Title:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Research in Veterinary Medicine
Volume: 13
Issue: 8
Author(s): Mudasir Bashir Gugjoo, Amarpal*, Vikash Chandra, Mohd Yaqoob Wani, Kuldeep Dhama and Gutulla Taru Sharma
Affiliation:
- Division of Surgery, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar,India
Keywords:
Applications, culturing, characterization, mesenchymal stem cell, veterinary medicine, bone marrow.
Abstract: Background: The researchers working in the field of medical, veterinary and other biological
sciences have uniformly described unique characteristic features of stem cells including selfrenewal,
prolonged multiplication, immuno-modulation and multi-lineage differentiation. These characteristics
of stem cells have opened new horizons in cellular therapy for the management of numerous
incurable diseases in human and veterinary patients. Though the mechanisms involved in reparative
processes may be similar, the indication for the stem cell therapy may be disparate in human and veterinary
subjects.
Objective: Among various stem cell types, currently mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are extensively
studied in regenerative medicine owing to their readily available sources, easy harvesting and ability to
differentiate both into mesodermal as well as non-mesodermal tissues under specific culture conditions
with little associated ethical issues. The objective of the study was to analyze and summarize the studies
and their results pertaining to the basic biology of stem cells, preclinical trials and their potential
therapeutic application in veterinary medicine.
Results: MSCs have been variably isolated, cultured and characterized from almost all the body tissues
and fetal membranes in domestic and pet animals. The cells have been studied in numerous pre-clinical
and clinical studies, in addition, to lab animal models. The results although are promising but need
further extensive research studies before the cellular application becomes a clinical reality in veterinary
medicine.
Conclusion: The current review throws some light on different aspects of mesenchymal stem cells like
sources, isolation, characterization and their potential therapeutic applications in farm and pet animals.
