IRAP, PRP & STEM CELL THERAPY

IRAP, PRP and Stem Cell Therapy

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IRAP Therapy

Degenerative joint disease, also known as arthritis, is an inflammatory condition characterized by an imbalance in which cartilage is broken down faster than it can be repaired or maintained by the body. The inflammatory process causes pain through distension of the sensitive joint capsule, and also accelerates the break down process of cartilage through small proteins called inflammatory mediators. One of the most important inflammatory mediators identified is Interleukin-1 (IL-1).

Interleukin Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP) is a relatively new therapy that has been developed to treat joint inflammation. This key protein prevents IL-1 from binding to cells within the joint and exerting its degradative effects. IRAP is an autologous therapy, meaning the product originates from the patient’s own body. The process starts by collecting a sterile sample of blood from the horse. The blood is then incubated for 24 hours with medical grade glass beads to stimulate the white blood cells to produce IRAP. The serum containing IRAP is separated from the blood cells by centrifugation, and then filtered into 3 to 5 treatment doses. The IRAP samples can then be injected into the affected joint immediately, or frozen and administered as future treatments. Treatments are typically given several weeks apart or on an as needed basis. IRAP treatment is indicated for treatment of synovitis, arthritis, bursitis, and/or tenosynovitis.

Stem Cell Therapy

Athletic horses are prone to musculoskeletal injury of tendons or ligaments, any of which can be performance-limiting or career-ending. These tissues tend to have a relatively poor blood supply and limited cell populations, making it difficult for them to heal with other than scar tissue. Fibrous scar tissue at the "healed" site has less elasticity and function than normal surrounding tendon or ligament. Thus, the risk of reinjury increases, particularly in adult equine athletes.

Recent medical advances are relying on the use of regenerative therapy to stimulate healing for many orthopedic injuries as well as for treating bone and joint injuries and laminitis. Stem cells are unique in their capability to develop into different cell lines to facilitate tissue repair.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a preparation made from autologous whole blood which is processed in a way that causes platelets and growth factors to concentrate. Platelets go to the site of injury and release many substances that promote healing, stimulate blood vessel formation, recruit endogenous stem cells, and control inflammation. PRP is processed from whole blood taken from your horse and is then injection into the site of the injury, usually with ultrasound guidance.

PRP can be used to jump-start the healing cascade and accelerate tissue regeneration in skin, soft tissue, and bone. PRP has been used in horses to treat ligament and tendon injuries, eye ulcers, and skin wounds. It is particularly beneficial in treating injuries in areas of limited vascularization, or blood flow. These growth factors have been shown to stimulate tendon and ligament healing. The enhanced healing response on a cellular and molecular level may ultimately improve the quality of repair, improve the prognosis for return to performance, and decrease the incidence of re-injury.