Human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell implantation for osteoarthritis of the knee

Particulated Costal Hyaline Cartilage Allograft With Subchondral Drilling Improves Joint Space Width and Second-Look Macroscopic Articular Cartilage Scores Compared With Subchondral Drilling Alone in Medial Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

PURPOSE

To compare the articular cartilage regeneration based on second-look arthroscopy in patients who underwent medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) combined with particulated costal hyaline cartilage allograft (PCHCA) implantation with those who underwent MOWHTO and subchondral drilling (SD). Moreover, we compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes between the groups.

METHODS

From January 2014 to November 2020, patients with full-thickness cartilage defect on the medial femoral condyle who underwent MOWHTO combined with PCHCA (group A) or SD (group B) were reviewed. Fifty-one knees were matched after propensity score matching. The status of regenerated cartilage was classified according to the International Cartilage Repair Society-Cartilage Repair Assessment (ICRS-CRA) grading system and Koshino staging system, based on second-look arthroscopic findings. Clinically, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and range of motion were compared. Radiographically, we compared the differences in the minimum joint space width (JSW) and change in JSW.

RESULTS

The average age was 55.5 years (range, 42-64 years), and the average follow-up period was 27.1 months (range, 24-48 months). Group A showed a significantly better cartilage status than group B based on the ICRS-CRA grading system and Koshino staging system (P < .001 and <.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in clinical and radiographic outcomes between groups. In group A, the minimum JSW at the last follow-up was significantly increased than that before surgery (P = .013), and a significantly greater increase in JSW was observed in group A (P = .025).

CONCLUSIONS

When performed with MOWHTO, the combination of SD and PCHCA was associated with superior articular cartilage regeneration on the ICRS-CRA grading and Koshino staging on second-look arthroscopy performed at a minimum of 2 years follow-up than SD alone. However, there was no difference in clinical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Drivers of consumers' behavioral intention toward private umbilical cord blood banking: a review

Immunitary bioeconomy encompasses a significant share of the bioeconomy that is accompanied by a ‎high degree of complexity and various religious and ethical controversies for both customers and the ‎service providers. Compared to blood banking, these complexities are more substantial for the ‎new state-of-the-art technology of umbilical cord blood (UCB) banking, in which the viable ‎therapeutically active substance of cord blood (i.e., cord blood stem cells (CBSCs)) is banked for much ‎less likely future demand. It became even more complicated when we knew that the main three types ‎of cord blood banking industry (i.e., private, public, or hybrid models) are not the same regarding ‎economic, ‎ethical, and even social considerations. The present paper aims to review and discuss the ‎main drivers of behavioral intention among the customers of private UCB banking. We focused on ‎private UCB banking because, although there is a low likelihood of childs' future need for their siblings' ‎CBSCs, there is an unnecessary growing demand for using private UCB banking services. Based on the ‎previously published pieces of research, we discussed five main influential factors (i.e., awareness, ‎reference group, usability, disease history, and price) that can affect the customers' risk perception ‎‎(and further their behavioral intention) to preserve their child UCB for private applications. Finally, we ‎concluded that private UCB banking must not be considered a commercial activity, and ethically healthcare ‎managers must be more actively involved in ‎facilitating the proper flow of information among the ‎customers.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells promoting knee joint chondrogenesis for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review

PURPOSE

The onset of OA is affected by a variety of factors, which eventually lead to the loss of cartilage in the joints, the formation of osteophytes, the loss of normal knee mobility, and pain and discomfort, which seriously affects the quality of life. HUC-MSCs can promote cartilage production and have been widely used in research in the past decade. This article systematically summarizes that it is well used in basic research and clinical studies to promote inflammatory chondrogenesis in the treatment of OA. Provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study collected CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, and articles related to the treatment of OA with HUC-MSCs since their publication, excluding non-basic and clinical studies such as reviews and meta-analysis. A total of 31 basic experimental studies and 12 clinical studies were included. Systematically analyze the effects of HUC-MSCs on inhibiting inflammatory factors, promoting chondrocyte production, and current clinical treatment.

RESULTS

HUC-MSCs can reduce inflammatory factors such as MMP-13, ADAMTS-5, IL-1β, IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, induced conversion from M1 to M2 in OA to protect cartilage damage and reduce OA inflammation. Synthesize ColII, SOX9, and aggrecan at the same time to promote cartilage synthesis.

CONCLUSION

HUC-MSCs not only have typical stem cell biological characteristics, but also have rich sources and convenient material extraction. Compared with stem cells from other sources, HUC-MSCs have stronger proliferation, differentiation, and immune regulation abilities. Furthermore, there are no ethical issues associated with their use.

SAFETY

Primarily attributed to pain, the majority of individuals experience recovery within 24 h following injection. HUC-MSCs possess the ability to alleviate pain, enhance knee joint function, and potentially postpone the need for surgical intervention in both non-surgical and other cases, making them highly deserving of clinical promotion and application.

Placenta-Derived Products Demonstrate Good Safety Profile and Overall Satisfactory Outcomes for Treating Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence

PURPOSE

To summarize the available evidence regarding the clinical application of placenta-derived products to treat knee osteoarthritis (OA), underlining the differences existing among products, their preparation methods, and the clinical results reported so far.

METHODS

A research on PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases was performed. The following inclusion criteria for relevant articles were used: (1) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective studies, on humans; (2) written in English; (3) published in indexed journals in the last 10 years (2011-2022); and (4) dealing with the use of placenta-derived products for the treatment of knee OA. Exclusion criteria were articles written in other languages; animals or in vitro trials; reviews; and trials analyzing other applications of placenta-derived products not related to knee OA.

RESULTS

In total, 16 studies were included in the present systematic review. Five studies investigated placenta-derived products as an augmentation during surgical procedures, whereas 11 studies were focused on the injective approach only. Of these, only 4 were RCTs and were all from the injective approach group. Potential risk of bias was carried out using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool for RCTs and a modified Coleman approach for nonrandomized studies, revealing for both an overall insufficient quality. Clinical outcomes reveal excellent safety profile and notable efficacy, despite the different types of products used and different administration methods adopted.

CONCLUSIONS

Placental products showed a good safety profile and overall satisfactory outcomes for the treatment of knee OA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level II, III and IV studies.

Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fractions Are Comparable With Allogenic Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Supplementary Strategy of High Tibial Osteotomy for Varus Knee Osteoarthritis

Purpose

To compare the clinical, radiologic, and second-look arthroscopic outcomes of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with stromal vascular fraction (SVF) implantation versus human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSC) transplantation and identify the association between cartilage regeneration and HTO outcomes.

Methods

Patients treated with HTO for varus knee osteoarthritis between March 2018 and September 2020 were retrospectively identified. In this retrospective study, among 183 patients treated with HTO for varus knee osteoarthritis between March 2018 and September 2020, patients treated with HTO with SVF implantation (SVF group; n = 25) were pair-matched based on sex, age, and lesion size with those who underwent HTO with hUCB-MSC transplantation (hUCB-MSC group; n = 25). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Radiological outcomes evaluated were the femorotibial angle and posterior tibial slope. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically before surgery and during follow-up. The mean final follow-up periods were 27.8 ± 3.6 (range 24-36) in the SVF group and 28.2 ± 4.1 (range, 24-36) in the hUCB-MSC group (P = 0.690). At second-look arthroscopic surgery, cartilage regeneration was evaluated using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade.

Results

A total of 17 male and 33 female patients with a mean age of 56.2 years (range, 49-67 years) were included. At the time of second-look arthroscopic surgery (mean, 12.6 months; range, 11-15 months in the SVF group and 12.7 months; range, 11-14 months in the hUCB-MSC group, P = .625), the mean International Knee Documentation Committee score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score in each group significantly improved (P < .001 for all), and clinical outcomes at final follow-up further improved in both groups when compared with the values at second-look arthroscopic surgery (P < .05 for all). Overall ICRS grades, which significantly correlated with clinical outcomes, were similar between groups with no significant differences (P = .170 for femoral condyle and P = .442 for tibial plateau). Radiologic outcomes at final follow-up showed improved knee joint alignment relative to preoperative conditions but showed no significant correlation with clinical outcomes or ICRS grade in either group (P > .05 for all).

Conclusions

Improved clinical and radiological outcomes and favorable cartilage regeneration were seen after surgery for varus Knee OA in both SVF and hUCB-MSC groups.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

A systematic review, umbrella review, and quality assessment on clinical translation of stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis: Are we there yet?

BACKGROUND

The success of stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in preclinical animal models has accelerated the pace of clinical translation. However, it remains uncertain whether the current scientific evidence supports the clinical application of stem cells in treating KOA. A comprehensive evaluation of the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapies and scientific evidence quality is necessary.

METHODS

Using "stem cells" and "knee osteoarthritis" as the search terms, several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, and Clinicaltrials.gov, were searched on August 25, 2022, and updated on February 27, 2023. Clinical studies that reported adverse reactions (ARs) of stem cell therapy in KOA patients were included without limiting the type of studies. Quantitative systematic reviews of stem cell therapy for KOA that conducted meta-analysis were included. Two researchers conducted literature screening and data extraction independently, and the evidence quality was evaluated according to the Institute of Health Economics and AMSTAR 2 criteria.

RESULTS

Fifty clinical studies and 13 systematic reviews/meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) were included. Nineteen ARs were reported in 50 studies, including five knee-related ARs, seven common ARs, and seven other ARs. Some studies reported over 10% prevalence of knee pain (24.5%; 95% CI [14.7%, 35.7%]), knee effusion (12.5%; 95% CI [4.8%, 22.5%]), and knee swelling (11.9%; 95% CI [3.5%, 23.5%]). Additionally, two studies have reported cases of prostate cancer and breast tumors, respectively. However, these two studies suggest that stem cell therapy does not bring significant ARs to patients. SRs/MAs results revealed that stem cell therapy relieved pain in patients over time but did not improve knee function. However, current clinical studies have limited evidence regarding study objectives, test designs, and patient populations. Similarly, SRs/MAs have inadequate evidence regarding study design, risk of bias assessment, outcome description, comprehensive discussion, and potential conflicts of interest.

CONCLUSIONS

The inefficacy of stem cells, the risk of potential complications, and the limited quality of evidence from current studies precluded any recommendation for using stem cell products in patients with KOA. Clinical translation of stem cell therapies remains baseless and should be cautiously approached until more robust evidence is available. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022355875.

Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Outcomes After Human Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Implantation for Chondral Defects of the Knee

Background

There is a paucity of literature reporting clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes after allogeneic umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell (UCB-MSC) implantation for chondral defects of the knee.

Purpose

To report clinical and MRI outcomes after UCB-MSC implantation for chondral lesions of the knee.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were patients aged between 40 and 70 years with focal chondral lesions of grade 3 or 4 on the medial femoral condyle, defect sizes >4 cm², and intact ligaments. Exclusion criteria were patients who required realignment osteotomy or who had a meniscal deficiency, ligamentous instability, or a concomitant full-thickness chondral defect in the lateral or patellofemoral compartment. A mixture of human UCB-MSCs and sodium hyaluronate was implanted into the chondral defect through mini-arthrotomy. MRI at 1-year follow-up was performed to evaluate repaired cartilage hypertrophy. Repaired cartilage thickness was measured, and hypertrophy was classified as grade 1 (<125%), grade 2 (<150%), or grade 3 (<200%). Patient-reported outcomes (PROs; International Knee Documentation Committee, visual analog scale for pain, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) were evaluated preoperatively and at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively. Repaired cartilage hypertrophy was evaluated for a correlation with PRO scores.

Results

Enrolled were 85 patients with a mean age of 56.8 ± 6.1 years and a mean chondral defect size of 6.7 ± 2.0 cm². At follow-up, a significant improvement in all PRO scores was seen compared with preoperatively (P < .001 for all). MRI at 1-year follow-up demonstrated that 28 patients had grade 1 repaired cartilage hypertrophy, 41 patients had grade 2, and 16 patients had grade 3. MRI performed in 11 patients at 2 years after surgery indicated no difference in repaired cartilage hypertrophy between the 1- and 2-year time points. The grade of repaired cartilage hypertrophy did not correlate with PRO scores.

Conclusion

Clinical outcomes improved significantly at short-term follow-up after UCB-MSC implantation. Although all patients showed repaired cartilage hypertrophy, it did not correlate with clinical outcomes.

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate versus Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Combined Cartilage Regeneration Procedure in Patients Undergoing High Tibial Osteotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and objectives: Cartilage regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been attempted to improve articular cartilage regeneration in varus knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO). Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) have been reported to be effective. However, whether BMAC is superior to hUCB-MSCs remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the clinical efficacy of cartilage repair procedures with BMAC or hUCB-MSCs in patients undergoing HTO. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted using three global databases, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, for studies in which the clinical outcomes after BMAC or hUCB-MSCs were used in patients undergoing HTO for varus knee OA. Data extraction, quality control, and meta-analysis were performed. To compare the clinical efficacy of BMAC and hUCB-MSCs, reported clinical outcome assessments and second-look arthroscopic findings were analyzed using standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The present review included seven studies of 499 patients who received either BMAC (BMAC group, n = 169) or hUCB-MSCs (hUCB-MSC group, n = 330). Improved clinical outcomes were found in both BMAC and hUCB-MSC groups; however, a significant difference was not observed between procedures (International Knee Documentation Committee score; p = 0.91, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index; p = 0.05, Knee Society Score (KSS) Pain; p = 0.85, KSS Function; p = 0.37). On second-look arthroscopy, the hUCB-MSC group showed better International Cartilage Repair Society Cartilage Repair Assessment grade compared with the BMAC group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both BMAC and hUCB-MSCs with HTO improved clinical outcomes in varus knee OA patients, and there was no difference in clinical outcomes between them. However, hUCB-MSCs were more effective in articular cartilage regeneration than BMAC augmentation.

Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation for Patients with Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND OR PURPOSE

Although human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation (HUCB-MSCT) resulted in a good short-term therapeutic effect on patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC), the long-term survival remained unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of HUCB-MSCT on long-term outcomes in patients with DLC.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included hospitalized patients with decompensated cirrhosis in Liuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between November 2010 and February 2013. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). The secondary outcomes were 3-year and 5-year survival rates and the occurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

RESULTS

A total of 201 subjects were enrolled, including 36 patients who underwent HUCB-MSCT (SCT group) and 165 patients who did not (non-SCT group). After PSM (1:2), there were 36 patients in the SCT group and 72 patients in non-SCT group. The 3-year and 5-year survival rates of the two groups were 83.3% vs. 61.8% and 63.9% vs. 43.6%, and median OS time was 92.50 and 50.80 months, respectively. HUCB-MSCT treatment was found to be an independent beneficial factor for patient OS (hazard ratio = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.29-0.76; P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in the occurrence rate of HCC between the two groups (P = 0.410).

DISCUSSION OR CONCLUSIONS

HUCB-MSCT may improve long-term OS without increasing the occurrence of HCC in patients with DLC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100047550).

Allogeneic Umbilical Cord-Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Hyaluronate Composite Combined with High Tibial Osteotomy for Medial Knee Osteoarthritis with Full-Thickness Cartilage Defects

Background and Objectives: Although the effects of cartilage repair in patients who are undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) remains controversial, cartilage repair may be required for the full-thickness cartilage defect because of a concern of lower clinical outcome. The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical outcome and cartilage repair following implantation of allogeneic umbilical cord-blood-derived MSCs (UCB-MSCs)-hyaluronate composite in patients who received HTO for medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) with full-thickness cartilage defect. Materials and Methods: Inclusion criteria were patients with a medial knee OA, a full-thickness cartilage defect (International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade IV) ≥  3 cm² of the medial femoral condyle, and a varus deformity  ≥  5°. The full-thickness cartilage defect was treated with implantation of an allogeneic UCB-MSCs-hyaluronate composite following medial open-wedge HTO. Visual analogue scale for pain and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were assessed at each follow-up. Cartilage repair was assessed by the ICRS cartilage repair assessment system at second-look arthroscopy when the plate was removed. Results: Twelve patients (mean age 56.1 years; mean defect size: 4.5 cm²) were included, and 10 patients underwent second-look arthroscopy during plate removal after a minimum of 1 year after the HTO. At the final follow-up of mean 2.9 years (range; 1-6 years), all clinical outcomes had improved. At second-look arthroscopy, repaired tissue was observed in all cases. One case (10%) showed grade I, seven (70%) cases showed grade II, and two (20%) cases showed grade III according to ICRS cartilage repair assessment system, which meant that 80% showed an overall repair assessment of "normal" or "nearly normal". Conclusion: Allogeneic UCB-MSCs-HA composite implantation combined with HTO resulted in favorable clinical outcome and cartilage repair in all cases. These findings suggest that UCB-MSCs-HA composite implantation combined with HTO would be a good therapeutic option for patients with knee OA and full-thickness cartilage defects.

Cartilage Regeneration Using Human Umbilical Cord Blood Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Objectives: Human umbilical-cord-blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) have recently been used in clinical cartilage regeneration procedures with the expectation of improved regeneration capacity. However, the number of studies using hUCB-MSCs is still insufficient, and long-term follow-up results after use are insufficient, indicating the need for additional data and research. We have attempted to prove the efficacy and safety of hUCB-MSC treatment in a comprehensive analysis by including all subjects with knee articular cartilage defect or osteoarthritis who have undergone cartilage repair surgery using hUCB-MSCs. We conducted a meta-analysis and demonstrated efficacy and safety based on a systematic review. Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. For this study, we searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library literature databases up to June 2022. A total of seven studies were included, and quality assessment was performed for each included study using the Newcastle−Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Statistical analysis was performed on the extracted pooled clinical outcome data, and subgroup analyses were completed. Results: A total of 570 patients were included in the analysis. In pooled analysis, the final follow-up International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score showed a significant increase (mean difference (MD), −32.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), −38.32 to −27.32; p < 0.00001) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 93%, p < 0.00001) compared to the preoperative score. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores at final follow-up were significantly decreased (MD, 30.73; 95% CI, 24.10−37.36; p < 0.00001) compared to the preoperative scores, with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 95%, p < 0.00001). The visual analog scale (VAS) score at final follow-up was significantly decreased (MD, 4.81; 95% CI, 3.17−6.46; p < 0.00001) compared to the preoperative score, with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 98%, p < 0.00001). Two studies evaluated the modified Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (M-MOCART) score and confirmed sufficient improvement. In a study analyzing a group treated with bone marrow aspiration concentrate (BMAC), there was no significant difference in clinical outcome or M-MOCART score, and the post-treatment International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade increased. Conclusion: This analysis demonstrated the safety, efficacy, and quality of repaired cartilage following hUCB-MSC therapy. However, there was no clear difference in the comparison with BMAC. In the future, comparative studies with other stem cell therapies or cartilage repair procedures should be published to support the superior effect of hUCB-MSC therapy to improve treatment of cartilage defect or osteoarthritis.

Assessment of clinical, biochemical, and radiological outcomes following intra-articular injection of Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A prospective clinical study

The aim of the present study was to perform clinical, biochemical, and radiological evaluation of the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton jelly (WJ) present within the human umbilical cord in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Between 2018 and 2019, 10 patients with knee osteoarthritis for whom the conservative treatment was not beneficial were included in the study. Patients were clinically, radiologically, and biochemically evaluated before treatment initiation. Thereafter, the patients were intra-articularly injected using a solution containing 1 × 108 WJ-derived MSCs. Evaluations were performed on day 21 (V1) and 42 (V2) and month 3 (V3), 6 (V4), and 12 (V5) after the procedure. At 1-year post-injection, visual analogue scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Lequesne scores of patients were lower than those observed during the initial evaluation, whereas the mean 36-Item Short Form Health Survey score was higher. Cartilage thicknesses were found to be increased in all regions except in the medial femur, medial posterior femur, lateral posterior femur, and lateral posterior tibia regions in magnetic resonance imaging. A significant increase was observed in tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β, adiponectin, resistin, and interleukin-6 levels compared with pre-injection values. The leptin levels at 6-month and 1-year controls were lower than the pre-injection levels, and the decrease observed at 6 months was significant. In patients with knee osteoarthritis, intra-articular WJ-derived MSC injection causes significant pain reduction, satisfactory functional improvement, and increased patient satisfaction following a 1-year follow-up. These clinical improvements were supported by magnetic resonance images, along with changes in adiponectin and leptin levels in synovial fluid. Level of evidence: IV.

Engineering Hyaluronic Acid for the Development of New Treatment Strategies for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that is characterized by inflammation of the joints, degradation of cartilage, and the remodeling of other joint tissues. Due to the absence of disease-modifying drugs for OA, current clinical treatment options are often only effective at slowing down disease progression and focus mainly on pain management. The field of tissue engineering has therefore been focusing on developing strategies that could be used not only to alleviate symptoms of OA but also to regenerate the damaged tissue. Hyaluronic acid (HA), an integral component of both the synovial fluid and articular cartilage, has gained widespread usage in developing hydrogels that deliver cells and biomolecules to the OA joint thanks to its biocompatibility and ability to support cell growth and the chondrogenic differentiation of encapsulated stem cells, providing binding sites for growth factors. Tissue-engineering strategies have further attempted to improve the role of HA as an OA therapeutic by developing diverse modified HA delivery platforms for enhanced joint retention and controlled drug release. This review summarizes recent advances in developing HA-based hydrogels for OA treatment and provides additional insights into how HA-based therapeutics could be further improved to maximize their potential as a viable treatment option for OA.

Translating MSC Therapy in the Age of Obesity

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy has seen increased attention as a possible option to treat a number of inflammatory conditions including COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). As rates of obesity and metabolic disease continue to rise worldwide, increasing proportions of patients treated with MSC therapy will be living with obesity. The obese environment poses critical challenges for immunomodulatory therapies that should be accounted for during development and testing of MSCs. In this review, we look to cancer immunotherapy as a model for the challenges MSCs may face in obese environments. We then outline current evidence that obesity alters MSC immunomodulatory function, drastically modifies the host immune system, and therefore reshapes interactions between MSCs and immune cells. Finally, we argue that obese environments may alter essential features of allogeneic MSCs and offer potential strategies for licensing of MSCs to enhance their efficacy in the obese microenvironment. Our aim is to combine insights from basic research in MSC biology and clinical trials to inform new strategies to ensure MSC therapy is effective for a broad range of patients.

Umbilical Cord-Derived Stem Cells for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Background:

The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) has gained recent interest in the orthopaedics community.

Purpose:

To review the literature to evaluate the efficacy of umbilical cord–derived MSCs in the treatment of OA of the knee joint.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases to identify studies with evidence levels from 1 to 4 that evaluated the clinical efficacy of human umbilical cord–derived MSC (hUC-MSC) injections for knee OA. The search phrase used was “umbilical cord knee osteoarthritis.” In the studies reviewed, patients were assessed based on the macroscopic International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score.

Results:

A total of 7 studies met inclusion criteria, including 385 patients undergoing injection of hUC-MSCs (mean age, 59.7 years). The mean follow-up was 23.4 months. Weighted averages of the WOMAC, macroscopic ICRS, subjective IKDC, and VAS scores all showed improvement from before to after treatment. No severe adverse reactions were recorded.

Conclusion:

Patients undergoing treatment of knee OA with hUC-MSCs might be expected to experience improvements in clinical outcomes. Additional high-quality randomized studies are needed to better determine the efficacy of hUC-MSC for the treatment of knee OA.

Patients with advanced lateral osteoarthritis can return to sports and work after distraction arthroplasty plus lateral meniscal allograft transplantation combined with cartilage repair

PURPOSE

This study aimed to report return to sports (RTS) and return to work (RTW) outcomes after distraction arthroplasty (DA) plus lateral meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) combined with cartilage repair in active patients with advanced osteoarthritis. It was hypothesised that DA combined with lateral MAT would improve clinical and radiological outcomes and enable RTS and RTW for most patients.

METHODS

In total, 21 patients with advanced osteoarthritis (moderate to severe joint space narrowing at lateral edge on Rosenberg view and large cartilage defect of lateral femoral condyle) who underwent concomitant DA and MAT were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using subjective knee scores [Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score, and Tegner activity scale (TAS)] and functional tests (isokinetic extensor muscle strength test, single-leg vertical jump test, and single-leg hop for distance test). The rates of RTS, RTW, and satisfaction were evaluated. Radiological outcomes were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray (Rosenberg view).

RESULTS

The mean age at surgery and mean follow-up duration were 37.2 ± 5.9 years and 37.1 ± 5.4 months, respectively. All improvements in subjective scores were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The Lysholm score improved from 58.3 ± 8.1 to 84.3 ± 8.2, the IKDC subjective score from 53.9 ± 10.4 to 78.0 ± 7.7, and the TAS from 4.0 ± 0.5 to 5.1 ± 0.8. The limb symmetry index (LSI) (%) of the extensor peak torque at an angular velocity of 60°/s improved from 67.3 ± 19.2 to 88.4 ± 20.3% (p = 0.001). The LSI of the single-leg vertical jump test and single-leg hop for distance test improved from 62.8 ± 21.3 to 87.7 ± 19.5% and from 63.9 ± 20.8 to 85.5 ± 18.1%, respectively (all, p < 0.001). All patients were able to return to any sports activity and work. However, 67% and 90.5% returned to their defined or desired level of sports activity and occupation intensity, respectively. Further, 76.2% were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the outcome at the last follow-up. The JSW increased by 0.8 ± 0.4 to 2.3 ± 0.6 mm (p = 0.005). In more than 90% of patients, > 50% of cartilage lesion was covered. The mean graft extrusion was 2.6 ± 1.0 mm.

CONCLUSION

All patients who underwent distraction arthroplasty plus lateral MAT combined with cartilage repair returned to any sports and work at the last follow-up. Significant improvements in clinical outcomes and the radiographic joint space width were observed. However, the activity ability was somewhat reduced compared with the best preoperative level. This one-stage joint salvage treatment is a promising option for young and active patients with advanced OA who wish to return to high levels of sports activity and occupation intensity (≥ Tegner activity scale 4).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Methodological Flaws in Meta-Analyses of Clinical Studies on the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis with Stem Cells: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: Conclusions of meta-analyses of clinical studies may substantially influence opinions of prospective patients and stakeholders in healthcare. Nineteen meta-analyses of clinical studies on the management of primary knee osteoarthritis (pkOA) with stem cells, published between January 2020 and July 2021, came to inconsistent conclusions regarding the efficacy of this treatment modality. It is possible that a separate meta-analysis based on an independent, systematic assessment of clinical studies on the management of pkOA with stem cells may reach a different conclusion. (2) Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for clinical studies and meta-analyses of clinical studies on the management of pkOA with stem cells. All clinical studies and meta-analyses identified were evaluated in detail, as were all sub-analyses included in the meta-analyses. (3) Results: The inconsistent conclusions regarding the efficacy of treating pkOA with stem cells in the 19 assessed meta-analyses were most probably based on substantial differences in literature search strategies among different authors, misconceptions about meta-analyses themselves, and misconceptions about the comparability of different types of stem cells with regard to their safety and regenerative potential. An independent, systematic review of the literature yielded a total of 183 studies, of which 33 were randomized clinical trials, including a total of 6860 patients with pkOA. However, it was not possible to perform a scientifically sound meta-analysis. (4) Conclusions: Clinicians should interpret the results of the 19 assessed meta-analyses of clinical studies on the management of pkOA with stem cells with caution and should be cautious of the conclusions drawn therein. Clinicians and researchers should strive to participate in FDA and/or EMA reviewed and approved clinical trials to provide clinically and statistically valid efficacy.

Preclinical studies and clinical trials on mesenchymal stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review on models and cell doses

AIM

To provide a systematic analysis of the study design in knee osteoarthritis (OA) preclinical studies, focusing on the characteristics of animal models and cell doses, and to compare these to the characteristics of clinical trials using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of knee OA.

METHOD

A systematic and comprehensive search was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, and Embase electronic databases for research papers published in 2009-2020 on testing MSC treatment in OA animal models. The PubMed database and ClinicalTrials.gov website were used to search for published studies reporting clinical trials of MSC therapy for knee OA.

RESULTS

In total, 9234 articles and two additional records were retrieved, of which 120 studies comprising preclinical and clinical studies were included for analysis. Among the preclinical studies, rats were the most commonly used species for modeling knee OA, and anterior cruciate ligament transection was the most commonly used method for inducing OA. There was a correlation between the cell dose and body weight of the animal. In clinical trials, there was large variation in the dose of MSCs used to treat knee OA, ranging from 1 × 10⁶ to 200 × 10⁶ cells with an average of 37.91 × 10⁶ cells.

CONCLUSION

Mesenchymal stem cells have shown great potential in improving pain relief and tissue protection in both preclinical and clinical studies of knee OA. Further high-quality preclinical and clinical studies are needed to explore the dose effectiveness relationship of MSC therapy and to translate the findings from preclinical studies to humans.

Past, present, and future of cartilage restoration: from localized defect to arthritis

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis, one of the most common joint diseases, is characterized by the loss of joint function due to articular cartilage destruction. Herein, we review current and previous research involving the clinical applications of arthritis therapy and suggest potential therapeutic options for osteoarthritis in the future.

PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE TREATMENT

The arthroscopic cartilage regeneration procedure or realignment osteotomy has been performed as a joint-conserving procedure in cases where conservative treatment for damaged articular cartilage and early osteoarthritis failed. If cartilage regeneration is ineffective or if the joint damage progresses, arthroplasty is the main treatment option. The need for biological arthritis treatment has expanded as the healthy lifespan of the global population has increased. Accordingly, minimally invasive surgical treatment has been developed for the treatment of damaged cartilage and early osteoarthritis. However, patients generally prefer to avoid all types of surgery, including minimally invasive surgery. Therefore, in the future, the treatment of osteoarthritis will likely involve injection or medication.

CONCLUSION

Currently, arthritis management primarily involves the surgical application of therapeutic agents to the joints. However, nonsurgical or prophylactic methods are expected to become mainstream arthritis therapies in the future.

Allogenic umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cell implantation was superior to bone marrow aspirate concentrate augmentation for cartilage regeneration despite similar clinical outcomes

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare clinical and second-look arthroscopic outcomes between bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) augmentation and human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cell (hUCB-MSC) implantation in high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis and identify the relationship between articular cartilage regeneration and HTO outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 176 patients who underwent HTO combined with a BMAC or hUCB-MSC procedure for medial compartment osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3) between June 2014 and September 2018 with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were reviewed. After HTO, multiple holes were drilled at cartilage defect sites of the medial femoral condyle (MFC), and then prepared BMAC or hUCB-MSCs in combination with scaffolds were implanted in the MFC lesions. After propensity score matching based on sex, age, body mass index, and lesion size, 55 patients in each of the BMAC and hUCB-MSC groups were successfully matched. Second-look arthroscopic findings were assessed according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) Cartilage Repair Assessment (CRA) grading system and Koshino staging system. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Short-Form 36 (SF-36), and Tegner activity scores.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 33 months, clinical outcomes including IKDC, KOOS, SF-36, and Tegner activity scores were significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.001); however, there were no differences between the two groups. Second-look arthroscopy showed better healing of regenerated cartilage in the hUCB-MSC group (Grade I [4 cases, 9.1%]; Grade II [30 cases, 68.2%]; Grade III [11 cases, 22.7%]) than in the BMAC group (Grade I [1 case, 2.7%]; Grade II [20 cases, 54.1%]; Grade III [11 cases, 29.7%]; Grade IV [5 cases, 13.5%]) according to the ICRS CRA grading system (p = 0.040). There was no significant intergroup difference in terms of defect coverage based on the Koshino staging system (p = 0.057). Moreover, ICRS CRA grades at second-look arthroscopy were significantly correlated with clinical outcomes (r = - 0.337; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

There were no significant differences in the clinical outcomes between the two groups. Both treatments provided similar, reliable outcomes in terms of pain relief, functional scores, and quality of life at a mean follow-up of 33 months. However, hUCB-MSC implantation was more effective than BMAC augmentation for articular cartilage regeneration.

Human umbilical cord-blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell can improve the clinical outcome and Joint space width after high tibial osteotomy

BACKGROUND

There is limited study about the human umbilical cord-blood derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUCB-MSC) cartilage regeneration procedures combined with high tibial osteotomy (HTO). We compared the clinical and radiological results of hUCB-MSC cartilage regeneration procedures combined with HTO to those of microfracture with HTO.

METHODS

From August 2017 to December 2018, HTO patients with International Cartilage Regeneration and Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) grade IV cartilage defects over 200 mm² on medial femoral condyle (MFC) were enrolled. For comparison, all participants were divided into two groups: those who had undergone an hUCB-MSC induced cartilage regeneration procedure (group MSC) and those with microfractures only (group C, controls). Clinically, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Lysholm scores were evaluated post-operatively at 18 months. Radiologically, mechanical axis (MA) and joint space width (JSW) were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 100 knees were enrolled (43 in group MSC, 57 in group C). The IKDC score in group MSC (69) was better than that in group C (62; P < 0.05). The JSW increment in the MSC group (0.6 mm) was more than that in group C (0.1 mm; P < 0.05). No patient developed nonunion, correction loss, or arthroplasty conversion.

CONCLUSION

hUCB-MSCs can improve clinical outcome and JSW better than microfracture only in HTO patients.

Intra-articular injection of orthobiologics in patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy for knee osteoarthritis is safe and effective - a systematic review

Purpose

To qualitatively evaluate the current evidence reporting outcomes of intra-articular injection of orthobiologics in patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for osteoarthritis of the knee.

Methods

A systematic search methodology of the PUBMED, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases was conducted in July 2021. The search workflow was in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The following inclusion criteria were adopted: clinical trials of any level of evidence, reporting outcomes following intra-articular injection of orthobiologics during high tibial osteotomy for knee osteoarthritis, with a minimum number of 10 patients treated. Duplicate data, studies on implanted orthobiologics and articles not written in English were excluded from this review.

Results

Eight studies were included in this review, with a total of 585 patients. Outcomes were discussed based on the types of orthobiologics used: (i) Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), (ii) Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC), and (iii) Injected Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). Two studies utilised PRP, 4 studies utilised BMAC and 4 studies utilised injected MSCs.. Three studies provided Level II evidence and five studies provided Level III evidence. Statistically significant improvements in outcomes were documented in multiple trials, with few patients experiencing adverse events.

Conclusion

Intra-articular injection of orthobiologics in patients undergoing HTO is safe and effective with good outcomes reported. Due to the lack of high-level evidence, further research is required before this can be considered standard of care.

Level of evidence

III

PTX-3 Secreted by Intra-Articular-Injected SMUP-Cells Reduces Pain in an Osteoarthritis Rat Model

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are accessible, abundantly available, and capable of regenerating; they have the potential to be developed as therapeutic agents for diseases. However, concerns remain in their further application. In this study, we developed a SMall cell+Ultra Potent+Scale UP cell (SMUP-Cell) platform to improve whole-cell processing, including manufacturing bioreactors and xeno-free solutions for commercialization. To confirm the superiority of SMUP-Cell improvements, we demonstrated that a molecule secreted by SMUP-Cells is capable of polarizing inflammatory macrophages (M1) into their anti-inflammatory phenotype (M2) at the site of injury in a pain-associated osteoarthritis (OA) model. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages co-cultured with SMUP-Cells expressed low levels of M1-phenotype markers (CD11b, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1α, and interleukin-6), but high levels of M2 markers (CD163 and arginase-1). To identify the paracrine action underlying the anti-inflammatory effect of SMUP-Cells, we employed a cytokine array and detected increased levels of pentraxin-related protein-3 (PTX-3). Additionally, PTX-3 mRNA silencing was applied to confirm PTX-3 function. PTX-3 silencing in SMUP-Cells significantly decreased their therapeutic effects against monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA. Thus, PTX-3 expression in injected SMUP-Cells, applied as a therapeutic strategy, reduced pain in an OA model.

Allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells for cartilage regeneration: A review of in vitro evaluation, clinical experience, and translational opportunities

The paracrine signaling, immunogenic properties and possible applications of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for cartilage tissue engineering and regenerative medicine therapies have been investigated through numerous in vitro, animal model and clinical studies. The emerging knowledge largely supports the concept of MSCs as signaling and modulatory cells, exerting their influence through trophic and immune mediation rather than as a cell replacement therapy. The virtues of allogeneic cells as a ready‐to‐use product with well‐defined characteristics of cell surface marker expression, proliferative ability, and differentiation capacity are well established. With clinical applications in mind, a greater focus on allogeneic cell sources is evident, and this review summarizes the latest published and upcoming clinical trials focused on cartilage regeneration adopting allogeneic and autologous cell sources. Moreover, we review the current understanding of immune modulatory mechanisms and the role of trophic factors in articular chondrocyte‐MSC interactions that offer feasible targets for evaluating MSC activity in vivo within the intra‐articular environment. Furthermore, bringing labeling and tracking techniques to the clinical setting, while inherently challenging, will be extremely informative as clinicians and researchers seek to bolster the case for the safety and efficacy of allogeneic MSCs. We therefore review multiple promising approaches for cell tracking and labeling, including both chimerism studies and imaging‐based techniques, that have been widely explored in vitro and in animal models. Understanding the distribution and persistence of transplanted MSCs is necessary to fully realize their potential in cartilage regeneration techniques and tissue engineering applications.

Efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cell injections for patients with osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis and review of RCTs

INTRODUCTION

Osteoarthritis (OA), which has a high incidence in the elderly, brings a huge economic burden to society. MSCs (Mesenchymal Stem Cells) have shown great multidirectional differentiation potential which are expected to treat OA, and numerous clinical trials have been conducted. However, the efficacy and safety of the MSCs still need to be further integrated and analyzed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched several databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ovid, and ScienceDirect) for assessing eligible trials that randomized controlled trials, hyaluronic acid as control, and MSCs injection to treat OA. Vitro studies and animal studies were excluded. Search terms were: "cartilage," "clinical trial," "mesenchymal," "stromal" and "stem cell", "osteoarthritis". The preliminary guidelines and study protocol were published online at PROSPERO.

RESULTS

Many assessment scales could not be improved significantly after 6 months. However, most of the scales were significantly improved after 12 months, indicating that compared with hyaluronic acid, stem cells could relieve OA symptoms significantly. No serious adverse effect was found.

CONCLUSION

There are significant therapeutic effects on joint function, symptoms, and no permanent adverse effect has been found after stem cell treatment. It is promising to apply intro-articular injection of stem cells for OA to clinical application. More researches are needed to supplement present deficiencies.

Allogeneic umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with high tibial osteotomy: a retrospective study on safety and early results

BACKGROUND

Cartilage repair performed as a single-stage procedure is an important advancement in the treatment of full-thickness cartilage injury and has potential for widespread clinical use.

PURPOSE

To investigate the short-term outcomes and cartilage regeneration after implantation of allogeneic human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) in patients who received high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for symptomatic medial knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Patients underwent treatment of full-thickness chondral injury in the osteoarthritic knee with HTO and implantation of hUCB-MSCs and were followed prospectively for a minimum of one year. Ninety-three patients were followed for a mean 1.7 years (range, 1.0-3.5). Median cartilage lesion size was 6.5 cm² (range, 2.0-12.8). Clinical outcomes were examined with patient-reported scoring instruments that consisted of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Knee Society Score (KSS), and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score. Cartilage regeneration was evaluated using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) cartilage repair assessment grading (CRA) system and the Koshino regeneration staging system in 49 patients who underwent second look arthroscopic assessment when their HTO plates were removed.

RESULTS

At final follow-up, the median IKDC subjective score had significantly improved from 39.0 to 71.3; the WOMAC score from 44.5 to 11.0; the KSS pain and function scores from 29.8 to 43.2 and 61.0 to 81.2, respectively; and the HSS from 61.6 to 82.7 (p < 0.05). Pre-operative examination showed ICRS grade IV cartilage injury in all knees, and cartilage regeneration at 2nd look arthroscopy showed improvements (8.2% of patients improved to ICRS grade I, 69.3% to grade II, and 22.5% to grade III). Moreover, Koshino stage was B in 24.5% and C in 75.5% of patients (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Allogeneic hUCB-MSC implantation combined with HTO for medial knee osteoarthritis was safe and showed signs of cartilage status improvement. Furthermore, randomized controlled studies with a control group are necessary to determine the real effectiveness and indications of this new combined procedure for patients with osteoarthritis.