Regenerative medicine: Exploring the effects of photobiomodulation and biological therapies

We had the absolute pleasure of hosting a webinar with Andrew Armitage BSc (Hons), BVM&S, MRCVS last month. Andrew is a regenerative medicine specialist at Greenside Veterinary Practice, the first regenerative medicine referral clinic in the UK. He sees referrals from across the UK and Europe specialising in advanced regenerative therapy techniques and rehabilitation, having developed new treatment options for many chronic degenerative conditions. He is particularly interested in investigating the use of stem cell therapy, platelet rich plasma and Class IV laser therapy for acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. His current research focuses on combination therapies for elbow dysplasia, spinal disorders, and rehabilitation following treatment with stem cell therapy.

Laser therapy (photobiomodulation) delivers photons of light to cells, which, when absorbed by light receptors, causes a cascade of cellular and molecular events:

• Activation of cytochrome C in mitochondria and production of ATP – stimulation of cellular metabolism
• Release of free nitrous oxide – powerful vasodilator and signalling molecule, improves microcirculation
• Release of reactive oxygen species – modulates signalling pathway and inflammatory response

                                                        

 

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is autologous plasma containing high concentrations of platelets. Contained within platelets are large quantities of bioactive proteins and growth factors which are released when the platelet is activated at a site of injury leading to generation of vascular endothelial cells and promotion of angiogenesis, stimulation of cell growth and proliferation, promotion of extracellular matrix formation and production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Platelets also mediate conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin leading to the formation of fibrin matrices which provide a scaffold for other cell types such as stem cells.

 

                                       

 

When injected into a join or lesion, stem cells are able to detect macrophage and cartilage breakdown products and interact with macrophages to both prevent their ability to further destroy the joint and instruct them to release helpful growth factors. Stem cells also donate their mitochondria to damaged cells to improve help improve cellular function – laser therapy can energise these mitochondria prior to donation.

 

                                        

 

Andrew has seen huge success using laser therapy alongside both PRP and stem cell therapy and has recently published a large scale, comprehensive study that adds considerably to the evidence required to support the use of MSCs in canine orthopaedic conditions. 254 dogs with multifocal musculoskeletal diseases were treated with a combination of PRP, stem cell therapy and laser therapy. We’d highly recommend watching this incredibly informative webinar to hear about the results of his study and some of his surprising and incredible success stories.

Find the webinar in our webinar archive: Webinar Archive | Celtic SMR

For more information on our Class 4 lasers: Small Animal Laser Therapy (celticsmr.co.uk)

 

References

Photobiomodulation—Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications. Claudia Dompe et al. J.Clin.Med. 2020, 9(6)

The regenerative mechanisms of platelet-rich plasma: A review. Rafael Gonzalez dos Santos et al. Cytokine. 2021, 144

Mesenchymal stem cells: a new trend for cell therapy. Xin Wei et al. APS. 2013, 34 (747-754)

Efficacy of autologous mesenchymal stromal cell treatment for chronic degenerative musculoskeletal conditions in dogs: A retrospective study. Andrew Armitage. 2023. Front.Vet.Sci. 2023, 9