Review of cellular therapies provides new insights into the potential treatment of diverse neurologic diseases in horses and dogs.

Neurological diseases and injuries in veterinary patients (horses, dogs, and cats) are complex, and effective treatment options are limited. Neuronal loss, damage to nerve conduction pathways, and inflammation and scarring associated with spinal cord injury pose major challenges in managing many neurological diseases. Furthermore, most of these neuropathologies lack definitive pharmacological treatments, driving interest and research into novel interventions. Our objective is to provide a narrative review of the current literature surrounding cellular therapies including neuronal and glial stem cells, neurotrophic factors, mesenchymal stem or stromal cells, and cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells for the treatment of diverse neurological pathologies. Cellular therapies have the potential for cellular replacement, immune modulation, and paracrine signaling and the flexibility of being used alone or alongside surgical intervention. Mesenchymal stem or stromal cells are arguably the most researched cellular therapy and have been administered intrathecally, IV, intra-arterially, intranasally, and intraspinally with few adverse reactions. Limited clinical and experimental studies have suggested efficacy in diseases including acute spinal cord injury and intervertebral disc disease. Little is currently known about the safety and efficacy of neural stem cells, precursor cell administration, and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived treatments. Further research is necessary to determine the efficacy and long-term safety of cellular therapies. Future aims should include larger controlled clinical trials in companion animals for common neurologic conditions including acute spinal cord injury, intervertebral disc disease, peripheral nerve injury, degenerative neuropathies, and age-associated cognitive decline.

Comparison between stem cell therapy and stem cell derived exosomes on induced multiple sclerosis in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that primarily manifests as demyelination of neuronal axons in the central nervous system, due to the loss or attack of oligodendroglia cells that form myelin. Stem cell therapy has shown promising results for the treatment of MS due to its capability to halt the immune attack, stop apoptosis and axonal degeneration, and differentiate into oligodendrocytes. Stem cell-derived Exosomes (Exosomes) have shown great capabilities for neuronal diseases as they have growth factors, complex sets of miRNA, enzymes, proteins, major peptides, lipids, and macromolecules with anti-inflammatory, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis activities. METHODS: This study aimed to compare the healing properties of stem cells, against Exosomes for the treatment of an experimentally induced MS dog model. Dog models of MS received either a single treatment of stem cells or a single treatment of Exosomes intrathecally and the treatment process was evaluated clinically, radiologically, histopathologically, and electron microscopy and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. RESULTS: showed marked amelioration of the clinical signs in both treated groups compared to the control one, magnetic resonance scans showed the resolution of the hyperintense lesions at the end of the study period, the histopathology and electron microscopy showed marked healing properties and remyelination in treated groups with superiority of the stem cells compared to Exosomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although stem cell results were superior to Exosomes therapy; Exosomes have proven to be effective and safe important actors in myelin regeneration, and their use in diseases like MS helps to stimulate remyelination.

Mesenchymal stem cells: A promising antimicrobial therapy in veterinary medicine.

Growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a threat to human and animal populations citing the limited available options. Alternative antimicrobial options or functional enhancement of currently available antimicrobials remains only options. One of the potential options seems stem cells especially the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that show antimicrobial properties. These cells additionally have pro-healing effects that may plausibly improve healing outcomes. MSCs antimicrobial actions are mediated either through direct cell-cell contact or their secretome that enhances innate immune mediated antimicrobial activities. These cells synergistically enhance efficacy of currently available antimicrobials especially against the biofilms. Reciprocal action from antimicrobials on the MSCs functionality remains poorly understood. Currently, the main limitation with MSCs based therapy is their limited efficacy. This demands further understanding and can be enhanced through biotechnological interventions. One of the interventional options is the 'priming' to enhance MSCs resistance and specific expression potential. The available literature shows potential antimicrobial actions of MSCs both ex vivo as well as in vivo. The studies on veterinary species are very promising although limited by number and extensiveness in details for their utility as standard therapeutic agents. The current review aims to discuss the role of animals in AMR and the potential antimicrobial actions of MSCs in veterinary medicine. The review also discusses the limitations in their utilization as standard therapeutics.

The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in Veterinary Medicine and Their Use in Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Regenerative medicine is a dynamically developing field of human and veterinary medicine. The animal model was most commonly used for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) treatment in experimental and preclinical studies with a satisfactory therapeutic effect. Year by year, the need for alternative treatments in veterinary medicine is increasing, and other applications for promising MSCs and their biological derivatives are constantly being sought. There is also an increase in demand for other methods of treating disease states, of which the classical treatment methods did not bring the desired results. Cell therapy can be a realistic option for treating human and animal diseases in the near future and therefore additional research is needed to optimize cell origins, numbers, or application methods in order to standardize the treatment process and assess its effects. The aim of the following work was to summarize available knowledge about stem cells in veterinary medicine and their possible application in the treatment of chosen musculoskeletal disorders in dogs and horses.

Canine dental pulp and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells as alternative sources for cell therapy in dogs.

The use of regenerative medicine for pets has been growing in recent years, and an increasing number of studies have contributed to the widespread use of cell therapies in clinical veterinary medicine. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from different sources such as dental pulp and umbilical cord. Aiming safety and reproducibility of cell therapy in clinical practice by using sources easily obtained that are usually discarded, this study isolated, characterized, and evaluated the proliferation and colony formation potential of canine dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells (cDPSCs) and canine umbilical cord tissue (cUCSCs). Three samples from each source were collected, isolated, and cultured. MSCs were differentiated into three lineages and quantified by spectrophotometry. For immunophenotypic characterization, antibodies were used to analyze the expression of cell surface markers, and 7-AAD and Annexin-V were used to analyze cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. For the clonogenic assay, cells were cultured, the colonies were stained, and counted. For the proliferation assay, the cells were plated in flasks for three days and added EdU nucleoside. cDPSCs and cUCSCs showed plastic adherence and fibroblastic morphology after cultivation. Both sources showed differentiation potential and showed CD29 and CD44 positivity and CD14, CD45, CD34 and HLA-DR negativity, and low mortality and apoptosis rates. There was no difference in proliferation rates between sources. Overall, although cUCSCs had a higher number of colony-forming units than cDPSCs, both sources presented MSCs characteristics and can be used safely as alternative sources in cell therapy.

There and back again: Translating adoptive cell therapy to canine cancer and improving human treatment.

Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) is a burgeoning therapeutic modality within human immuno-oncology. Novel approaches towards ACT are being developed in the pre-clinical setting faster than they can be evaluated in human clinical trials. Many of the therapeutic approaches used in human medicine have already been evaluated to some degree in canine patients. While this form of immunotherapy in veterinary medicine is still in its infancy, as these approaches develop, canine ACT will become a tool for both the veterinary oncologist and the translational researcher. This review details canine ACT trials to date, with attention given to the precedents provided by human oncology.

Stem cell therapy prior to full-mouth tooth extraction lacks substantial clinical efficacy in cats affected by chronic gingivostomatitis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this pilot study was to determine the safety, efficacy and immunomodulatory function of systemically administered adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) in cats affected by feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) prior to full-mouth tooth extractions. METHODS: Five client-owned cats affected with FCGS that did not undergo full-mouth tooth extractions for FCGS treatment received two intravenous injections of 20 million fresh, allogeneic or autologous ASCs. An oral examination with photographs, a complete blood count, blood immune cell phenotyping and a biochemical profile were completed at 0 and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: Four cats completed the study and one cat exited the study 3 months after treatment. While the treatment was determined to be clinically safe, no positive clinical response was observed in three cats and a mild response was noted in two cats. Furthermore, none of the cats exhibited immune modulation, as evidenced by no alteration in circulating CD8+ T cells, normalization of the CD4:CD8 ratio or neutrophil counts. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Unlike the reported efficacy of ASCs in treating cats with non-responsive FCGS after full-mouth tooth extraction, the systemic administration of ASCs prior to full-mouth tooth extraction lacks substantial clinical efficacy and is not recommended at this time.

ω-Conotoxina MVIIC e células-tronco mesenquimais promovem recuperação motora em ratos Wistar após trauma medular agudo / ω-Conotoxin MVIIC and mesenchymal stem cells promote motor recovery in Wistar rats after acute spinal cord injury]

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da ω-conotoxina MVIIC e das células-tronco mesenquimais (CTM) de forma isolada e sua associação nos ratos submetidos ao trauma medular agudo (TMA). Trinta Rattus novergicus, linhagem Wistar, três meses de idade, foram distribuídos igualmente em cinco grupos experimentais: controle negativo (CN), controle positivo (CP), ω-conotoxina MVIIC (MVIIC), células-tronco mesenquimais da medula óssea (CTM-MO) e associação (MVIIC + CTM-MO). O grupo CN foi submetido à laminectomia sem trauma medular, e os grupos CP, MVIIC, CTM-MO e MVIIC + CTM-MO foram submetidos ao trauma medular contusivo. O grupo CP recebeu, uma hora após o TMA, 10µL de PBS estéril, e os grupos MVIIC e MVIIC + CTM-MO receberam 10µL de PBS contendo 20pmol da ω-conotoxina MVIIC, todos por via intratecal. Os grupos CTM-MO e MVIIC + CTM-MO receberam, 24 horas após, 1x106 de CTM via intravenosa. Avaliou-se a recuperação da função locomotora até o sétimo dia pós-trauma. Os animais tratados com MVIIC + CTM-MO obtiveram recuperação motora após o trauma medular agudo (P<0,05). Conclui-se que essa associação apresentou efeito neuroprotetor com melhora na função locomotora em ratos Wistar.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of isolated ω-conotoxin MVIIC and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and its association in rats submitted to acute spinal cord injury (SCI). Thirty Rattus norvegicus, Wistar strain, three-month-old rats were randomly distributed in five experimental groups with six animals: negative control (CN), positive control (CP), ω-conotoxin MVIIC (MVIIC), bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (CTM-MO) and the association (MVIIC + CTM-MO). The CN group underwent laminectomy without spinal cord trauma, and groups CP, MVIIC, CTM-MO and MVIIC + CTM-MO were submitted to contusive spinal cord trauma. The CP group received 10µl of PBS one hour after SCI, and groups MVIIC and MVIIC + CTM-MO received 10µl of PBS containing 20pmol of ω-conotoxin MVIIC, both intrathecally. Groups CTM-MO and MVIIC + CTM-MO received 1x106 of MSCs intravenously 24 hours later. The recovery of locomotor function was evaluated up to seven days post-injury. The animals treated with MVIIC + CTM-MO obtained motor recovery after SCI (P<0.05). It is concluded that this association showed neuroprotective effect with improvements in locomotor function in Wistar rats.(AU)

Efficacy of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation in dogs with chronic spinal cord injury.

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is relatively common in dogs and is a devastating condition involving loss of sensory neurons and motor neurons. However, the main clinical protocol for the management of SCI is surgery to decompress and stabilize the vertebra. Cell transplantation therapy is a very promising strategy for the treatment of chronic SCI, but extensive preclinical and clinical research work remains. Aim: The aim of this study is to confirm the effect of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell (BM-MNC) transplantation for chronic SCI in dogs. Methods: We tested the treatment efficiency of chronic SCI in 12 dogs using BM-MNC transplantation. Neurological evaluation used the Texas Spinal Cord Injury Scale (TSCIS). Concurrently, we characterized the transplanted cells by evaluation using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Result: All dogs had a pre-transplantation TSCIS score of 0. Two animals did not show any improvement in their final TSCIS scores. The remaining 10 dogs (83.4%) achieved improvement in the final TSCIS scores. Five of them (41.7%) regained ambulatory function with a TSCIS score greater than 10. We determined that canine BM-MNCs expressed hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mRNA at higher levels than other cytokines, with significant increases in HGF levels in cerebrospinal fluid within 48 hours after autologous BM-MNC transplantation into the subarachnoid space of the spinal dura matter in dogs. Conclusions: BM-MNC transplantation may be effective for at least some cases of chronic SCI.

Stem Cell Therapy and Cats: What Do We Know at This Time.

Regenerative medicine is a complex field of research, with much hope placed on the ability to use regenerative therapies such as stem cells to provide new treatment options for many frustrating disease processes in human and veterinary medicine. Significant research is still needed and ongoing from basic mechanistic studies to advanced bioengineering applications to practical cell delivery methods. Small studies of mesenchymal stem cell therapy shows significant promise in inflammatory feline diseases. Continued research will hopefully help determine the potential of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in feline medicine and lead to development of safe and effective products for clinical use.

Isolamento e diferenciação das células-tronco da polpa dentária canina em células progenitoras neurais / Isolation and differentiation of canine dental pulp stem cells in neural progenitor cells

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a capacidade de diferenciação das células-tronco da polpa dentária canina em células progenitoras neurais bem como quantificar obtenção e viabilidade celular, durante três passagens em cultura. As células foram extraídas da polpa dentária de dois cadáveres caninos, com aproximadamente dez meses de idade, que foram a óbito em decorrência de traumatismo automotivo. Após três subculturas, realizou-se avaliação da viabilidade celular por quantificação em câmara de Neubauer. A partir disso, induziu-se diferenciação neural em meio de cultura neurobasal (Gibco™), com células aderidas ao plástico ou suspensas em placas tratadas com agarose. Após sete e 14 dias em cultivo indutor, observou-se morfologia e perfil imunofenotípico utilizando citometria de fluxo e imunocitoquímica fluorescente. Aos 14 dias as células apresentaram alto grau de expressão para marcadores anti-nestina e anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (anti-GFAP). Anteriormente, obteve-se ao 25º dia, média de 18x106 células viáveis indiferenciadas oriundas do tecido pulpar. Sugere-se que as células-tronco indiferenciadas da polpa dentária canina apresentem índices satisfatórios de diferenciação em células progenitoras neurais, aderidas ou suspensas em cultura. A polpa dentária dos dentes decíduos caninos, fornece células indiferenciadas viáveis em quantidade adequada.(AU)

The objective of this study was to verify the differentiation capacity of canine tooth pulp stem cells in neural progenitor cells as well as to quantify the attainment and viability during three culture passages. The cells were extracted from the dental pulp of two canine cadavers, with approximately ten months of age, which died due to automotive trauma. After three subcultures, cell viability evaluation was performed by Neubauer chamber quantification. Neural differentiation was induced in neurobasal culture medium (Gibco ™), with cells adhered to the plastic or suspended in agarose-treated plates. After seven and 14 days in inducer culture, morphology and immunophenotypic profile were observed using flow cytometry and fluorescent immunocytochemistry. At 14 days the cells had a high degree of expression for anti-nestin and anti-glial fibrillary acidic (anti-GFAP) markers. Previously, an average of 18x106 undifferentiated viable cells from the pulp tissue were obtained on the 25th day. It is suggested that the undifferentiated canine pulp stem cells present satisfactory differentiation indices in neural progenitor cells, adhered or suspended in culture. The dental pulp of deciduous canine teeth provides viable undifferentiated cells in adequate quantity.(AU)

Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of two cell therapy protocols in equine suspensory ligament repair / Avaliação histológica e imunoistoquímica do reparo do ligamento suspensório equino tratado com dois protocolos de terapia celular

This study aimed to histologically evaluate the quality of tissue repair in equine suspensory ligament treated with two cell therapy protocols. All four limbs of six animals were operated simultaneously to remove a fragment in each ligament using a skin biopsy punch. Two days later, intralesional injections were performed using bone marrow mononuclear fraction (BM group), cultivated cells derived from adipose tissue (AT group), saline (positive control group), or no treatment (negative control group), in such way that each horse received all treatments. After sixty days biopsies were performed for histological analysis (H & E, Masson's trichrome and picrosirius red) and immunohistochemistry analysis (collagen type III). Histological findings (H & E and Masson's trichrome), birefringence intensity (through picrosirius) and collagen type III expression (through immunohistochemistry) were analyzed. Samples from treated groups had better birefringence intensity (P=0.007) and fiber alignment scores were superior compared to controls, though not statistically significant (P=0.08). Presence of inflammatory cells and intense staining for collagen type III occurred in all groups demonstrating an active healing process. In conclusion, both protocols resulted in improvement of tissue repair indicating their potential to be used as an adjuvant treatment of equine suspensory ligament disorders.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo a avaliação histológica e imunoistoquímica do reparo do ligamento suspensório equino tratado com dois protocolos de terapia celular. Os quatro membros dos seis animais do experimento foram submetidos a procedimento cirúrgico em que um fragmento de cada ligamento foi retirado, utilizando-se punch de biópsia. Dois dias após o procedimento, aplicações intralesionais foram realizadas, por meio de aspirado de medula óssea (bone marrow-BM), células mesenquimais derivadas de tecido adiposo (adipose tissue-AT), solução salina (positive control group-PC) ou controle (negative control-NC). Após 60 dias, biópsias foram retiradas da região de reparo dos ligamentos e foram submetidas à análise histológica (HE, tricrômio de Masson, picrosírius red) e imunoistoquímica (colágeno tipo III). Diferentes variáveis histológicas (HE e tricrômio de Masson), a intensidade de birrefringência das fibras colágenas (picrosírius red) e a expressão de colágeno tipo III foram avaliadas. Os grupos tratados apresentaram maior birrefringência (P=0,007) e alinhamento de fibras (P=0,08) comparados ao controle, para o qual o resultado não se mostrou estatisticamente significativo. Achados histológicos e imunoistoquímicos demonstraram um processo ativo de reparo tecidual em todos os grupos. Concluiu-se que os dois protocolos de terapia celular apresentaram melhora no reparo tecidual, demonstrando potencial terapêutico adjuvante no tratamento de afecções do ligamento suspensório equino.(AU)

Matriz porosa do BV60S associada a células osteoprogenitoras alógenas no tratamento de defeitos ósseos críticos em rádios de cães / Porous matrix of BG60S associated with allogenic osteoprogenitor cells in the treatment of critical bone defects in the radius of dogs

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da matriz porosa do biovidro 60S (BV60S) associada a células osteoprogenitoras (CO) alógenas no tratamento de defeitos ósseos críticos de cães. Foram utilizados 20 cães, machos, sem raça definida, com dois anos de idade e massa corporal média de 25kg. Com os cães sob anestesia geral, foram criados defeitos ósseos críticos no terço médio dos ossos rádios. Procedeu-se à fixação óssea com uma placa em ponte, e os defeitos foram tratados de acordo com cada grupo experimental. Constituíram-se três grupos experimentais, em que os defeitos ósseos foram preenchidos com: BV60S associado a CO alógenas (grupo BV60S+CO), osso autógeno (grupo C+), ou não preenchidos (grupo C-). A regeneração óssea foi avaliada por meio de exames radiográficos, densitométricos e histomorfométricos ao longo de 90 dias. Os grupos C- e BV60S+CO mostraram preenchimento ósseo parcial do defeito de, no máximo, 56,68% e 35,23%, respectivamente, sem a formação de ponte óssea entre as extremidades, e o controle positivo (C+) mostrou regeneração óssea completa. Conclui-se que a matriz porosa do BV60S associada às células osteoprogenitoras não é eficiente no tratamento de defeitos ósseos críticos em rádios de cães.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the porous matrix of bioglass 60S (BV60S) associated with allogenic osteoprogenitor cells (CO) in the treatment of critical bone defects of dogs. 20 male mongrel dogs at two years old and mean weight of 25kg were used. Dogs were anesthetized and critical bone defects were created in the middle third of the radios bones. With dogs under general anesthesia, critical bone defects were created in the middle third of bone radios. Bone fixation was done with a bridge plate and defects treated according to each experimental group. Three experimental groups were formed according to the treatment. The defects filled with BV60S associated with allogenic CO (Group-BV60S+CO), autogenous bone (Group-C+) or unfilled (Group-C-). Bone regeneration was evaluated by radiography, bone densitometry and histomorphometry over 90 days. The BV60S+CO and C- groups showed partial bone filling of the defect of at most 56.68% and 35.23%, respectively. No bone bridge formation was observed between the extremities in the BV60S+CO and C- groups. Positive control showed complete bone regeneration at 90 days. It was concluded that the porous matrix of BV60S associated with osteoprogenitor cells was not effective in the treatment of critical bone defects in the radius of dogs.(AU)

Bone marrow mononuclear cells versus mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue on bone healing in an Old World primate: can this be extrapolated to humans? / Células mononucleares de medula óssea versus células-tronco mesenquimais de tecido adiposo em cicatrização de lesão óssea em primata: pode ser extrapolado para humanos?

In veterinary medicine, the cell therapy is still unexplored and there are many unanswered questions that researchers tend to extrapolate to humans in an attempt to treat certain injuries. Investigating this subject in nonhuman primates turns out to be an unparalleled opportunity to better understand the dynamics of stem cells against some diseases. Thus, we aimed to compare the efficiency of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from adipose tissue of Chlorocebus aethiops in induced bone injury. Ten animals were used, male adults subjected, to bone injury the iliac crests. The MSCs were isolated by and cultured. In an autologous manner, the BMMCs were infused in the right iliac crest, and MSCs from adipose tissue in the left iliac crest. After 4.8 months, the right iliac crests fully reconstructed, while left iliac crest continued to have obvious bone defects for up to 5.8 months after cell infusion. The best option for treatment of injuries with bone tissue loss in old world primates is to use autologous MSCs from adipose tissue, suggesting we can extrapolate the results to humans, since there is phylogenetic proximity between species.(AU)

Na medicina veterinária, a terapia celular ainda é inexplorada e há muitas perguntas não respondidas, o que leva os pesquisadores a uma tendência a estender a terapia para os seres humanos, na tentativa de tratar certas lesões. Investigar esse assunto em primatas não humanos revela-se uma oportunidade sem precedentes para compreender melhor a dinâmica das células-tronco contra algumas doenças. Assim, objetivou-se comparar a eficiência das células mononucleares de medula óssea (BMMCs) e das células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs) do tecido adiposo de Chlorocebus aetiops na lesão óssea induzida. Foram utilizados 10 animais, adultos do sexo masculino, submetidos à lesão óssea nas cristas ilíacas. As MSCs foram isoladas e cultivadas; de forma autóloga, as BMMCs foram infundidas na crista ilíaca direita e as MSCs de tecido adiposo na crista ilíaca esquerda. Após 4,8 meses, a crista ilíaca direita foi totalmente reconstruída, enquanto a crista ilíaca esquerda continuou apresentando defeito ósseo evidente por até 5,8 meses após a infusão. A melhor opção para o tratamento de lesões com perda de tecido ósseo em primatas do Velho Mundo é a utilização de MSCs autólogas de tecido adiposo, sugerindo que se podem estender os resultados para seres humanos, uma vez que há proximidade filogenética entre as espécies.(AU)

Ultrasonic debridement with stem cell therapy of suspensory branch desmitis in an equine patient.

Ultrasonic debridement as a treatment for tendinopathy and desmitis is a relatively new approach in orthopedic surgery. Previously only used in limited cases, this procedure shows promise for treating ligament-bone and tendon-bone interface injuries. We present a case study of a 2-yr-old thoroughbred male horse, unable to train due to recalcitrant symptoms after extensive conservative management of suspensory branch desmitis. It was then treated with ultrasonic debridement and concurrent manubrial stem cell autograft injection, to treat the ultrasound visualized lesion. Post-surgically, the patient recovered quickly, began training within 16 wk, and went onto win several races. Repeat ultrasound imaging reveals a complete restoration of the internal fiber architecture of the ligament. With a 3-yr follow-up, there has been consistent training and race performance with no re-injury. This study is the first to document the successful outcome of ultrasonic debridement with concurrent stem cell injection in the treatment of equine desmitis.

Expression patterns of mesenchymal stem cell-specific proteins in adipose tissue-derived cells: possible immunosuppressing agent in partial allograft for restoring the urinary bladder in rabbits / Padrão de expressão de proteínas específicas das células-tronco mesenquimais derivadas de tecido adiposo: possível agente imunossupressor em aloenxerto parcial para restauração de vesícula urinária de coelhos

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are an attractive source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for use in tissue engineering and clinical applications. This paper focuses on the characterization of ADSCs used as immunosuppressive agent in rabbits undergoing partial allograft for urine bladder restorage. For this study highlighted the characterization of the ADSCs used as immunosuppressive agents in rabbits submitted to partial allograft for restoration of the urinary vesicle, using 25 animals, six months old, New Zealand. ADSCs at the third peal were characterized by the MSC-specific CD105, CD73 and CD90 expression and by the absence of the hematopoietic marker CD45, as revealed by flow cytometry analysis. Moreover, ADSCs were efficient in preventing allograft rejection from the urinary bladder, as judged by biochemical, clinical and ultrasonography analysis. Together, these results compose characterization of protein expression profiles and immunosuppressive functionality of ADSCs in rabbits, which had undergone partial allografts of the urinary bladder, foreseeing future applications in clinical practice.(AU)

As células mesenquimais derivadas de tecido adiposo (ADSCs) são uma fonte atraente de células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs) para uso na engenharia de tecidos e suas aplicações clínicas. Este trabalho destacou a caracterização das ADSCs utilizadas como agentes imunossupressores em coelhos submetidos a aloenxerto parcial para restauração da vesícula urinária, sendo utilizados 25 animais, de seis meses de idade, Nova Zelândia. As ADSCs, após o terceiro repique, foram caracterizadas pela expressão específica de MSC CD105, CD73 e CD90 e pela ausência do marcador hematopoiético CD45, tal como revelado por análise de citometria de fluxo. Além disso, os ADSCs foram eficientes na prevenção da rejeição de aloenxertos da vesícula urinária, conforme avaliado por análises clínica, bioquímica e ultrassonográfica. Juntos, esses resultados compõem a caracterização dos perfis de expressão proteica e a funcionalidade imunossupressora de ADSCs em coelhos, que sofreram aloenxertos parciais da bexiga, prevendo futuras aplicações na prática clínica.(AU)

Canine mesenchymal stem cells from synovium have a higher chondrogenic potential than those from infrapatellar fat pad, adipose tissue, and bone marrow.

Osteoarthritis (OA), a common chronic joint disorder in both humans and canines, is characterized by a progressive loss of articular cartilage. Canines can serve as an animal model of OA for human medicine, and this research can simultaneously establish effective veterinary treatments for canine OA. One attractive treatment that can lead to cartilage regeneration is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, for canine OA, little information is available regarding the best source of MSCs. The purpose of this study was to identify a promising MSC source for canine cartilage regeneration. We collected synovial, infrapatellar fat pad, inguinal adipose, and bone marrow tissues from six canines and then conducted a donor-matched comparison of the properties of MSCs derived from these four tissues. We examined the surface epitope expression, proliferation capacity, and trilineage differentiation potential of all four populations. Adherent cells derived from all four tissue sources exhibited positivity for CD90 and CD44 and negativity for CD45 and CD11b. The positive rate for CD90 was higher for synovium-derived than for adipose-derived and bone marrow-derived MSCs. Synovium-derived and infrapatellar fat pad-derived MSCs displayed substantial proliferation ability, and all four populations underwent trilineage differentiation. During chondrogenesis, the wet weight was heavier for cartilage pellets derived from synovium MSCs than from the other three sources. The synovium is therefore a promising source for MSCs for canine cartilage regeneration. Our findings provide useful information about canine MSCs that may be applicable to regenerative medicine for treatment of OA.

Allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy in dogs with refractory atopic dermatitis: clinical efficacy and safety.

Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a 10-15 per cent prevalence. Current treatments vary in their efficacy and safety. The immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) make them a promising alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of allogeneic canine adipose MSCs (cAd-MSCs) in dogs with refractory AD. Twenty-six dogs, suffering from AD for at least 12 months, not responding to conventional therapy, received an intravenous dose of 1.5×106 cAd-MSCs/kg bodyweight. Clinical signs, haematological and biochemistry profiles, and AD severity were assessed in a six-month follow-up using a validated scoring system (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, version 4 (CADESI-04)). The degree of pruritus was quantified using a validated visual analogue scale, and also owner's global assessment of treatment efficacy. Twenty-two animals completed the study. Pruritus and CADESI-04 scores decreased significantly after one week or month of treatment, respectively, and remained stable for six months. Owner's global assessment score was 2.15±1.15 for all the animals in the study. In conclusion, systemic administration of allogeneic cAd-MSCs appeared to be a simple therapy with positive outcome in the remission of clinical signs for AD refractory to conventional medications, for at least six months and with no adverse events.

Bone marrow stem cell applied in the canine veterinary clinics / Células tronco de medula óssea utilizadas na clínica veterinária canina

Cell therapy represents an old therapeutic practice initiated with the transfusion of whole blood in different clinical situations. There is now a breakthrough in the study of multipotent stem cell therapy because of its functionality in regeneration of tissues, which promotes attention of the scientific community. Bone marrow is one of the main sources of multipotent stem cells, composed by hematopoietic stem cells responsible for the renewal of the cellular components of the blood, and mesenchymal stem cells that aid in the regeneration of tissues. These cells have a strong potential for the treatment of several diseases, due their main characteristics such as high plasticity, capacity for self-renewal and immunomodulation. Although, there are many studies that show good results with the use of cell therapy as a form of treatment for several diseases, some studies still show inconclusive or unsatisfactory results. Therefore, the objective of this study was to review the application of bone marrow stem cells in the canine model since improvements on the knowledge of the technique are necessary to enable its applicability with safety and efficacy.(AU)

A terapia celular representa uma antiga prática terapêutica iniciada com a transfusão de sangue total em diferentes situações clínicas. Atualmente há um avanço no estudo da terapia com células-tronco mesenquimais por conta de sua funcionalidade na regeneração de tecidos, o que promove uma crescente atenção do meio científico. A medula óssea é uma das principais fontes de células-tronco multipotentes, no qual se encontram as células-tronco hematopoiéticas, responsável pela renovação dos componentes celulares do sangue, e as células-tronco mesenquimais que auxiliam na regeneração de tecidos. Essas células têm um forte potencial para o tratamento de diversas enfermidades, uma vez que possuem como principais características alta plasticidade, capacidade de auto renovação e imunomodulação. Apesar de haver muitos trabalhos que apresentam bons resultados com a utilização da terapia celular como forma de tratamento para diversas enfermidades, alguns estudos ainda demonstram resultados inconclusivos ou não satisfatórios, por isso, objetivou-se com este trabalho revisar a aplicação das células-tronco derivadas da medula óssea no modelo canino uma vez que é necessário melhorias sobre o conhecimento da técnica para que possibilite a sua aplicabilidade com segurança e eficácia.(AU)