Revolutionizing osteoarthritis treatment: How mesenchymal stem cells hold the key.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifaceted disease characterized by imbalances in extracellular matrix metabolism, chondrocyte and synoviocyte senescence, as well as inflammatory responses mediated by macrophages. Although there have been notable advancements in pharmacological and surgical interventions, achieving complete remission of OA remains a formidable challenge, oftentimes accompanied by significant side effects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising avenue for OA treatment, given their ability to differentiate into chondrocytes and facilitate cartilage repair, thereby mitigating the impact of an inflammatory microenvironment induced by macrophages.

Human Adipose-derived Stem Cells Upregulate IGF-1 and Alleviate Osteoarthritis in a Two-stage Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model.

Objective: In recent times, it has been recognized that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess the capability to address osteoarthritis (OA). The objective of this research was to examine the impact of injecting human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) into a novel rabbit osteoarthritis model with dual damage.

Methods: The OA model was established surgically first by medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament transection and medial meniscectomy, then by articular cartilage full-thickness defect.