Transplantation of encapsulated autologous olfactory ensheathing cell populations expressing chondroitinase for spinal cord injury: A safety and feasibility study in companion dogs

Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 2022 · DOI: 10.1002/term.3328 · Published: May 24, 2022

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Veterinary Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study explores a new treatment for spinal cord injuries (SCI) in dogs, which can lead to paralysis. The treatment involves transplanting special cells from the dog's nose, called olfactory ensheathing cells (mOECs), into the injured spinal cord. These mOECs are modified to produce a substance called chondroitinase ABC (chABC), which helps to break down scar tissue that can prevent nerve regeneration. The cells are also encapsulated in a hydrogel to improve their survival after transplantation. The study found that this transplantation procedure is safe and feasible in dogs with chronic SCI. While some dogs showed signs of improvement, the study was primarily focused on safety, and further research is needed to confirm the treatment's effectiveness.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

4 dogs with complete and chronic loss of function caudal to a thoraco‐lumbar lesion

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The intraspinal transplantation of hydrogel‐encapsulated autologous mucosal olfactory ensheathing cell (mOEC) populations expressing chondroitinase ABC (chABC) is feasible and safe in paraplegic dogs in a clinical setting.
2
MRI revealed large and variable lesions, with no spinal cord compression or ischemia visible after hydrogel transplantation.
3
Owners reported increased pelvic‐limb reflexes with one dog able to take 2–3 unsupported steps, but gait‐scoring and kinematic analysis showed no significant improvements.

Research Summary

This study investigated the safety and feasibility of transplanting hydrogel-encapsulated autologous olfactory ensheathing cells (mOECs) expressing chondroitinase ABC (chABC) into the spinal cords of dogs with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The researchers found that the procedure was safe, with no adverse effects observed in the dogs. MRI scans showed no spinal cord compression or ischemia after the transplantation. Although some owners reported increased reflexes and slight improvements in mobility, objective gait analysis did not show significant improvements. The study concludes that this approach is feasible and safe, warranting further investigation in a randomized controlled trial.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

The study supports the potential translation of this combination therapy (mOEC-chABC) to human clinical trials for spinal cord injury.

Biomaterial Delivery

The findings highlight the advantages of percutaneous liquid delivery of hydrogels for spinal cord lesion treatment, which is less invasive than surgical implantation.

Outcome Measures

The study identifies several outcome measures that can be used to design future, powered, and randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of this therapeutic approach.

Study Limitations

1
The study was primarily aimed at determining safety and feasibility statistical analysis was exploratory and not powered
2
Gait analysis results were variable across the 4 cases, with low TSCIS and OFS values reflecting the lack of weight supported step-ping seen by investigators.
3
Owners of case 1 reported rare weight‐supported stepping from 5 months after transplantation, although it must be highlighted that the owners knew their dog received a transplant therapy.

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