A female gorilla at the Budapest Zoo became the first primate to receive stem cell therapy. The experiment promises therapeutic hope not only for animals but also for humans.
An old gorilla named Liesel from the Budapest Zoo recently received the world’s first stem cell treatment for arthritis. Stem cells are a special type of cell that can develop into many other cell types. The main purpose of this procedure was to help repair damaged cartilage in the joints. To humans, this may seem like the next step in the evolution of medical science, writes the University of Sheffield, but for the world of gorillas, it sets an unprecedented precedent.
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Liesel lived a long life. She was born in 1977 and lived much longer than gorillas that normally live in the wild. One of the problems with keeping animals in captivity is that, despite the best care, they often live longer, which predisposes them to age-related diseases like osteoarthritis. This disease occurs as a result of the wear of the cartilage in the joints over time, and constant pain and stiffness occur during movement.
Budapest Zoo chief veterinarian Endre Sos explained that modern zoo practices and conditions are so perfect that many animals, including gorillas, live longer. The challenge now is to provide them with the best possible medical care, especially when facing the challenges of old age. This is where stem cell therapy comes into play.
The interesting thing is where these stem cells come from. It was removed from fat tissue during surgery on a young female gorilla named N’yaunda. After these cells were rescued, they were processed and stored by the expert Stem CellX team until they were ready for Liesel’s treatment.
Participating in such a unique project was a joy for the team, especially Professor Mark Wilkinson from the University of Sheffield. But it’s not just a gorilla. The particular importance of this procedure lies in the possibility of its wider application. If Liesel responds well to this treatment, it can be assumed that other animals could benefit from similar treatments.
In fact, Wilkinson hinted at such a wide application, saying that humans are in the early stages of creating a similar treatment. It is hoped that such procedures may one day alleviate the suffering of people suffering from arthritis pain.
All eyes are on Liesel for now. A team of experts is watching him closely to see if his mobility improves and his arthritis pain subsides after treatment. It’s an indescribable combination of anticipation and hope, not just for one lucky gorilla, but for many other creatures, including ourselves.
Previously Focus He wrote about the seven rules, as a result of which the most insane and mysterious animal species in the world appeared. Researchers say nature is not as crazy as it seems, and evolution still follows some rules.
Moreover Focus wrote about an unexpected cause of the development of arthritis. The study suggests that fumes from wood stoves and barbecues may strangely trigger the disease.
This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you have problems, consult a professional.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.