The Regenerative Medicine Laboratory: Facilitating Stem Cell Therapy for Equine Disease
Authors: Borjesson Dori L., Peroni John F.
Journal: Clinics in Laboratory Medicine
Summary
# Editorial Summary Regenerative medicine represents a significant advancement in equine orthopaedic therapy, with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) emerging as a cornerstone treatment for conditions traditionally managed through conservative or surgical approaches. Borjesson and Peroni provide a comprehensive overview of laboratory protocols essential for establishing regenerative medicine capabilities, detailing the isolation, characterisation, expansion, and cryopreservation of MSCs from multiple tissue sources—bone marrow, adipose tissue, and placental tissue—each offering distinct advantages in terms of cell yield and accessibility. The authors highlight a crucial distinction between equine and human medicine: whilst laboratory standards for MSC processing have converged, the clinical application of both autologous and allogeneic stem cell therapies in horses significantly outpaces regulatory approval in human practice, reflecting both the horses' commercial value and the practical need for advanced treatment options in athletic populations. For farriers, veterinarians, and rehabilitation specialists, understanding MSC sourcing and characterisation becomes relevant when evaluating referral options and counselling clients on emerging therapies, particularly given the growing availability of these treatments at specialist equine centres. The technical rigor applied to stem cell preparation directly influences therapeutic efficacy, making familiarity with quality markers and processing standards essential for informed decision-making around patient suitability and expected outcomes.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Regenerative medicine using MSCs is now a viable clinical option for equine orthopedic disease; understanding cell sourcing (bone marrow, fat, placenta) and processing helps you work effectively with regenerative medicine specialists
- •Autologous MSC therapies are more extensively available in equine practice than in human medicine, offering treatment options for conditions like tendon/ligament injuries and joint disease that may not respond to conventional therapy
- •Proper tissue handling, cell characterization, and cryopreservation protocols directly impact treatment efficacy—ensure your referral labs follow standardized procedures
Key Findings
- •MSCs can be successfully isolated, characterized, expanded, and cryopreserved from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and placental tissues in equines
- •Equine regenerative medicine protocols mirror human laboratory standards but allow more extensive clinical translational use of autologous and allogeneic MSCs
- •MSCs function through multiple healing mechanisms including anti-inflammatory effects and tissue regeneration capacity
- •Standardized laboratory procedures for tissue handling and cell processing are essential for consistent therapeutic outcomes