Stina Ekman

Professor Emrita, HBIO, Pathology and Immunology

E-mail

Phone

+4618673504

My research is concentrated on the pathology of the musculoskeletal system with emphasis on two important and common diseases seen in our domestic animals; Osteoarthritis (OA) and Osteochondoris (OC)

Presentation

Professor emerita, DVM, PhD, diplomate of ECVP

Published articles the last 3 years

Nerve growth factor receptors in equine synovial membranes vary with osteoarthritic disease severity. Kendall A, Ekman S, Skiöldebrand E. J Orthop Res. 2023 Feb;41(2):316-324. doi: 10.1002/jor.25382. Epub 2022 May 31.

"Conditioned serum, in vitro treatment of chondrocyte pellets and osteoarthritic explants" Löfgren M. Ekman S. Ekholm J. Engström M. Fjordbakk CT. Svala E. Holm Forsström K, Lindahl A. Skiöldebrand S. Equine Vet J. 2023 Mar;55(2):325-335. doi: 10.1111/evj.13582.

“Osteochondrosis in the central and third tarsal bones of young horses.” Olstad K, Ekman S, Björnsdóttir S, Fjordbakk CT, Hansson K, Sigurdsson SF, Ley CJ. Vet Pathol. 2024 Jan;61(1):74-87 doi: 10.1177/03009858231185108.

Pathological and bacteriological findings in sows, finisher pigs, and piglets, being culled for lameness.Jacobson M, Berglund M, Pettersson M, Sandström M, Matti F, Sjölund M, Backhans A, Ytrehus B, Ekman S.Porcine Health Manag. 2025 Oct 13;11(1):49. doi: 10.1186/s40813-025-00463-4.PMID: 41084038

Research

The aim of the research

To find, create and use biomarkers for inflammatory, anabolic, catabolic, and painful processes in connection with OA and OC, in order to detect the tissue changes early and hence be able to prevent development of chronic irreversible damage to the joints. The studies aim to delineate the early development with progression towards chronic tissue destruction, in order to understand the pathogenesis. This knowledge is crucial when trying to prevent chronic damage in OA and OC joints.

On-going research projects

Identification of unique protein fragments found in inflamed articular cartilage in vitro. In addition, evaluate if these molecules are present in serum and synovial fluids from animals with early subclinical joint lesions of OA and OC diseases. The aim of the research is to design a biomarker panel for clinical use, detecting early reversible joint lesions. The research is also translational aiming to detect early joint lesions in man. The project is a collaboration between SLU (Professor Eva Skiöldebrand) and Sahlgrenska Akademin, Gothenburg (Professor Anders Lindahl).