in 19 horses affected by acute or subacute overstrain superficial digital flexor tendonitis (SDFT). The application of allogeneic ASCs neither raised clinical sign of acute or chronic adverse tissue reactions, nor the formation of abnormal tissue in the long-term. After a follow-up of 24 months, 89.5% horses returned to their previous level of competition, while the reinjury rate was 10.5%, comparable to those recently reported for SDFT treated with autologous bone marrow derived MSCs. This study suggests that the association between allogeneic ASCs and PRP can be considered a safe and effective strategy for the treatment of SDF tendonitis in the horse.
Publication Date: 2013-09-21 PubMed ID: 24046950DOI: 10.1177/03946320130260s108Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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The research discusses the effectiveness of a combined treatment of allogeneic adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) and platelet rich plasma (PRP) for the therapy of superficial digital flexor tendonitis in horses.

Treatment for Tendonitis in Sports Horses

Horses involved in sports are often affected by superficial digital flexor tendonitis, often resulting from overstrains. Existing treatment options often fail to provide satisfactory functional and anatomical repair, with healed tendons remaining vulnerable to reinjury. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) along with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been proposed as a potential remedy to enhance the tendon repair process.

Autologous vs Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells

  • The MSCs are proficient in differentiation, easy to culture, and pose no ethical questions since they originate from adult donors.
  • Autologous MSCs, where cells are collected from the patient undergoing treatment, have been commonly used to treat a range of conditions including large bone defects, cardiovascular diseases, and orthopaedic injuries in both humans and animals.
  • However, autologous MSCs have limitations due to the time required for patient-specific tissue collection and cell expansion.
  • Allogeneic MSCs, derived from a donor and expanded in vitro for availability when required, could offer a more efficient alternative. Nonetheless, there exist concerns over their safety and efficacy.

Evaluation of Allogeneic ASCs Treatment Combined with PRP

  • The study evaluated the use of allogeneic adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) alongside PRP in 19 horses suffering from acute or subacute overstrain superficial digital flexor tendonitis.
  • No clinical signs of acute or chronic adverse tissue reactions or the formation of abnormal tissue were observed following the application of allogeneic ASCs.
  • Post a period of 24 months, 89.5% of the horses were able to return to their previous levels of competition. The reinjury rate observed was 10.5%, equivalent to rates reported for SDFT treated with autologous bone marrow derived MSCs.

Conclusion of the Study

In conclusion, the study suggests that the combination of allogeneic ASCs and PRP can be considered a productive and safe strategy for treating superficial digital flexor tendonitis in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Ricco S, Renzi S, Del Bue M, Conti V, Merli E, Ramoni R, Lucarelli E, Gnudi G, Ferrari M, Grolli S. (2013). Allogeneic adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in combination with platelet rich plasma are safe and effective in the therapy of superficial digital flexor tendonitis in the horse. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol, 26(1 Suppl), 61-68. https://doi.org/10.1177/03946320130260s108

Publication

ISSN: 0394-6320
NlmUniqueID: 8911335
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 26
Issue: 1 Suppl
Pages: 61-68

Researcher Affiliations

Ricco, S
  • Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
Renzi, S
    Del Bue, M
      Conti, V
        Merli, E
          Ramoni, R
            Lucarelli, E
              Gnudi, G
                Ferrari, M
                  Grolli, S

                    MeSH Terms

                    • Adipose Tissue / cytology
                    • Animals
                    • Horse Diseases / therapy
                    • Horses
                    • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
                    • Platelet-Rich Plasma
                    • Tendinopathy / therapy
                    • Tendinopathy / veterinary
                    • Transplantation, Homologous

                    Citations

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