Understanding When and How to Treat Inflammation – Flagstaff Business & Online News | Northern Arizona Local Newspaper – Flagstaff Business News

Its drilled into our heads over and over. Inflammation is bad! Take this anti-inflammatory medicine! Inflammation is the enemy! Stop it in its tracks!

But, is inflammation always the enemy?

Lets start by talking about the difference between acute and chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation generally happens after an injury and has the symptoms of redness, heat, swelling and pain. It really shouldnt last longer than four to six weeks and I think of it as a healing response. Having a fever during an acute illness, such as a cold or flu, is also an example of acute inflammation.

Chronic inflammation lasts longer than six weeks and, generally, I think of any inflammation lasting longer than six weeks as a degenerative response. This means that the tennis elbow that youve had for two years has transitioned from the initial (acute) healing response to a dysfunctional response where the tendons in that elbow are degenerating or slowly breaking down. The breakdown of tissue is what causes pain, not necessarily inflammation.

Chronic inflammation also occurs with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimotos thyroiditis, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. This type of inflammation is not productive and people with these conditions need to discover the cause. Its not easy to discover the causes of this type of inflammation, so your best bet is to see a naturopathic physician.

Naturopathic physicians are the best trained healthcare providers to look at a person as a whole and discover the multifactorial causes of chronic inflammation. Naturopathic physicians prefer to use natural treatments to alleviate symptoms and address the cause of chronic inflammation, but may also use conventional medications.

What purpose does acute inflammation serve?

In an acute injury, such as an ankle sprain, your body sends all types of help to the injured area. This help includes white blood cells, cytokines, growth factors and other types of cells that participate in the inflammatory response. The upside is that these helpers will assist in healing the injured area. The downside is that the injured area may be painful, swollen and red. Take these symptoms as a signal from your body to slow down and let that area heal!

If we are using fever as an example, your immune system kicks in and raises your body temperature in response to a virus, bacteria or other type of infection. This rise in temperature may kill some bacteria or viruses. Fever also triggers certain immune cells in your body to become more active so that they can battle the infection that is happening. We all have uncomfortable symptoms when we have a fever. Again, take these symptoms as a signal from your body to slow down and heal.

The mistake that most of us make is taking big steps to interfere with our natural inflammatory (healing) response. We will ice an injured area or take an anti-inflammatory medication when an injury or fever happens. When dealing with an injury, the long-outdated advice of RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation), combined with popping an anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen shuts down your bodys innate ability to heal. The injured area has little chance of healing properly and may always be an area of weakness. In the case of an acute illness, a person may be sick longer than he or she would have been if the fever had been allowed to run its course.

Most people with a fever will see it resolve in a handful of days or less with minimal intervention, so I would like to focus on strategies that can be undertaken if you have an acute injury and just cant deal with the symptoms, or if you need to heal an area that has transitioned from inflammation to degeneration.

Herbal medicines such as boswellia, turmeric, corydalis and hops can modulate inflammation and decrease pain.

Acupuncture is a well-known treatment that alleviates pain and promotes healing.

Nutritional therapy in the form of intravenous (IV) nutrients or supplements can be useful to address nutritional deficiencies that prevent the healing process from working its best.

Diet provides the foundation to keep your immune system in tip-top shape. Eating a Standard American Diet (SAD) full of processed foods and sugar works against your immune system performing its best.

Regenerative injections such as dextrose prolotherapy and platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) are my forte. These types of injections are a powerful tool to stimulate the immune response to allow the body to repair injuries, arthritis and other painful areas. This results in improved function and less pain. FBN

By Amber Belt, N.D.

Amber Belt, N.D. is a naturopathic physician with sharp regenerative injection skills, roller derby enthusiast, business owner, animal lover and Flagstaff devotee. Shes been performing regenerative injections for 12 years and can be contacted through aspenmedcenter.com or at 928-213-5828.

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Understanding When and How to Treat Inflammation - Flagstaff Business & Online News | Northern Arizona Local Newspaper - Flagstaff Business News

Platelet-rich plasma treatment for hair loss: Is PRP therapy effective and safe? – Times Now

Platelet-rich plasma treatment for hair loss: Is PRP therapy effective and safe?  |  Photo Credit: Getty Images

New Delhi: Until a couple of years ago, hair loss or balding was mostly seen in older men. But today the problem has become increasingly common in younger men as well as women. 1 out of 2 people visiting my clinic for various skin problems also have associated hair loss. There are several types of hair loss. The two most common ones are pattern balding or androgenetic alopecia and stress-induced or telogen effluvium.

There are only two FDA-approved medications for controlling hair loss, namely Minoxidil and Finasteride. Side effects of these medications are well known and several patients search for alternative treatment options. In such a scenario, platelet-rich plasma or PRP therapy is becoming extremely popular as an effective and natural option for non-surgical hair restoration.

Our blood is composed of three types of cells. Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. These cells are suspended in a liquid called plasma. If your blood is collected in a tube and spun at high speed then the red cells settle to the bottom of the tube, plasma floats on the top and the platelets and white cells form a layer in the centre. This central layer is called platelet-rich plasma. PRP contains more than 20 growth factors. Growth factors are the healing portion of your blood which are responsible for healing your body.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy has been in use since the 1980s. It has mainly been used for healing injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles. The FDA has approved PRP for use on joints in orthopaedic indications.

I have been performing PRP treatments for hair loss and skin rejuvenation for a decade now. Basically, platelet-rich plasma therapy for hair loss is a three-step medical treatment in which a persons blood is drawn into a sterile tube, spun at high speed to separate the PRP and then injected into the scalp. The procedure is relatively painless and requires zero recovery time.

Growth factors in the PRP injections trigger natural hair regrowth and maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle. Hair loss comes under control, new hair growth is visible and the existing hair becomes thicker and shinier.

PRP therapy doesnt deliver results immediately, so you shouldnt expect to see a full head of hair overnight. You will need three sessions at monthly intervals for the initial treatment. Yearly maintenance sessions are required in case of androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness. Improvement is expected after every session.

A study was conducted in 2014 which tested PRP on men with androgenetic alopecia who had not had success after six months of conventional medication. Visible improvement was seen in all these patients.

Another study was conducted in 2019 to compare PRP injections with conventional Minoxidil application treatment. At the end of 6 months, PRP therapy showed better results than Minoxidil application.

PRP therapy is definitely here to stay due to its effectiveness and lack of side effects. The treatment is performed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons in a sterile clinic setting. Results depend directly on the method of PRP collection. Make sure you choose your treating doctor wisely for the best results.

(Disclaimer: The author, Dr Niketa Sonavane, Cosmetic Dermatologist, is a guest contributor and a part of our medical expert panel. Views expressed are personal)

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Platelet-rich plasma treatment for hair loss: Is PRP therapy effective and safe? - Times Now

Plymouth Argyle trio get special injections to speed up their recoveries from injury – Plymouth Live

Ryan Lowe has revealed that three of Plymouth Argyles injured players have had PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections.

The Pilgrims boss says it will speed up the recoveries of midfielder Jose Baxter, as well as strikers Byron Moore and Dom Telford.

PRP is a concentrate of platelet-rich plasma protein derived from whole blood which is centrifuged to remove red blood cells.

Lowe had the injections when he was a player and they are becoming increasingly common in not just football, but others ports too.

He said: I had them every other week. It speeds the recovery up. When you have got a bit of soft tissue injury, whats probably reoccurred, it helps it heal.

If you get the needle and the blood flow right into where it is, it helps it heal. Your blood helps heal the tears the muscle injuries.

So thats what they have had. I have insisted they had that because its a big help in recovery from any muscle injury.

The trio will all miss the match at Mansfield Town on Saturday but could return to training next week.

Baxter has had a calf problem while Moore and Telford have picked up hamstring injuries, although none of them are as bad as first feared.

Lowe said: If it was a cup final tomorrow, them three players would be playing trust me, but its not, so thats why they are not.

In terms of helping them to recover the best they can, its certainly worth it.

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Plymouth Argyle trio get special injections to speed up their recoveries from injury - Plymouth Live

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Market to Expand with Increasing Demand for Cosmetic Surgeries – The Midland Weekly

The Global Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Market is set to grow on account of increase in the occurrence of orthopedic and sports injuries. Key insights have been shared by Fortune Business Insights in its report, titled Platelet Rich Plasma Market Size, Share And Global Trend By Origin (Allogeneic, Autologous, Homologous), By Type (Pure PRP, Leukocyte rich PRP, Leukocyte rich fibrin), By Application (Orthopaedic surgery, Cosmetic surgery, General surgery, Neurosurgery, Others), And Geography Forecast Till 2026.

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Company profiled in this report based on Business overview, Financial data, Product landscape, Strategic outlook & SWOT analysis:

North America to Make the Largest Contribution to the Market

The global platelet rich plasma market to rise on the shoulders of North America as the region is slated to hold the top position in terms of market share in the forecast period. High prevalence of sports injuries and orthopaedic surgeries coupled with high demand for cosmetic treatments are the factors that are expected to drive the market. In terms of CAGR, Asia-Pacific, primarily India and China, are anticipated to widen the market base. Main reasons identified for Asia-Pacific are the rising percentage of the population having rheumatology disorders. Added to this is the increasing demand of cosmetic surgeries and growing instances of sports injuries.

Browse Full [emailprotected] https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/platelet-rich-plasma-market-100581

The reports analyses the different factors influencing the growth of this market during the forecast period. Plasma is a part of blood that contains proteins that help in clotting of blood and support cell growth. Platelet-rich plasma is a substance that is injected into the body to accelerate healing. The basic idea is to stimulate the body to grow new and healthy cells by injecting the platelet-rich plasma into it. Cases where platelet-rich plasma injections are used include hair growth, tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, and post-surgical repair. It has also been applied to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing.

Quality and Cost Issues Hampering the Rise of the Market

While the global platelet rich plasma market is on the threshold of experiencing rapid growth, it has to overcome certain hurdles. These are mainly in the form of high costs platelet-rich plasma therapies and poor quality control of test results. Moreover, the US Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved of the platelet-rich plasma treatments. Such hindrances are hampering the smooth rise of the global platelet rich plasma market.

Segmentation

By Origin

By Type

By Application

By Geography

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Surgical Robots Market is Likely to Rise at a Staggering 21.4% CAGR by 2026

At 23.4% CAGR, Telehealth Market to Reach US$ 266.8 Bn by 2026

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Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Market to Expand with Increasing Demand for Cosmetic Surgeries - The Midland Weekly

49ers pass rusher Dee Ford will play through knee tendinitis this season – 49ers Webzone

Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers thought they had a handle on the situation by having Ford undergo platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections during training camp. The problem resurfaced during the team's Week 2 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Ford played just 16 snaps during San Francisco's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

It sounds like Ford is preparing to just play through the discomfort this season, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.

"[My knee] will never be 100 percent," Ford told The Athletic before the regular-season opener earlier this month. "It's enough. It's enough. I wouldn't step on the field if I wasn't ready."

The 49ers surrendered a 2020 second-round draft pick on March 12 to acquire Ford from the Kansas City Chiefs, and then quickly signed him to a new five-year deal. He has two sacks and a forced fumble through three games this season.

Ford, who is in his sixth NFL season, recorded career-highs of 13 sacks, 55 combined tackles, and seven forced fumbles last year with the Chiefs.

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49ers pass rusher Dee Ford will play through knee tendinitis this season - 49ers Webzone

Best Anti-Aging Tips and Products for Skin and Hair – HarpersBAZAAR.com

Your Skin StrategyAT HOME

Ask any dermatologist and theyll all tell you the number-one thing you need to do for your face is to apply sunscreen daily. The bare minimum for future-proofing your skin is the consistent use of a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, says Annie Chiu, M.D., a dermatologist in Redondo Beach, California. And even if you have an office job, you need to reapply. A lot of people think reapplication is only necessary with sweating or sports activity, but the correct way of dosing sunscreen is actually multiple times a day, Chiu says. To make it easy, use a makeup setting spray like Supergoop! x Rebecca Taylor Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50 before heading out to lunch.

Adding a layer of antioxidant serum under your SPF acts like a safety net, helping to trap anything that gets through your sunscreen, says Miami dermatologist Joely Kaufman, M.D. Vitamin C is a great option, though many doctors suggest a cocktail of ingredients, like those in 37 Actives High Performance Anti-Aging and Firming Serum.

Of course, the nighttime element of your skin-care routine is just as important as the morning one. Retinol does a great job of building up collagen in the dermis, says Robert Anolik, M.D., a dermatologist in New York. It also prevents excess pigmentation formation in the epidermis. If retinol is too irritating for you, try bakuchiol, which is perfect for sensitive complexions. Its a botanical extract that helps activate the same retinoid receptors that retinol binds to, says New York dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. Find it in Burts Bees Renewal Intensive Firming Serum.

Repetitive movement can lead to dynamic wrinkles, like frown lines between the brows, Chiu says. This is where preventive Botox comes in. It keeps muscles from being overactive and lines from becoming permanent. Once wrinkles etch, meaning you can see them when your face is relaxed, its too late for products like Botox to have full benefit, explains Chiu. So when to start? You may want to consider it if you see the residue of a crease in the minutes after youve been very expressive, says Anolik.

Laser treatments offer the best way to address sun damage before it manifests as dark spots. For people whose skin looks dull, whose pores arent as tight as they used to be, or have some broken blood vessels, the Clear + Brilliant fractionated laser is great, says Kaufman. It takes off that sun-damaged outer layer and allows a new layer to come up. According to Kaufman, improvements are visible after one treatment.

At the first signs of sagging, think about booking a radio frequency or ultrasound skin-tightening session, such as Thermage or Ultherapy. These target the deeper collagen layers that have a lifting effect, Anolik says. And because youre not letting this collagen age as it naturally wants to, the rate at which you become more laxand the rate and timing of possible future plastic surgerywill slow.

In the end, its all about consistency. Doing your at-home routine twice a day should be like brushing your teeth, says Macrene Alexiades, M.D., a dermatologist in New York. And seeing me two or three times a year is similar to visiting the dentist for a deep clean.

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Its not all in your head. If you look at your college graduation pictures and swear that your hair used to be thicker, shinier, and generally more fabulous, youre right. Genetically were programmed to have our best hair when were most fertile, says New York dermatologist Doris Day, M.D. After your mid-20s, hair starts to lose its luster: Strands are thinner, less pigmented, and often coarse. On the bright side, pros say you can slowand even reversesome of the signs of aging. Heres how.

Not only do older hair follicles produce strands that are finer, but they also make fewer of them. This can translate into a skinnier ponytail, a wider part, or a more visible scalp. Most doctors suggest a multipronged approach. I usually give patients vitamins that address hair loss associated with stress or hormonal fluctuations, says Francesca Fusco, M.D., a New York dermatologist. Her go-to: Nutrafol Core for Women, which contains antioxidants, adaptogens, and botanicals. Day recommends that in tandem with supplements, patients apply a topical 5 percent minoxidil foam daily (available as Womens Rogaine). In clinical studies, 81 percent of women regrew hair up to 48 percent thicker, she says. The earlier you start, the betterits easier to preserve the hair you have than it is to regrow it. Another pro pick: an FDA-cleared at-home laser helmet like Theradome Pro worn two or three times a week. The light produces cellular energy to help induce growth. (All of these treatments require maintenance.) More aggressive treatments include PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections for four to six months to stimulate dormant follicles and, in severe cases, a transplant.

If youre not ready to go silver, prepare for a committed relationship with your colorist. The average client comes in every four weeks, says Kyle White, a colorist at New Yorks Oscar Blandi salon. Coarse hair is more difficult to cover, but, paradoxically, dyeing hair can improve the texture. The chemicals make strands more pliable, explains White. Clients notice their gray roots getting wiry, and once we touch them up theyre more manageable. Highlights are an additional option to consider because they provide a flattering contrast between hair and skin. And because youre investing all that time coloring your hair, ensure lasting results by using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner, such as LOral Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Shampoo and Conditioner.

When hair shrinks in diameter and loses pigment, its structure also changes: Hair is both coarser and more fragile. According to Joe Martino, creative director of New Yorks Orlo Salon, the solution is hydration. People are afraid to weigh down thin hair with an oil, says Martino. Its actually the best thing for mature hair. Since the scalp produces less oil, conditioning strengthens hair and gives it shine. Use a deep-conditioning masklike Love Beauty and Planet 2 Minute Magic Masqueweekly, as well as argan oil, such as Moroccanoil Pure Argan Oil, to tame wiry strands. Work a few drops through dry hair. Pure argan oil wont weigh down hairand really does make it look younger.

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Best Anti-Aging Tips and Products for Skin and Hair - HarpersBAZAAR.com

Kourtney Kardashian Got Scalp Injections For A Bald Spot – Glamour UK

With the return of their reality show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, now on Season 17, the drama levels are as high as ever. The latest kerfuffle is all about the eldest Kardashian sibling, Kourtney and her hair, or in this case, lack of.

It seems a high ponytail that Kourtney wore at an event in New York was so tight it ended up pulling and leaving her with a bald spot on the top of her head.

The highlight of the episode came from her sister, Kim Kardashian, commenting on Kourtneys growing bald spot. Oh my god, Im afraid for your life, reacts Kim.

Kourtney later went on to see Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon, Dr Jason Diamond, to help her out. Today Im getting PRP (platelet-rich plasma), which is where they take your blood and spin it and they use your plasma and they inject it in my head for my hair to grow back, she said.

The treatments intentions are focused on rebuilding, and so its a great option as hair loss remedies go. The functions of PRP include: "helping repair blood vessels, promote cell growth and wound healing, and stimulate collagen production," according to medical centre, The Cleveland Clinic.

PRP treatment for hair loss is on the rise, and is actually a lot simpler than you might think. The plasma is directly injected into the patients hair follicles in a process that takes no more than 10 minutes, according to Jeffrey Rapaport, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in New Jersey in the USA.

Since the procedure involves only minimal discomfort, patients typically do not require any numbing or downtime following therapy he says. Youll start to see improvements after 2-3 months.

Its the quick and effective treatment for hair loss and like Kourtney, it could possibly be the avenue to take for you.

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Kourtney Kardashian Got Scalp Injections For A Bald Spot - Glamour UK

Rays’ Tommy Pham: Hampered by multiple injuries – CBSSports.com

Pham, who went 0-for-5 in Tuesday's loss to the Dodgers, is significantly hampered by hand and elbow injuries that would sideline him were the Rays not in the playoff hunt, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. "He wants to be out there, we want him out there, we've got to continue a do a good job of managing his workload, the treatment and rehab everything,'' manager Kevin Cash said.

The veteran outfielder says his right hand issue, which he originally sustained Aug. 9 while sliding, has shown some improvement of late but still leaves him at less than full strength. Meanwhile, his elbow problem has officially been diagnosed as a flexor strain, and Pham is planning to address it with platelet-rich plasma injections and stem cell treatments this offseason. In a testament to his toughness, Pham has remained a viable contributor during the most critical time of the season, as he was hitting .340 with one home run and eight RBI over the 13 games prior to Tuesday's blanking.

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Rays' Tommy Pham: Hampered by multiple injuries - CBSSports.com

Bell, Marte hope to return before season’s end – MLB.com

PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates havent given up hope that theyll see first baseman Josh Bell and center fielder Starling Marte on the field before the regular season ends. More than anything, thats because Bell and Marte -- two of the Bucs best players this year -- wont give up on

PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates havent given up hope that theyll see first baseman Josh Bell and center fielder Starling Marte on the field before the regular season ends. More than anything, thats because Bell and Marte -- two of the Bucs best players this year -- wont give up on the idea of playing again in 2019.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said on Wednesday that both players are hoping to return next week. Neither will play Wednesday or Thursday against the Mariners, and neither is likely to play this weekend in Milwaukee.

But there is still a chance that Bell (left groin strain) and/or Marte (sprained left wrist) could return during the Pirates final homestand beginning Tuesday against the Cubs and Reds. Bell, who is three homers shy of 40, has been sidelined since playing in Friday's game at Wrigley Field.

Josh is a competitor. He wants to finish strong. He wants to add to this career year for himself, Tomczyk said. At the same time, we as an organization, we as a medical staff, need to do whats best for Josh both short- and long-term.

Marte has been able to serve as a pinch-runner, and it may be possible for him to play defense. But he's not started a game since Sept. 8. Marte has tried to test his wrist, within reason, by progressing from range-of-motion work to strength exercises to gripping a bat.

Starling wants to be out there. He wants to compete, Tomczyk said. But what makes sense for them, both short- and long-term?

Catcher Jacob Stallings (back spasms) hasnt started since last Thursday, but he could return soon, Tomczyk said. Stallings went through a pregame workout on Wednesday to assess his availability off the bench.

Trainers room

Tomczyk provided updates on several rehabbing players who were previously ruled out for the season.

Right-handers Chad Kuhl and Edgar Santana, nearing the end of their year-long Tommy John rehabs, have each thrown a live batting practice session in Bradenton, Fla. Within the next 10 days, they hope to pitch a simulated game or two before beginning a relatively normal offseason routine. Both are expected to be ready for Spring Training.

Right fielder Gregory Polanco (left shoulder inflammation) has had two of his three scheduled platelet-rich plasma injections. He will receive another injection next week then remain with the Pirates for the final week of the season.

Reliever Nick Burdi (neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome) had surgery last week to clear fascial tissue irritating a nerve in his right forearm. He wont throw for six to eight weeks, Tomczyk said, but Burdi should have a normal offseason as long as hes ready to throw in late December or early January.

Outfielder Jason Martin (dislocated left shoulder) has begun strengthening exercises at his home.

Right-hander Jameson Taillon, who is out until 2021 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, will be able to remove his post-surgical brace in the coming days before beginning formal physical therapy.

Awards season

The Pittsburgh chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America announced its annual awards on Wednesday afternoon. Bell received the Roberto Clemente Award as the Pirates MVP. Left-hander Steven Brault received the Chuck Tanner Award, given to the player who is most cooperative with the media.

The Pirates on Wednesday named Class A Greensboro first baseman Mason Martin their Minor League Player of the Year and right-hander James Marvel, who is currently in Pittsburghs six-man rotation, their Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

Adam Berry has covered the Pirates for MLB.com since 2015. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook and read his blog.

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Bell, Marte hope to return before season's end - MLB.com

Donations For OVC Lameness Research – Standardbred Canada

Published: September 19, 2019 2:38 pm ET

A team of equine veterinarians and researchers from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) are excited to announce clinical trials are ready to begin using allogeneic umbilical cord blood stem cells in the treatment of superficial digital flexor tendonitis or bowed tendons in horses.

The goal is to develop a readily available treatment to prevent the formation of scar tissue and create good quality tendon tissue to replace the damaged tissues, which are less prone to re-injury. The team includes Dr. Thomas Koch, Dr. Nathalie Cot, Dr. Stephanie Nykamp, graduate student Alejandro Merchan Munoz, led by primary investigator Dr. Judith Koenig.

Many thanks goes to Ontario Equestrian (OE) and its members who scrapped their membership cards to create the Member Equine Research Fund program in 2017. This year, OE members chose to donate to lameness studies resulting in a donation of just over $30,000. The Equinosis Q Lameness Locator , previously donated to the OVC by the Equine Foundation of Canada (EFC) will play an integral role in this study. Funding has also been provided by Equine Guelph.

There is a great demand in the industry for more efficient treatment options for superficial digital tendonitis, improved recovery, and prevention of re-injury. Currently, the re-injury rates reported are between 56 to 75 per cent for superficial digital flexor tendon injuries once the horses return to competition, shares Dr. Koenig.

Cultured bone marrow derived stem cell treatments have been found to be effective and also boasts a low re-injury rate, but there is a short time frame for this treatment to be effective. A study out of England found that the tendon needs to be injected within six weeks of an injury in order to be beneficial, however this can be hard to accomplish depending on the expansion time needed to harvest the bone marrow.

In a pilot study conducted by Dr. Koenig with three horses, it was found that repeated injections of the allogeneic stem cells were very effective and that two of the horses were able to successfully return to racing and the third was able to start a career as a competitive sport horse.

My hope is that we can develop a treatment that can be available within an hour of taking out of the freezer, says Koenig. This treatment uses allogeneic stem cells, which means the stem cells do not need to be from the recipient. These stem cells are collected non-invasively from the umbilical cords of newborn foals and then stored for later use. See video and prior research leading up to these clinical trials.

The next challenge is to enroll horses in this study. The study requires very tight parameters in order to have meaningful results, says Koenig. The horses need to be Thoroughbreds in race training that have raced at least three times and incurred an injury to their superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and have sustained lesions that have been diagnosed by a veterinarian. The lesions also will need to fall between specific measurements. The treatment and rehab period is expected to take between eight months to one year. The owners will receive cost incentives for enrolling their horses and following treatment and rehab protocols (more details on enrollment).

A lameness evaluation will be performed followed by an assessment using the Equinosis Q Lameness Locator . The Lameness Locator, which is the current gold standard for semi quantitative field measurements of lameness, will be used as an additional objective evaluation to confirm the diagnosis. The Lameness Locator will prevent any biases as it does not know what study group the horse is in (treatment or control). Initial blood work will be done to evaluate baseline immune status. Comparisons in blood work will be performed over the treatment period. The person that is carrying out all these tests will be blind to which study group the horse is in. A strict exercise and rehab protocol will be provided. Each horses progress will be monitored at monthly intervals.

It is the hopes of the study that the horses will return to full work within eight months to a year. The progress of the horses in the stem cell treatment group will be compared to that of a control group which will be receiving platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections. PRP is currently a common treatment used in the field for superficial digital flexor tendonitis.

Having more efficient and effective treatment options for superficial digital flexor tendonitis will improve the health of the horse, extend competitive careers, and reduce economic losses. This clinical trial will provide insight on the very promising treatment of allogeneic umbilical cord blood stem cells. Thanks to industry support from Ontario Equestrian and its members, Equine Foundation of Canada, and Equine Guelph this clinical trial is imminent and may bring the industry one step closer to providing optimal SDFT treatment options for our equine partners.

(Equine Guelph)

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Donations For OVC Lameness Research - Standardbred Canada