Production of canine mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue and their application in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the humeroradial joints.

Guercio et al., 2012

Elita Genetics Summary

This 2012 pilot study by Guercio et al. explored the feasibility of isolating and expanding autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) for treating chronic elbow osteoarthritis in dogs. The study aimed to assess both the production process of canine AD-MSCs and their potential therapeutic application.

Study Design at a Glance

Objective: To evaluate the production of canine AD-MSCs and their potential application in treating chronic elbow osteoarthritis.
Subjects: Four client-owned dogs with lameness associated with osteoarthritis of the humeroradial joints.
Method: Adipose tissue was harvested from each dog to isolate and culture AD-MSCs. These cells were characterized by their morphology and the expression of pluripotency markers (OCT4, NANOG, SOX2). Each dog received a single intra-articular injection of their autologous AD-MSCs into the affected elbow joint.
Assessment: Clinical evaluations were conducted over a six-month period to monitor lameness and joint function.

Key Findings

Cell Characterisation: The isolated AD-MSCs exhibited fibroblast-like morphology and expressed pluripotency markers at the mRNA level, indicating successful isolation and culture.
Clinical Outcomes: All treated dogs showed improvement in lameness and joint function over the six-month follow-up period. No adverse effects were reported, suggesting the procedure was well-tolerated.

Limitations

Sample Size: The study involved only four dogs, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
Lack of Control Group: Without a placebo or standard treatment group, it's challenging to attribute improvements solely to the stem cell therapy.
Subjective Assessments: Evaluations were based on clinical observations without objective measures such as force plate analysis.

Why It Matters to Us

This study evaluated both the production of canine adipose-derived MSCs and their potential for therapeutic use in dogs with chronic elbow osteoarthritis. Despite a small sample size, the observed clinical improvement over time suggests significant potential for treating lameness, particularly when used early in disease progression.

Reports of AD-MSC efficacy in osteoarthritis stretch back to at least 2004, meaning the clinical application of fat-derived stem cells in dogs is built on nearly two decades of peer-reviewed work. Elita Genetics’ banking service is grounded in these established protocols. Notably, this paper reinforces the idea that earlier intervention leads to better outcomes, supporting the use of our product not just as a treatment, but as a proactive step in protecting long-term mobility.