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.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
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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