Enhancement of the chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and cartilage repair by ghrelin.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is commonly utilized in chondrogenic differentiation protocols, but this often results in incomplete maturation of the derived chondrocytes. Gene expression analysis, quantitation of sulfated glycosaminoglycan and collagen, and histological staining were performed to assess the effects of ghrelin. The signaling pathways involved were investigated with inhibitors or targeted by shRNAs.

Diagnostic values of 3 methods for evaluating meniscal healing status after meniscal repair: comparison among second-look arthroscopy, clinical assessment, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: The main diagnostic methods for evaluating repaired menisci include second-look arthroscopy, clinical assessment, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). None of the previous studies applied all 3 methods for each consecutive case nor made any systematic comparison among them.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to compare the diagnostic values of the 3 different methods in an attempt to propose suggestions for evaluating meniscal healing results.