The current 'state of play' of regenerative medicine in horses: what the horse can tell the human.
The horse is an attractive model for many human age-related degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system because it is a large animal species that both ages and exercises, and develops naturally occurring injuries with many similarities to the human counterpart. It therefore represents an ideal species to use as a 'proving ground' for new therapies, most notably regenerative medicine. Regenerative techniques using cell-based therapies for the treatment of equine musculoskeletal disease have been in use for over a decade. This review article provides a summary overview of the sources, current challenges and problems surrounding the use of stem cell and non-cell-based therapy in regenerative medicine in horses and is based on presentations from a recent Havemeyer symposium on equine regenerative medicine where speakers are selected from leading authorities in both equine and human regenerative medicine fields from 10 different countries.
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK.
Roger Kw
RK
Smith
Elaine R
ER
Garvican
Lisa A
LA
Fortier
D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D044968:Regenerative Medicine / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000662:veterinary; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology
horse; mesenchymal stem cell; regenerative medicine