A New FDA-approved clinical trial at Cornell University Hospital for Animals is exploring how stem cells can treat various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions in both dogs and horses. The trial focuses on using stem cells to help heal tissue, reduce inflammation, and manage pain in conditions like osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, and hip and elbow dysplasia.

The treatment’s potential extends beyond pets to equine patients. A horse named Leo, who was previously showing lameness at walking pace, has returned to soundness after receiving stem cell therapy for a soft tissue injury.

“The ultimate goal is to help animals recover from injuries more completely, and to reduce discomfort,” explains Dr. Aimee Colbath, who leads the equine component of the trial.

The findings from this research are particularly valuable as dogs and humans share many of the same musculoskeletal diseases and environmental factors, paving the way for exciting developments in both veterinary and human medicine.

In a groundbreaking study researchers have demonstrated the potential of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (HUCB-MNCs) in treating ischemic bowel disease (ICBD).

ICBD, a group of intestinal ischemia syndromes caused by reduced blood flow, has been notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat. With mortality rates as high as 50-80% for acute cases, the need for effective treatments has been urgent.

Dr. Xiaoxiao Cai and colleagues conducted a trial involving 66 ICBD patients, comparing standard treatment with a novel approach using HUCB-MNCs

Key Findings:

1. Improved Clinical Outcomes: Patients treated with HUCB-MNCs showed significant reductions in abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and bloody stools.

2. Shorter Hospital Stays: The experimental group had an average stay of 9.55 days compared to 11.75 days for the control group.

3. Higher Effectiveness: The HUCB-MNC treatment boasted a 90.9% effectiveness rate, compared to 69.7% for standard treatment.

4. Better Long-term Results: Follow-up examinations at 1, 3, and 6 months showed sustained improvements in the HUCB-MNC group.

5. Safety: No treatment-related adverse events were reported, highlighting the safety profile of this innovative approach.

HUCB-MNCs are believed to promote blood vessel growth, reduce inflammation, and regulate the immune system.

While the results are promising, the researchers emphasize the need for larger, multi-center studies to confirm these findings. If further validated, this treatment could revolutionize the management of ICBD, offering hope to thousands of patients worldwide.

“This study opens up new possibilities for treating a condition that has long been a challenge in gastroenterology,” said Dr. Hongli Yang, a co-author of the study. “We’re cautiously optimistic about the potential of HUCB-MNCs in improving outcomes for ICBD patients.”

When Xiao An was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia at age 18, his parents were grateful for a decision they’d made at his birth – storing his cord blood stem cells.

The teenager had suddenly developed symptoms including ulcers and blood spots. Tests revealed he had aplastic anemia, a serious autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own bone marrow, potentially leading to complete bone marrow failure.

Hope came in the form of his own cord blood stem cells, stored at Tianjin Cord Blood Bank since birth. After testing confirmed the stem cells were in perfect condition even after nearly two decades in storage, Xiao An underwent a transplant at Beijing Lu Daopei Hospital.

The treatment proved successful. Within a month, Xiao An was released from intensive care, and shortly after, he returned to normal life. His case represents the longest storage period for successfully used autologous cord blood in China.

“I didn’t expect that the umbilical cord blood saved for the child would actually save the child’s life all these years later!” said Xiao An’s father. The family’s decision to store their son’s cord blood – made when cord blood banking was still in its infancy in China – ultimately proved lifesaving. Today, Xiao An is back enjoying a normal, healthy life with his family.

Note: Treatment protocols for Aplastic Anemia typically prioritize finding an unrelated donor match. However, in cases where no suitable donor is found and the condition is “acquired” rather than genetic, doctors use the patient’s own stored cord blood stem cells to restore their immune system.

New research from King’s College London in collaboration with UCL and University of Leeds suggests that food fussiness is largely genetic. For parents struggling with picky eaters, this research offers some relief, confirming that genes play a bigger role than previously thought.

Lead author of the study, Zeynep Nas said he hoped the findings may help to alleviate parental blame. “Picky eating behaviour is not a result of parenting.”

The study analysed over 2,000 identical and non-identical twins’ eating habits from toddlerhood to early adolescence. Researchers found that genetic characteristics account for up to 74% of the variation in food fussiness between the ages of three and 13.

At 16 months, approximately 60% of the variation in food fussiness was due to genetic differences. However, researchers still advise giving children plenty of opportunities to try new foods, as early exposure can help even the pickiest eaters develop tolerance over time.