Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Dogs With Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a dysfunction in tear production associated with clinical signs, which include conjunctival hyperemia, ocular discharge, discomfort, pain, and, eventually, corneal vascularization and pigmentation. Immunosuppressive drugs are routinely administrated for long periods to treat KCS but with side effects and limited results. Evaluation of the clinical benefits of intralacrimal transplantation of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in dogs with mild-moderate and severe KCS was done. A total of 24 eyes with KCS from 15 dogs of different breeds were enrolled in the present study. A single transplantation of MSCs (1 × 106) directly into lacrimal glands (dorsal and third eyelid) was performed. The Schirmer tear tests (STTs) and ocular surface improvements were used to assess short- and long-term effects of these cells. The STTs were carried out on day 0 (before MSCs transplantation) and on days 7, 14, 21, and 28, as well as 6 and 12 months after MSC transplantation. Our data demonstrate that allogeneic MSC transplantation in KCS dogs is safe since no adverse effects were observed immediately after transplantation and in short- and long-term follow-ups. A statistically significant increase in the STT and ocular surface improvements was found in all eyes studied. In all the eyes with mild-moderate KCS, STT values reverted to those of healthy eyes, while in eyes with severe KCS, although complete reversion was not found, there was improvement in tear production and in other clinical signs. Our study shows that a single dose of a low number of MSCs can be used to treat KCS in dogs. In contrast to immunosuppressive drug use, MSC transplantation has an effect over a long period (up to 12 months), even after a single administration, and does not require daily drug administration.

Effects of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on the epithelialization of rabbits' skin autograft (Oryctolagus cuniculus) / Efeitos das células-tronco mesenquimais derivadas do tecido adiposo de cães na epitelização de autoenxertos de pele em coelhos (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of mesenchymal stem cells derived from canine adipose tissue in the healing process of full-thickness mesh skin grafts in rabbits. The stem cells were collected from young dogs; and, after characterization, remained in cryopreservation, in independent doses containing 2 x 106 cells. The mesh distal limb graft technique was performed in 60 rabbits, divided into three groups, CG (Control Group), GT1 (Intralesional Stem Cell Treated Group), and GT2 (Intravenous Stem Cell Treated Group), containing 20 animals each. After grafting, each group was randomly divided into four subgroups according to euthanasia time 3, 7, 14, and 30 days, containing five animals in each group. Animals of GT1_14, GT1_30, and GT2_14, GT2_30 subgroups received a second dose of xenogeneic cells on the seventh day. Meanwhile, animals from GT1_30 and GT2_30 received the third dose of xenogeneic cells on day 14. The groups treated with xenogeneic stem cells positively affected type III collagen re-epithelialization and deposition, and possibly GT1 had a controlled inflammatory response. However, no effect on angiogenesis. Thus, it was possible to demonstrate tolerance and therapeutic action of mesenchymal stem cells from canine adipose tissue in skin grafts in rabbits.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como principal objetivo avaliar os efeitos das células-tronco mesenquimais derivadas do tecido adiposo de cães no processo de cicatrização de autoenxertos de pele de espessura total em malha em coelhos. As células-tronco foram coletadas de cães jovens, após a caracterização estas permaneceram em criopreservação, em doses individuais contendo 2 x 106 células. A técnica de enxerto em malha na região distal do membro foi realizada em 60 coelhos, divididos em três grupos, GC (Grupo Controle), GT1 (Grupo tratado com células-tronco intralesional) e GT2 (Grupo tratado com células-tronco via endovenosa), contendo 20 animais cada. Imediatamente após a enxertia, cada grupo foi dividido aleatoriamente em quatro subgrupos, de acordo com o tempo de eutanásia 3, 7, 14 e 30 dias contendo cinco animais cada. Animais dos subgrupos GT1_14, GT1_30 e GT2_14, GT2_30 receberam uma segunda dose de células xenógenas no sétimo dia. Ademais, animais do GT1_30 e do GT2_30 receberam a terceira dose de células xenógenas no dia 14. Os grupos tratados com células-tronco xenógenas tiveram um efeito positivo na reepitelização e deposição de colágeno tipo III, e possivelmente, o GT1 teve uma resposta inflamatória controlada, entretanto o efeito na angiogênese não foi observado. Dessa forma, foi possível demonstrar que houve tolerância e ação terapêutica das células-tronco mesenquimais derivadas do tecido adiposo de cães em enxertos de pele em coelhos.(AU)

Changes in expression pattern of selected endometrial proteins following mesenchymal stem cells infusion in mares with endometrosis.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) due to their self-renewal potential and differentiation capacity are useful for tissue regeneration. Immunomodulatory and trophic properties of MSCs were demonstrated suggesting their use as medicinal signaling cells able to positively change local environment in injured tissue. Equine endometrosis is a progressive degenerative disease responsible for glandular alterations and endometrial fibrosis which causes infertility in mares. More precisely, this disease is characterized by phenotypic changes in the expression pattern of selected endometrial proteins. Currently, no effective treatment is available for endometrosis. Herein, we aimed at the evaluation of expression pattern of these proteins after allogeneic equine adipose tissue-derived multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (eAT-MSCs) infusion as well as at testing the capacity of these cells to promote endometrial tissue remodeling in mares with endometrosis. eAT-MSC (2 × 10(7)/animal) were transplanted into mares' uterus and control animals received only placebo. Uterine biopsies were collected before (day 0) and after (days 7, 21 and 60) cells transplantation. Conventional histopathology as well as expression analysis of such proteins as laminin, vimentin, Ki-67-antigen, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and cytokeratin 18 (CK18) have been performed before and after eAT-MSCs transplantation. We demonstrated that eAT-MSCs induced early (at day 7) remodeling of endometrial tissue microenvironment through changes observed in intra cellular and intra glandular localization of aforementioned proteins. We demonstrated that eAT-MSCs were able to positively modulate the expression pattern of studied secretory proteins as well as, to promote the induction of glandular epithelial cells proliferation suggesting local benefits to committed endometrial tissue environment after eAT-MSCs transplantation.