Equine Corneal Wound Healing Using Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome: Case Report.
Authors: Casado-Santos Alejandro, González-Cubero Elsa, González-Fernández Maria Luisa, González-Rodríguez Yaiza, García-Rodríguez Mª Belén, Villar-Suárez Vega
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Equine Corneal Wound Healing Using Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Corneal ulcers represent a common and potentially blinding condition in horses, yet many cases resist conventional treatments including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and surgical debridement. Rather than pursuing traditional approaches, researchers in this 2024 case report explored whether adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell secretome—a cell-free preparation rich in trophic factors, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles—could facilitate healing in a 28-year-old mare with a refractory corneal ulcer complicated by stromal involvement. Topical application of the ASC secretome produced striking results: within one week, both clinical signs (blepharospasm and epiphora) had resolved, the epithelial defect had completely re-epithelialised, corneal transparency was restored, and neovascularization had significantly reduced, with no recurrence evident over the subsequent 1.5-year follow-up period. Whilst this remains a single case, the rapid and durable response suggests the ASC secretome merits further investigation as a promising cell-free regenerative therapy for refractory equine corneal wounds that fail to respond to standard protocols. The mechanism—likely mediated through the anti-inflammatory and pro-healing properties of the secreted bioactive molecules—warrants exploration in controlled studies, particularly given the potential to develop a practical clinical treatment for a frustratingly common condition.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •ASC secretome represents a promising cell-free regenerative therapy option for corneal ulcers that fail to respond to conventional antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and surgical treatments
- •This approach may be particularly valuable for managing refractory cases in geriatric horses where traditional therapies have proven insufficient
- •The extended follow-up period (1.5 years) without recurrence suggests sustained therapeutic benefit, though clinical validation through controlled trials is needed before routine adoption
Key Findings
- •ASC secretome application resulted in complete re-epithelialization of a refractory corneal ulcer within one week
- •Clinical signs of blepharospasm and epiphora resolved following secretome treatment
- •Corneal transparency was regained and neovascularization was reduced post-treatment
- •No ulcer recurrence occurred during the 1.5-year follow-up period