Gene Therapy Using Plasmid DNA Encoding Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 164 and Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Genes for the Treatment of Horse Tendinitis and Desmitis: Case Reports.
Authors: Kovac Milomir, Litvin Yaroslav A, Aliev Ruslan O, Zakirova Elena Yu, Rutland Catrin S, Kiyasov Andrey P, Rizvanov Albert A
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
This case series represents the first clinical application of direct plasmid gene therapy in equine practice, delivering DNA encoding vascular endothelial growth factor 164 and fibroblast growth factor 2 directly into sites of severe suspensory ligament and superficial digital flexor tendon injury. The investigators injected species-specific growth factor constructs into damaged tissues and monitored healing responses using clinical examination and ultrasonography over several months. All treated cases demonstrated complete functional recovery with full structural restoration of the injured ligament and tendon within 2–3 months of treatment, suggesting that growth factor upregulation via plasmid delivery can substantially accelerate soft tissue healing. Whilst these results are encouraging for conditions traditionally associated with incomplete repair and chronic lameness, the case report format limits conclusions; controlled trials comparing gene therapy outcomes to standard rehabilitation protocols would be needed to establish efficacy and determine optimal timing post-injury. For practitioners managing performance horses with significant tendon or ligament injuries, this work indicates a potential avenue for investigation, though gene therapy remains a specialised intervention unlikely to be available outside research centres at present.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Gene therapy using growth factor-encoding plasmids may offer a novel treatment option for severe tendon and ligament injuries that traditionally have poor healing outcomes
- •Early intervention (within 2-3 months of injury) with this technique warrants further investigation as a potential therapeutic approach
- •This case report suggests the need for controlled trials to establish safety, efficacy, and optimal application protocols before clinical adoption
Key Findings
- •Direct plasmid DNA gene therapy encoding VEGF164 and FGF2 resulted in complete functional recovery of severely damaged suspensory ligament and SDFT
- •Gene therapy administered 2-3 months post-injury achieved full restoration of damaged soft tissues as assessed by ultrasound imaging
- •Clinical observation combined with ultrasound imaging demonstrated resolution of injury over the treatment period