Study: Not All Equine Stem Cells Equal (AAEP 2012)

Choosing a specific stem cell source could maximize treatment efficacy, improving horses’ recovery chances.
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Veterinarians have identified stem cell therapies as potentially powerful weapons in the war on equine wounds and injuries. However, the exact stem cell types most beneficial for particular “battles” remain unclear.

“Stem cells, particularly a specific cohort of stem cells called mesenchymal stromal cells that have the ability to become any one of a variety of cell type such as bone or cartilage, are a promising tool for treating various orthopedic conditions,” explained Janina Burk, DVM, of the Large Animal Clinic for Surgery at the University of Leipzig in Germany. Burk and her research colleagues recently compared a variety of mesenchymal stromal cell sources. She presented their results at the 2012 American Associations of Equine Practitioners’ Convention, held Dec. 1-5 in Anaheim, Calif.

Mesenchymal stromal cells can be derived from bone marrow, fat (adipose) tissue, other body tissues (such as tendons, the body tissue used in this study), and umbilical cord blood and tissue. Currently, the “best” source of stem cells for treating tendon, ligament, and other orthopedic injuries remains a topic of great debate due to a lack of comparative studies. And while many researchers are running from bench to stall with stem cell technology, others are recalling their troops and holding out for the “hero” stem cell source.

“The purpose of our study was to compare some basic characteristics of mesenchymal stromal cells derived from five different sources,” said Burk

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Written by:

Stacey Oke, MSc, DVM, is a practicing veterinarian and freelance medical writer and editor. She is interested in both large and small animals, as well as complementary and alternative medicine. Since 2005, she’s worked as a research consultant for nutritional supplement companies, assisted physicians and veterinarians in publishing research articles and textbooks, and written for a number of educational magazines and websites.

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