Abstract
<h3>Background</h3> The objective was to evaluate the effects of regional perfusion of characterized mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue (Ad-MSC) in horses with chronic laminitis. <h3>Methods</h3> Six mares with stable chronic laminitis in standard treatment for distal phalangeal realignment were subjected to regional perfusion of the digital vein with Ad-MSC (20 million cells, 3 infusions every 15 days) in one forelimb compared to placebo infusion in the contralateral one. Evaluations occurred in two 30-day periods, before and after treatment (from the second infusion). Radiographs and digital venographs were performed on both thoracic limbs at the beginning and end of each period. Venography was evaluated by a vascular perfusion score system. The growth of the hoof capsule was monitored by the distance between the coronary band and a radiopaque marker inserted in the dorsal hoof wall. Radiographic spatial relationship between the distal phalanx and the hoof capsule was assessed by a specific software (Hoof Metron). <h3>Results</h3> Compared to baseline values, vascular perfusion was improved only in the Ad-MSC group (P <0.03), with emphasis on perfusion of the lamellar dorsal vessels (P <0.03) and the circumflex-lamellar junction (P <0.03). There was hoof growth in both groups, but the mean final distance in the Ad-MSC limbs was 20% greater (P <0.03) than in placebos limbs. Positive effects were also detected in the spatial relationship between the distal phalanx and the hoof capsule of limbs treated with Ad-MSC. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Ad-MSC therapy promoted improvements in digital blood perfusion, growth rate, and spatial relationship between distal phalanx and hoof capsule. Our results confirm the therapeutic potential of Ad-MSC in the treatment of horses with stable chronic laminitis. Improvements only in treated hooves reveals that infusions must be performed regionally in each of the affected limbs.
Published Version
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