Director of the Department of Internal Medicine and Stem Cell Center VIP Animal Medical Center Nowon-gu, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, Republic of Korea
Background: In veterinary medicine, research on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has predominantly focused on advanced myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) cases (stage C or higher) and heart failure. However, studies evaluating its therapeutic potential in early-stage MMVD patients remain limited, emphasizing the need for further investigation.
Objectives: This study investigated the efficacy and safety of MSCs for early-stage MMVD (stage B1). Animals: Sixteen dogs diagnosed with MMVD ACVIM stage B1 (control: n=10; MSC: n=6).
Methods: This retrospective study included a treatment group that received monthly intravenous administrations of allogeneic MSCs derived from gonadal tissue at a dose of 1×10⁶ cells/kg for at least five sessions. Data were analyzed at baseline and at a 1-year endpoint. Efficacy was assessed through echocardiography, thoracic radiography, NT-proBNP levels, and the duration from stage B1 diagnosis to stage B2 progression. Safety was evaluated using physical examinations, blood tests, imaging studies, and monitoring for adverse events.
Results: After 1 year, the control group showed worsening echocardiographic parameters, while MSC-treated dogs exhibited minimal changes. Significant differences were observed in left atrial diameter (0.48±2.86 mm vs. 2.97±2.38 mm) and E-velocity (−0.08±0.16 m/s vs. 0.26±0.30 m/s) between the MSC and control groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the median duration to MMVD stage B2 progression was 1467 days in the MSC group compared to 730 days in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: MSC therapy significantly delayed MMVD stage B1 progression, enabling dogs to prolong disease duration without requiring cardiac medication.
