Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Subconjunctival bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy as a novel treatment alternative for equine immune-mediated keratitis: A case series.
- Journal:
- Veterinary ophthalmology
- Year:
- 2019
- Authors:
- Davis, Amanda B et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, four horses with a condition called immune-mediated keratitis (IMMK), which causes inflammation and cloudiness in the eye, were treated with a new therapy using their own bone marrow-derived stem cells. The horses received injections of these stem cells around the eye every 3 to 4 weeks, while still taking their usual medications. Out of the four horses, three showed improvement with clearer corneas and less abnormal blood vessel growth, while one horse did not respond to the treatment. Overall, the results suggest that this new stem cell therapy is safe and could be an effective option for treating IMMK.
Abstract
Equine immune-mediated keratitis (IMMK) leads to increased corneal opacity and inflammation secondary to an alteration of the local immune system. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) have been shown to modulate the immune system by downregulating inflammation. Four horses with unilateral IMMK poorly responsive to traditional medical treatments underwent novel, autologous subconjunctival BM-MSC therapy. Bone marrow was harvested and processed as previously described for equine orthopedic disease. Horses received autologous subconjunctival BM-MSC injections approximately every 3-4 weeks for 1-5 treatments total. Horses were maintained on their current medical treatment regimen throughout the BM-MSC treatment period. Three horses had a positive response to therapy as demonstrated by an increase in corneal clarity, a decrease in neovascularization and a reduction in surface irregularity. One horse was nonresponsive to therapy. These experimental results demonstrate the safety and potential efficacy of an innovative solution for IMMK.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30715781/