recruitment of additional cell types to cope with increased demands for repair . If this process is efficiently accomplished , macrophages lead to inflammation resolution thereby enabling recovery and repair within the joint .” In a joint affected by osteoarthritis , the macrophage ’ s ability to resolve inflammation are impaired .
Everett says bone marrow macrophages or bone marrow mononuclear cells ( BMNC ) are considered progenitors ( immature ) cells that are naturally programmed to produce an anti-inflammatory response when exposed to an inflammatory environment such as an arthritic joint . He adds , “ A series of studies in horses with experimentally induced OA revealed that intraarticular injection of BMNC replenishes the inflamed joint with healthy macrophages , which allowed them to maximize their antiinflammatory effects , favoring the recovery of a healthy articular environment .”
Based on the positive results noted with intra-articular injection of BMNC , Everett and his colleagues performed a clinical trial . “ Our clinical trial evaluated the ability of intra-articular BMNC ( injection into the affected joint ) to improve clinical signs of naturally occurring OA in horses ,” says Everett . “ We hypothesized that intra-articular BMNC administration would reduce lameness and joint inflammation compared to negative controls , and that the reduction in lameness and joint inflammation would not differ from a positive control , corticosteroids .”
His research team studied 19 horses separated into one of three groups . One group treated with BMNC , an untreated control group ( saline ), and a positive control group treated with a corticosteroid ( triamcinolone ).
Research he presented at the American Association of Equine Practitioner ’ s 2020 virtual conference and at the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Conference , demonstrated that the novel treatment is very promising . Everett finds it exciting , too , “ because cells can be collected from the patient themselves , do not require extensive processing , and have the potential to benefit thousands of people and horses suffering from arthritis .”
The trial revealed BMNC-treated horses had significantly reduced lameness after 21 days . “ Limb circumference measurements , which are an indirect measure of joint inflammation , revealed statistically less swelling in the joints treated with BMNC over time , whereas no such change was seen in the control groups .”
In summary , BMNC therapy has the potential to provide long-lasting resolution of joint inflammation and the promotion of tissue repair . Overall , our results agree with findings from an experimental model of synovial inflammation model in horses , as well as clinical trials of intra-articular BMNC for OA-affected human patients . BMNC therapy was safe , caused no adverse effects , required minimal processing , and resulted in improved lameness and decreased joint circumference in all horses that received the treatment .
8 NWHA National News | July 2023