Researchers from a leading UK university explored a novel approach to osteoarthritis treatment using mesenchymal stem cells in a gorilla. This work marks a first in applying this technique to a nonhuman primate, and it was shared by the university’s communications team on their official platform.
Liesel, a gorilla living at Budapest Zoo, was diagnosed with osteoarthritis affecting the knee and the hip of her left leg. The condition involved cartilage damage and nearby tissues, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced joint function. These symptoms can limit mobility and quality of life for affected animals, much like in humans.
The therapeutic strategy aims to repair damaged tissue by delivering mesenchymal stem cells, which have the potential to become various cell types and support tissue regeneration. In this study, the stem cells were sourced from a healthy young female gorilla, then carefully cleaned, cultured, and prepared for administration. After processing, the cell suspension was stored securely until the treatment session.
Following the intervention, scientists planned to monitor Liesel closely to observe any improvements in joint comfort and mobility. If the outcomes align with prior experiences in other species, such as dogs and horses that previously received similar therapies, the approach could move closer to broader applications. Researchers in Canada and the United States listen for new data as they watch for analogous benefits in human medical settings, where regenerative cell therapies hold promise for delaying or reversing joint degeneration.
Such work reflects ongoing efforts by the biomedical community to develop early diagnostic and intervention strategies for arthrosis, with the ultimate goal of improving joint health in both animals and people. These advances offer a glimpse into a future where early detection and regenerative medicine work together to maintain mobility and reduce pain across species.