Multidose intramuscular allogeneic adipose stem cells decrease the severity of canine atopic dermatitis: A pilot...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Regenerative Medicine
• Immunology

Background:

• Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a common allergic skin disease causing significant discomfort.
• Current treatments for CAD have limitations and potential side effects.
• Adipose stem cells (ASCs) offer potential therapeutic benefits due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of a novel intramuscular treatment protocol using allogeneic adipose stem cells (ASCs) in dogs with CAD.
• To assess the performance of cryopreserved ASCs administered weekly for six weeks.

Main Methods:

• Twelve dogs diagnosed with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) received weekly intramuscular injections of cryopreserved allogeneic ASCs (0.5×10^6 cells) for six weeks.
• Treatment efficacy was measured using the pruritus index and the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI).
• Safety was assessed through injection site reactions, weight monitoring, blood chemistry, liver function tests, and complete blood counts.

Main Results:

• The canine ASCs met quality standards, maintaining 90% viability post-thaw.
• A statistically significant reduction in pruritus and CADLI scores was observed in treated dogs.
• No adverse reactions were noted at injection sites, nor were there negative impacts on animal weight, blood cell counts, or liver/renal function.

Conclusions:

• Intramuscular administration of cryopreserved ASCs is a promising cellular therapy for alleviating canine atopic dermatitis symptoms.
• Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage, duration of effects, and potential for immune reactions.
• This study represents the first report on using multiple intramuscular doses of cryopreserved ASCs for treating canine atopic dermatitis.