Stem cell treatment for severe chronic kidney disease in a cat

Abstract

A 10-year-old neutered male Ragdoll cat presented with symptoms of anorexia, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and progressive weight loss. Laboratory parameters and clinical signs led to a diagnosis of International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage III. Following basic supportive therapy, clinical symptoms subsided, and the patient was discharged for home management. Three months later, the cat’s condition worsened, and upon reassessment, it met the diagnostic criteria for IRIS CKD Stage IV. After 4 months of guideline-directed supportive care (in accordance with IRIS recommendations), there were no significant changes in clinical symptoms or laboratory markers, and the cat continued to exhibit a cachectic condition. Subsequently, allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AD-MSCs) therapy (2 × 106 cells/kg) was initiated via intravenous (IV) infusion, administered weekly for three consecutive weeks. No adverse events, such as fever or vomiting, were observed during or after therapy. Prior to AD-MSCs therapy, the cat’s serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and phosphorus (P) levels were all above the normal reference ranges. Three weeks after the final of the three AD-MSC treatments, the SCr level had returned to the reference range for CKD Stage II, while BUN and P levels showed an improving trend. The cat’s mental status and appetite also improved. Reevaluation according to IRIS CKD staging criteria confirmed functional enhancement from Stage IV to Stage II. During the subsequent follow-up period, the cat’s physical condition improved, as shown by an increase in body weight, an improved Body Condition Score (BCS), and the normalization of mucous membrane color. Concurrently, laboratory results revealed a decrease in key renal biomarkers (SCr, BUN, and P) and an amelioration of the non-regenerative anemia. This case report suggests that allogeneic AD-MSCs have potential therapeutic efficacy in felines with end-stage CKD, offering a new possibility for the treatment of terminal chronic kidney disease.