Systemic Administration of Rejuvenated Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Liver Metabolism in Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)- New Approach in Veterinary Regenerative Medicine
Authors: K. Marycz, Jolanta Szłapka-Kosarzewska, F. Geburek, K. Kornicka-Garbowska
Journal: Stem Cell Reviews and Reports
Summary
# Editorial Summary Equine metabolic syndrome remains a challenging condition to manage, with current treatment limited largely to diet and exercise whilst affected horses face escalating insulin dysregulation and laminitis risk. Researchers investigated whether in vitro "rejuvenation" of autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) using 5-azacytidine and resveratrol—compounds designed to counteract cellular ageing—could enhance therapeutic outcomes when administered systemically to an EMS-affected horse. A severely obese, insulin-resistant 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood received three intravenous injections of these treated cells over three weeks, with therapeutic efficacy assessed through liver enzyme profiles. The treated ASCs produced measurable improvements in multiple hepatic biomarkers: glutamate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate transaminase all decreased significantly, suggesting improved liver metabolic function. Whilst this remains a single case report and requires further investigation, the findings suggest that pharmacologically optimising stem cell quality prior to transplantation may offer a novel adjunctive strategy for managing metabolic dysfunction in EMS horses—potentially addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying metabolic pathology that conventional management approaches cannot fully resolve.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Regenerative medicine using autologous stem cells may offer an adjunctive therapy option for EMS horses when combined with conventional management (caloric restriction and exercise)
- •Pre-treatment of patient's own stem cells with specific compounds in the laboratory may enhance their therapeutic effectiveness before reintroduction
- •Liver enzyme normalization following treatment suggests systemic metabolic improvement, though long-term clinical outcomes and feasibility in practice require further investigation
Key Findings
- •Intravenous injection of rejuvenated adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) pre-treated with 5-azacytidine and resveratrol reduced liver enzyme levels in an EMS horse
- •GLDH, GGT, LDH, and AST levels decreased following three weekly ASC injections
- •In vitro pharmacotherapy of ASCs can reverse aged phenotype and improve therapeutic potential in EMS cases