References
Extracellular vesicles in osteoarthritis: from biomarkers to therapeutic potential
Abstract
Equine osteoarthritis is a leading welfare concern. Currently, it can only be diagnosed in its late stages – radiographically and upon clinical examination. There are no curative therapeutic options, with treatment aiming to provide symptom relief and reduce the rate of progression. Thus far, no biochemical diagnostic panels have been produced to diagnose osteoarthritis in its infancy, nor have there been transformative therapeutics to improve disease management. As such, the exploration has continued, with attention now focused on the emerging role of extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, their potential to carry biomarkers of disease and their therapeutic capacity in the context of popular regenerative therapeutics, such as mesenchymal stromal cell therapy. This article provides a brief overview of the role of extracellular vesicles in equine osteoarthritis for veterinary clinicians, and the future directions this growing field may explore.
Horses are used in a variety of disciplines – including dressage, show jumping, eventing and racing – and the equine athlete is predisposed to the development of musculoskeletal injuries. Injury can be career limiting and present as a significant equine welfare concern. Poor performance can be the result of pain and the onset of lameness; however, riders and trainers may be unwilling to recognise behavioural changes as a manifestation of impaired welfare.
Equine osteoarthritis is a major cause of lameness, with over 60% of horses reported to develop osteoarthritis within their life-time (McIlwraith et al, 2012). However, its prevalence is thought to be much higher, with 80–90% of horses older than 15 years developing this chronic condition (Schlueter and Orth, 2004). It was first reported in 1938 and received clinical interest in 1966 at the American Association of Equine Practitioners. In 1975, it was established that cartilaginous lesions should act as objective criteria for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis (McIlwraith et al, 2012).
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