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Stem-cell research to benefit horse owners and trainers

26 November 2008

horse racing

In a potential breakthrough for the racing and polo industries, scientists from the Monash Institute of Medical Research aim to harness stem cells to repair tendon, ligament, cartilage and bone damage in horses.

Dr Paul Verma is working with US company ViaGen Inc to develop equine embryonic stem-cell lines with the aim of creating a 'bank' of genetically matched stem cells for individual horses.

Tendon, ligament and cartilage injuries can range from minor inflammation to a complete rupture, which can result in permanent lameness and the end of a horse's competitive life. Bone damage also varies in severity, with the most serious cases resulting in the euthanisation of the injured horse.

"Our research has the potential to reverse this damage," Dr Verma said.

"We have already created a number of equine embryonic stem cell lines, so our next step is to develop these cells into tendon, ligament, cartilage and bone cells.

"Once we can coax the stem cells into 'becoming' the appropriate tissue cells, we will look at ways the regenerated cells can be transplanted to replace damaged tissue," he said.

The natural source of therapeutic cells developed by Dr Verma will be recognised by a horse's immune system as its own, which means there will be no risk of horses rejecting the tissue generated from the stem cells.

Dr John van Veenendaal, specialist equine surgeon, said having ready access to a bank of individually-tailored equine cells would speed up the rehabilitation process.

"Current stem cell therapies involve aspirating bone marrow cells from the injured horse," Dr van Veenendaal said.

"The cells are then sent to a laboratory and grown into the required tissue cells; a process that takes three weeks.

"Having access to a less invasive, faster method of treating injured horses would be fantastic, and beneficial to owners of race horses, polo horses and horses kept as companion animals."