Editorial

It is a matter of pride for us that scientists of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) at Izatnagar have made a very important contribution for overcoming nagging injuries, particularly in difficult areas such as broken backbones. This is a boon, not only to human beings but also animals, which can be saved in many cases from euthanasia. The stem cells from bone marrow are extracted and transplanted to the damaged part of the body. These cells can turn to any kind of cell that is needed and the body part can work again. Depending on the case, one has to get two to four shots.

One of the first trials was on a sniffer dog which suffered a spinal injury causing the loss of legs. The first stem cell shot was successful and the dog could not only get up but even walk briskly. This was tried on another dog with a spinal injury which was brought for euthanization. But the doctor and his team wanted to try stem cell therapy as a last resort. Voila! It worked. Since then it was used on more than a dozen dogs. Now IVRI is going ahead with full trials on embryonic stem cells, from cord blood and mesenchymal stem cells.

According to the Director and VC of IVRI, Prof. M.C. Sharma, this is a promising field of research. One of the biggest problems of the elderly citizens is rheumatic trouble, degradation of bone joints, particularly in the backbone. Our government hospitals can try stem cell therapy on a big scale.

If this can eliminate painful operations costing astronomical sums, stem cell research will be a blessing to the people.