Thanks To The Umbilical Cord Of The Mayan Dolphin, Important Results In The Field Of Regenerative Medicine Zoomarine And The Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute Of Lazio And Tuscany Take A Step Forward In Scientific Research Together Rome

November 6, 2020 – Thanks to the fruitful collaboration between Zoomarine and the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lazio and Tuscany, it has been possible to carry out relevant research in the field of regenerative medicine, with significant results for the treatment of traumatic and degenerative diseases . dolphin diseases. Born as part of the project “Stem Cells: New Tools in Clinical Applications”, of the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lazio and Tuscany, the research, developed thanks to the request for analysis of the umbilical cord of the Mayan dolphin by Zoomarine, and carried out by the Institute, led, with positive results, to the isolation and growth of mesenchymal stem cells. 

With implications of multiple potentials, the research first highlighted the replicative capacity of mesenchymal stem cells, fundamental in the field of regenerative medicine, with specific application to the treatment of traumatic and degenerative diseases of dolphins. Second, the research has opened the door for more research, including the application of mesenchymal stem cells to the treatment of viruses that affect marine mammals. 

A good omen for the future is that the characteristics of these cells allow them to be kept in biobanks. An opportunity for the treatments of the future, of which the advent of regenerative medicine is only the beginning. 

“Once again, the collaboration between Zoomarine and the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lazio and Tuscany was of fundamental importance – commented Dr. Renato Lenzi – Thanks to the request for analysis of the umbilical cord of the Mayan dolphin, born in Zoomarine in October 2019 , an important step forward was taken in the field of regenerative medicine. Zoomarine has always been concerned about the welfare of the animals housed in the Park, that is why we requested an analysis of the umbilical cord of our last baby. We are pleased to have contributed to the research, which will bring well-being to many animal species ”. 

“Our collaboration with Zoomarine represents the Institute’s dynamic link with the realities of the territory. Many of our laboratories are committed to the animals of the Park with the activities of pathological diagnosis, parasitology, virology, and in continuous renewal also the support in the training of operators “- concludes the General Manager Ugo Della Marta -” 

With Maya we investigate that we carry out in the field of regenerative medicine, a sector in development since 2006, a very important resource also in the veterinary sector ”. To download the high resolution video of Maya’s birth: https://www.dropbox.com/s/rfjtlhchurm68e6/PartoDelfino.mp4?dl=0