Stem cells have been the issue surrounding much veterinary research for over 10 years. The latest in investigations is the development of stem cell therapeutics designed to relieve symptoms associated with joint and muscle injuries in canines and other domestic animals. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are highly adaptable form of somatic cells found in a variety of connective tissues. The most common areas of study are the bone marrow (BM-MSCs) and adipose (AD-MSCs) tissues as possible sources. AD-MSCs have been studied and as of 2003, have been used as a surgical means of treating osteoarthritis, joint and tendon/ ligament injuries. During this treatment, cells are removed from adipose tissue and undergo a series of mincing, washing, collagenase digestion, and centrifugation. The end-product becomes a stromal vascular fraction (SVF) capsule, which is surgically placed near the injury site. Due to their plasticity, these MSCs are able to differentiate into chondrocytes to secrete collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and hyaluronic acid which are all promoters of cartridge formation. This form of treatment has in the past, high success rates and many incurable cases by any other forms of therapy have made full recoveries.
Another area of research is focused on BM-MSCs and their potential in veterinary science. Studies have found that not only do these stem cells differentiate into cartridge, bone and muscle, but may also contribute to neural tissue. Although much study remains ahead, veterinary scientists are focusing on future treatment s for neural, muscular, and osteo-related deficiencies and diseases.
Therefore in terms of canine stem cell research, the world is their oyster.
Primary Source:
- Black, L.L., Gaynor, D., Adams, C., Aron, D., Harman, S., Gingerich, D.A., Harman, R. J. 2007 "Effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem and regenerative cells on lameness in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the coxofemoral joints: A randomised, double-blinded, multicellular, control trial", Veterinary Therapeutics, Vol: 8, No: 4, Pp: Non specified. http://www.vet-stem.com/, viewed: 28.05.2008.
- Secondary Sources:
- Barry, F.P., Murphy, J.M. 2004 "Mesenchymal stem cells : Clinical applications and biological characterisation", The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Vol:36, No: 4, Pp: 568-584.
- Bianco, P., Riminucci, M., Grothos, S., Robey, P.G. 2001 "Bone marrow stromal stem cells: Nature, biology and potential applications", Stem Cells, Vol: 19, Pp: 180-192.
Links:
- http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesenchymal_stem_cell-38k-, Viewed: 30.05.2008.
- http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adipose_tissue-48k, Viewed: 30.05.2008.
- Animal and Nature, 2008 "Dog Arthritis", Squidoo, Viewed: 30.05.2008, http://www.squidoo.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment