The Use of Allogenic Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) Cells in Degenerative Joint Disease of the Spine in Dogs

Abstract

Background/Aim: Stem cells are widely used in regenerative medicine and in clinical practice for the treatment of damaged nerve tissue, myocytes, tendons, and ligaments. The aim of the study was to monitor VEGF levels after the administration of allogenic cellular material (SVF) in the course of treatment of dogs suffering from degenerative joint disease in the spinal region. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 10 dogs of both genders, aged between 6 and 13 years in which allogenic stromal vascular fraction of stem cells (SVF) was administered intravenously. The control group was composed of 10 clinically healthy dogs. Before treatment and after 2-and 8-week intervals blood samples were obtained from the study group dogs in order to determine VEGF levels via immunoenzymatic test. Results: in a few days after the therapy, alleviation of pain symptoms and reduction of lameness were noticed. The VEGF level in 2 weeks after the therapy was significantly elevated (median: 38.77 pg/ml), while in 8 weeks a decrease was observed (median: 18.37 pg/ml). Conlusion: Administration of allogenic stem cells has a positive influence on elevation of the VEGF levels in the blood serum of affected animals as well as their regeneration capacity. The intensive of development of regenerative medicine and gene therapy has contributed to the development of new stem cell treatment methods. The characteristic trait of such cells is their potentially unlimited capacity for division and differentiation into various specialised cell types (1-3). Depending on their differentiation potential, cells can be classified as: totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent, or unipotent (2, 4). Stem cells are present at certain stages of an organism's development and at certain organs, and can therefore also be classified as: embryonic (ESC), somatic, mesenchymal, and induced pluripotent stem cells. Unlike mature, tissue-specific stem cells, ESCs are pluripotent and have the capability to differentiate into any kind of cells. However, despite their considerable promise, the practical usability of ECSs is limited due to potential ethical concerns and the applicable legal regulations. On the other hand, mature, tissue-specific stem cells are immune-compatible and their use is not subject to ethical considerations (5). As demonstrated in recent studies, they are capable of differentiating into cells of the same embryonic origin (multipotency), and under adequate conditions can also display polypotent properties. It is believed that their function is primarily related to the regeneration of damaged and exploited somatic cells. Furthermore, they are tissue-specific and can generate various types of cells with similar properties and embryonic origin (e.g. neural stem cells are able to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes) (3). The cells can be harvested from bone marrow, blood, nerve tissue, or adipose tissue. The most common source of stem cells is bone marrow where the populations of hemopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem...

Safety and Tolerability of Stromal Vascular Fraction Combined with β-Tricalcium Phosphate in Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Phase I Clinical Trial

“…Furthermore, previous studies have reported that human ASCs closely work together with vascular endothelial cells and release growth factors and cytokines into the extracellular environment, such that it affects different regions in the human body [ 42 , 43 ]. Among them, VEGF [ 44 , 45 , 46 ], a paracrine factor secreted by ASCs, can increase the differentiation of osteoblast. VEGF is an essential factor in skeletal growth and a central mediator in angiogenesis.…”

“…VEGF is an essential factor in skeletal growth and a central mediator in angiogenesis. Previous studies have shown that SVF engenders angiogenesis and provides positive effects on small-scale circulation along with increasing VEGF levels in the blood serum [ 44 , 45 ]. This engenders tissue growth and repair by augmenting and reshaping the blood vessel network; furthermore, it crucially plays a role in bone repair and growth at a systemwide level [ 47 ].…”

The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in Veterinary Medicine and Their Use in Musculoskeletal Disorders

“…So far, the treatment of these diseases has included surgical techniques, systemic and local application of anti-inflammatory preparations, hyaluronic acid (HA), specialized cellular products (platelet-rich plasma-PRP, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein-IRAP), restriction of movement, and physiotherapy [90][91][92][93]. For several years, regenerative medicine has been offering MSCs therapies alternative to traditional treatment methods [13,31,[40][41][42][43][93][94][95][96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108][109]].…”

Veterinary Regenerative Medicine for Musculoskeletal Disorders: Can Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Their Secretome Be the New Frontier?

“…One limitation of its application, in substitution of AD-MSCs, is due to the presence of different cell types which can potentially cause immunological rejection so that SVF indeed applicable for autologous treatments only. Nevertheless, in vivo studies have been performed using allogeneic SVF demonstrating its safety and efficacy [22]. In some species, i.e., dog and cat, abdominal visceral fat has been proposed as a source of MSCs.…”