Stem cells derived from fat may reduce inflammation and changes to an asthmatic cat’s airway, providing relief from symptoms of asthma for up to one year.
The Winn Feline Foundation provided a grant to study the effect of stem cells (MSCs) on the development of permanent changes to a cat’s respiratory tract, known as “airway remodeling.” These changes occur in response to long-term, untreated inflammation and scarring due to asthma.
Using CT scans, researchers looked at the effect of of MSCs compared to placebo at 8 and 12 months.
From the grant report:
Interestingly, there was significant improvement in airway remodeling noted at month 8 in the cats receiving stem cell compared with placebo therapy. The MSC-treated cats had significantly less thickening of the walls of their lower airways. In addition, the density of the tissues in MSC-treated cats was significantly less than that observed in placebo-treated cats. This effect was not observed at month 12. Thus, the effect of MSC therapy is likely not sustained long term and repeated infusions over time may be needed. Overall, this study provides exciting evidence to indicate that MSC infusion may be beneficial in blunting the changes in airway remodeling noted in cats with chronic asthma.
Read the full report:
Longitudinal evaluation of effects of mesenchymal stem cells in feline chronic allergic asthma: Phase II, Carol Reinero, Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, University of Missouri
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