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Principal Investigator: Dr. Lisa Fortier
Contact Information: E-mail: laf4@cornell.edu - Phone: 607-253-3102
Sponsor: Grayson-Jockey Club
Grant Number: N/A
Title: Patient-Side Constructs for Cartilage Regeneration
Annual Direct Cost: $62,211
Project Period: 04/01/06-03/31/08
The goal of this proposal is to evaluate a simply prepared, cost-effective graft method for cartilage repair. Our hypothesis is that a graft of bone marrow-derived stem cells combined with platelets from blood will significantly enhance cartilage regeneration. All of the components in the graft are derived from the patient at the time of surgery. The use of patient-derived materials avoids immune system rejection of foreign cells, reaction to incompatible chemicals, and minimizes extraneous expenses. The graft will be comprised of stem cells derived from bone marrow drawn from the horse's chest bone, and the growth factors derived from platelets in jugular vein blood. Bone marrow stem cells and blood platelets will be concentrated with a simple centrifuge and injected into cartilage defects in the stifle. Repair tissue formed in the cartilage defects will be assessed at 12 weeks and then at 8 months after surgery. These studies will provide important clinical information regarding the use of patient-derived materials for cartilage repair.
Arthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a common problem among horses. Horses with arthritis suffer from joint pain, decreased athletic performance, and there is a loss of associated revenue for the owner. Early treatment of cartilage loss provides an opportunity to restore the normal joint environment and prevent the onset of arthritis. In this proposal, we will test the ability of a novel cartilage graft composite that is entirely patient-derived and easily assembled in the operating room, to regenerate cartilage. The graft is designed to be complete, yet simple in contents and therefore should be readily implemented in all equine hospitals to maximally benefit the equine population.
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