Fetal adnexa-derived stem cells application in Horse model of tendon disease

The equine superficial digital flexor tendon is a frequently injured structure that is functionally and clinically equivalent to the human Achilles tendon. Both act as critical energy-storage systems during high-speed locomotion and can accumulate exercise- and age-related microdamage that predisposes to rupture during normal activity. The biology of tendon and its matrix, and the pathological changes occurring in the context of early injury in both horses and people are reviewed. In addition, this review focuses on the current use of stem cells (MSCs), recovered from either bone marrow or adipose tissue to treat strain-induced tendon injury in the horse with particular interest to non-embryonic extra-fetal-derived stem cells that open new perspectives for developmental biology and for regenerative medicine.