Dog urine can be used in regenerative medicine in veterinary medicine

induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) These are cells that can differentiate into different tissues. This means that, by applying the appropriate hormones, they can be transformed into tissues as diverse as skin, pancreatic cells or neurons. For this reason, iPSCs are used daily in laboratories to try develop future treatments and ensure the gradual incorporation of regenerative medicine into routine hospital care.

The best for our best friends

This future is getting closer and, together with 3D printing technology applied to cell culture, brings “organ farms” this could shorten and even eliminate transplant waiting lists. Although this technology can be applied to humans in the future, this does not mean that it can only be used in such cases. For many people, pets are part of the family and therefore also require the best care in terms of their health. Hence regenerative medicine In relation to veterinary medicine, this is a very interesting option that is worth exploring and developing.

For this reason, Osaka Metropolitan University devotes part of its research work to finding new methods for obtaining iPSCs necessary for cultivation. In one of his latest works, published in the magazine Stem Cell Reports, used dog urine as a source of these precious cells. For now, the results were promisingbut they hope to continue research so that these cells can be used in veterinary therapy as soon as possible.

Very valuable liquid

The problem that has existed so far in producing iPSCs is that the protocols used with human cells are not as efficient as with dog cells. In humans, different types of somatic cells can be used., that is, fully differentiated cells that are reprogrammed to produce stem cells. However, not all canine somatic cells have this ability. So researchers are trying to find a reliable and useful source of cells that they can convert into iPSCs.

Those who have had a dog know how many times it urinates every walk. Every time they mark territory or simply relieve themselves, the force with which fluid comes out of the urethra, exfoliates some of the cells that are excreted in the urine. In the vast majority of cases, this urine remains there, outside the body and, after washing it with a little water and vinegar as a courtesy, the owners never think about it again. But Professor Shingo Hatoya and Doctor Masaya Tsukamoto are not ordinary people. Both work at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Osaka Metropolitan University and have long been convinced that This urine may have a much more interesting purpose..

Changing Your Dog’s Urine Pattern

Until now, protocols for reprogramming dog cells have typically used cells from other animals, called “feeder cells.” Its function is to provide support and power to these iPSCs. therefore they can be transferred. However, using cells from other animals makes them difficult to use as therapy because they must be completely destroyed before being introduced into the body. If this is not done, the immune system can attack them and cause all sorts of complications.

So doctors tried to find a way to eliminate the use of feeder cells. In the course of their research, they looked for genes responsible for cellular reprogramming, and claim that after modifying them they will be able multiply canine iPSC production by 120 relative to current methods. These methods typically require fibroblasts, which are the body’s supporting cells that, among other things, help with healing. But thanks to the correct modification of these genes, production can occur thanks to the desquamated cells that we mentioned in the previous section.

First results

The first results were very positive. The researchers were able to create iPSCs from isolated cells in the urine of animals. His idea is that This discovery is being used by laboratories around the world. to promote treatments used in regenerative medicine in veterinary medicine. Additionally, these cells can also be used to study genetic diseases that affect our pets.

In his statement, Hatoya says he intends to continue his research into differentiating canine iPSCs into different cell types and using them to treat sick dogs in hopes of bringing joy to many animals and their owners. And it’s true, a pet can be a joy in the home, but we must remember that These are living beings with their own needs. and they may get sick. Therefore, the owners’ obligation should be to lead the best life they can offer.

NOT KNOWN:

• One of the great advantages of induced pluripotent stem cells is that they are extracted from the body of the patient being treated. Therefore, if the organs were created, rejection would not occur, since the body would not notice that it was a foreign body.

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