Articular cartilage (AC) is an avascular tissue composed of scattered chondrocytes embedded in a dense extracellular matrix, in which nourishment takes place via the synovial fluid at the surface. AC has a limited intrinsic healing capacity, and thus mainly surgical techniques have been used to relieve pain and improve function. Approaches to promote regeneration remain challenging.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Articular cartilage (AC) is a viscoelastic tissue with a limited regenerative capability because of the lack of vasculature. Mechanical stimulation contributes to the homeostasis of functional AC since it promotes the delivery of nutrients, cytokines and growth factors between the distant chondrocytes. We hypothesized that biomechanical stimulation might enhance mobilization of endogenous mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) from neighboring niches as the bone marrow.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWithin the last years, the use of stem cells (embryonic, induced pluripotent stem cells, or hematopoietic stem cells), Progenitor cells (e.g., endothelial progenitor cells), and most intensely mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) has emerged as a promising cell-based therapy for several diseases including nephropathy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF