Cartilage repair and inhibition of the progression of cartilage degeneration after transplantation of allogeneic chondrocyte sheets in a nontraumatic early arthritis model

Polydactyly-derived allogeneic chondrocyte cell-sheet transplantation with high tibial osteotomy as regenerative therapy for knee osteoarthritis

Allogeneic cell therapies are not fully effective in treating osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK). We recently reported that transplantation of autologous chondrocyte cell-sheets along with open-wedge high tibial osteotomy promoted hyaline cartilage repair in humans. Here we describe our regenerative therapy for OAK using polydactyly-derived allogeneic chondrocyte cell-sheets (PD sheets) and temperature-responsive culture inserts. Ten patients with OAK and cartilage defects categorized arthroscopically as Outerbridge grade III or IV received the therapy. Cartilage viscoelasticity and thickness were assessed before and after transplantation. Arthroscopic biopsies obtained 12 months after transplantation were analyzed histologically. Gene expression was analyzed to evaluate the PD sheets. In this small initial longitudinal series, PD sheet transplantation was effective in treating OAK, as indicated by changes in cartilage properties. Gene marker sets in PD sheets may predict outcomes after therapy and provide markers for the selection of donor cells. This combined surgery may be an ideal regenerative therapy with disease-modifying effects in OAK patients.

Insights into the implementation of Fibronectin 1 in the cartilage tissue engineering

Recently, cartilage tissue engineering has become a cornerstone to treat cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis (OA). Fibronectin1 (FN1) is described as multiple functional glycoproteins that play an essential role in chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation. Few studies reported the potential of FN1 to enhance tissue engineering and reduce the death of chondrocytes in OA. Further, FN1 possesses multiple binding domains including collagen, integrin, and heparin that can interact with heparan sulfate proteoglycans at the surface of chondrocyte leading to promote cell signaling and differentiation. Recent studies suggested that FN1 can promote chondrocyte differentiation by upregulating TGF-β/PI3K/Akt pathways. Further, FN1 can inhibit the apoptosis of chondrocytes by preventing the release of metalloproteinases through lowering the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT pathways. However, the use of FN1 in cartilage repair studies using animal models or clinical trials was rarely reported. Therefore, this article provides new insights into the importance of FN1 in cartilage tissue engineering to encourage more studies concerning FN1 in cartilage repair studies. Further, we provided new suggestions for advanced applications of FN1 to treat OA and cartilage degeneration.

Caviunin glycoside (CAFG) from Dalbergia sissoo attenuates osteoarthritis by modulating chondrogenic and matrix regulating proteins

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dalbergia sissoo DC. (Indian rosewood or Sheesham) is a traditional medicinal plant, reported since time immemorial for its analgesic, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-modulatory properties. D. sissoo DC (DS). is being used traditionally to cure joint inflammation and joint pain.

AIM

To study the potential of DS leaves and its derived novel compound CAFG to treat the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

The chemical profile of DS extract (DSE) with isoflavonoids and isoflvaonoid glycosides from the DS was established by UHPLC-PDA and UHPLC-MS/MS. Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) was injected into the knee joint to develop the OA model in rats. DSE was given orally for 28 days daily at 250 and 500 mg.kg^-1day^-1. For in-vitro experiments, chondrocytes isolated from joint articular cartilage were negatively induced with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and CAFG was given to the cells as a co-treatment.

RESULTS

Chondrocytes undergo apoptosis following inflammation and proteoglycan synthesis affected in MIA injected knees. DSE administration prevented these effects as assessed by H&E and Toluidine blue staining. Micro-CT analysis showed that subchondral bone loss was restored. DSE decreased elevated serum levels of cartilage-bone degradation (CTX-I, CTX-II, and COMP), inflammation markers IL-1β, and matrix-degrading MMP-3 and 13. The effects of IL-1β on gene expression of chondrocytes were reversed by CAFG treatment at 1 μM.

CONCLUSION

Data showed that DSE protected joint cartilage and deterioration in subchondral bone in vivo while in in-vitro, its active ingredient CAFG prevented interleukin-1β induced effects and inhibited OA. This finding suggest that DSE and CAFG could be used as a possible therapeutic to treat osteoarthritis.

Development of Injectable Polydactyly-Derived Chondrocyte Sheets

We are conducting a clinical study of the use of allogeneic polydactyly-derived chondrocyte sheets (PD sheets) for the repair of articular cartilage damage caused by osteoarthritis. However, the transplantation of PD sheets requires highly invasive surgery. To establish a less invasive treatment, we are currently developing injectable fragments of PD sheets (PD sheets-mini). Polydactyly-derived chondrocytes were seeded in RepCell™ or conventional temperature-responsive inserts and cultured. Cell counts and viability, histology, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and flow cytometry were used to characterize PD sheets-mini and PD sheets collected from each culture. To examine the effects of injection on cell viability, PD sheets-mini were tested in four experimental conditions: non-injection control, 18 gauge (G) needle, 23G needle, and syringe only. PD sheets-mini produced similar amounts of humoral factors as PD sheets. No histological differences were observed between PD sheets and PD sheets-mini. Except for COL2A1, expression of cartilage-related genes did not differ between the two types of PD sheet. No significant differences were observed between injection conditions. PD sheets-mini have characteristics that resemble PD sheets. The cell viability of PD sheets-mini was not significantly affected by needle gauge size. Intra-articular injection may be a feasible, less invasive method to transplant PD sheets-mini.

Trends in Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering: 3D Mesenchymal Stem Cell Sheets as Candidates for Engineered Hyaline-Like Cartilage

Articular cartilage defects represent an inciting factor for future osteoarthritis (OA) and degenerative joint disease progression. Despite multiple clinically available therapies that succeed in providing short term pain reduction and restoration of limited mobility, current treatments do not reliably regenerate native hyaline cartilage or halt cartilage degeneration at these defect sites. Novel therapeutics aimed at addressing limitations of current clinical cartilage regeneration therapies increasingly focus on allogeneic cells, specifically mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as potent, banked, and available cell sources that express chondrogenic lineage commitment capabilities. Innovative tissue engineering approaches employing allogeneic MSCs aim to develop three-dimensional (3D), chondrogenically differentiated constructs for direct and immediate replacement of hyaline cartilage, improve local site tissue integration, and optimize treatment outcomes. Among emerging tissue engineering technologies, advancements in cell sheet tissue engineering offer promising capabilities for achieving both in vitro hyaline-like differentiation and effective transplantation, based on controlled 3D cellular interactions and retained cellular adhesion molecules. This review focuses on 3D MSC-based tissue engineering approaches for fabricating “ready-to-use” hyaline-like cartilage constructs for future rapid in vivo regenerative cartilage therapies. We highlight current approaches and future directions regarding development of MSC-derived cartilage therapies, emphasizing cell sheet tissue engineering, with specific focus on regulating 3D cellular interactions for controlled chondrogenic differentiation and post-differentiation transplantation capabilities.

GREB1L, CRELD2 and ITGA10 expression in the human developmental and postnatal kidneys: an immunohistochemical study

BACKGROUND

Aim of our study is to provide an insight into the genetic expression landscape of GREB1L, ITGA10 and CRELD2 which are important in human genitourinary tract development which might help elucidate the critical stages for the onset of kidney anomalies.

METHODS

Morphological parameters were analyzed using immunohistochemistry on human foetal (13-38 w) and postnatal (1.5 and 7.5y) human kidney samples.

RESULTS

GREB1L marker had a strong intensity and the highest rate in proximal tubules (PTC) of 1.5 years' kidney (90.25%). In the distal tubules (DCT) there were statistically significant differences in 13 w, 15 w, 16 w, 21 w, 38 w and 7.5y regarding 1.5y (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.001). There was significantly more GREB1L in the glomeruli at 21 w and 38 w in regard to all other stages (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.01). ITGA10 staining intensity was strongest in PCT with the highest rate in 13 w (92.75%), while the lowest rate was found in glomeruli and DCT (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.001). CRELD2 had the strongest staining intensity in PCT with the highest rate in 13 w and 1.5y (92.25%) and lowest in the glomeruli of 7.5 years (24.3 %). In DCT there were statistically significant differences in CRELD2 positive cells in 13 w, 15 w, 16 w, 21 w, 38 w and 7.5y regarding 1.5y (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.01). ITGA10 and CRELD2 co-localised in the postnatal period in DCT.

CONCLUSION

High kidney expressions of GREB1L, ITGA10 and CRELD2 even in the postnatal period implicate their importance not only for the onset of CAKUT in the case of their mutation but also for maintenance of kidney homeostasis.

Regenerative effects of human chondrocyte sheets in a xenogeneic transplantation model using immune-deficient rats

Although cell transplantation has attracted much attention in regenerative medicine, animal models continue to be used in translational research to evaluate safety and efficacy because cell sources and transplantation modalities are so diverse. In the present study, we investigated the regenerative effects of human chondrocyte sheets on articular cartilage in a xenogeneic transplantation model using immune‐deficient rats. Osteochondral defects were created in the knee joints of immune‐deficient rats that were treated as Group A, untreated (without transplantation); Group B, transplantation of a layered chondrocyte sheet containing 5.0 × 10⁵ cells (layered chondrocyte sheet transplantation); Group C, transplantation of a synoviocyte sheet containing 5.0 × 10⁵ cells (synoviocyte sheet transplantation); or Group D, transplantation of both a synoviocyte sheet plus a layered chondrocyte sheet, each containing 5.0 × 10⁵ cells (synoviocyte sheet plus layered chondrocyte sheet transplantation). Histological evaluation demonstrated that Group B showed cartilage regeneration with hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage. In Groups C and D, the defect was filled with fibrous tissue but no hyaline cartilage. Transplanted cells were detected at 4 and 12 weeks after transplantation, but the number of cells had decreased at 12 weeks. Our results indicate that layered chondrocyte sheet transplantation contributes to articular cartilage regeneration; this model proved useful for evaluating these regenerative effects.

Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses Reveal the Potential Mode of Action of Chondrocyte Sheets in Hyaline Cartilage Regeneration

Chondrocyte sheet transplantation is a novel and promising approach to treating patients who have cartilage defects associated with osteoarthritis. Hyaline cartilage regeneration by autologous chondrocyte sheets has already been demonstrated in clinical research. In this study, the efficacy of polydactyly-derived chondrocyte sheets (PD sheets) as an allogeneic alternative to standard chondrocyte sheets was examined using an orthotopic xenogeneic transplantation model. In addition, the expression of genes and the secreted proteins in the PD sheets was analyzed using a microarray and a DNA aptamer array. The efficacy of PD sheets with respect to cartilage defects was assessed using histological scores, after which the expressions of genes and proteins exhibiting a correlation to efficacy were identified. Enrichment analysis of efficacy-correlated genes and proteins showed that they were associated with extracellular matrices, skeletal development, and angiogenesis. Eight genes (ESM1, GREM1, SERPINA3, DKK1, MIA, NTN4, FABP3, and PDGFA) exhibited a positive correlation with the efficacy of PD sheets, and three genes (RARRES2, APOE, and PGF) showed a negative correlation for both transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Among these, MIA, DKK1, and GREM1 involved in skeletal development pathways and ESM1 involved in the angiogenesis pathway exhibited a correlation between the amount of secretion and efficacy. These results suggest that these secreted factors may prove useful for predicting PD sheet efficacy and may therefore contribute to hyaline cartilage regeneration via PD sheets.

Amnion-derived cells as a reliable resource for next-generation regenerative medicine

The placenta is composed of the amnion, chorionic plate, villous and smooth chorion, decidua basalis, and umbilical cord. The amnion is a readily obtainable source of a large number of cells and cell types, including epithelium, mesenchyme, and endothelium, and is thus an allogeneic resource for regenerative medicine. Endothelial cells are obtained from large arteries and veins in the amniotic membrane as well as the umbilical cord. The amnion-derived cells exhibit transdifferentiation capabilities, including chondrogenesis and cardiomyogenesis, by introduction of transcription factors, in addition to their original and potential phenotypes. The amnion is also a source for production of induced pluripotent stem cells (AM-iPSCs). The AM-iPSCs exhibit stable phenotypes, such as multipotency and immortality, and a unique gene expression pattern. Through the use of amnion-derived cells, as well as other placenta-derived cells, preclinical proof of concept has been achieved in a mouse model of muscular dystrophy.

Chondroprotective effects of platelet lysate towards monoiodoacetate-induced arthritis by suppression of TNF-α-induced activation of NF-ĸB pathway in chondrocytes

Platelet lysate (PL) contains a cocktail of growth factors that actively participates in cartilage repair. This study was designed to determine the effect and mechanism of PL on osteoarthritis (OA). An arthritis model was established to mimic human OA by intra-articular injection of monoiodoacetate (MIA) to Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. The model was weekly treated with PL by intra-articular injection. Thermal withdrawal latency, mechanical withdrawal threshold, and treadmill gait were tested for pain behavior observation. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted for evaluating cartilage degradation. Real time PCRs and Western blots were conducted to elucidate the mechanism of PL on primary chondrocytes. Results showed that, in vivo, PL significantly attenuated pain symptoms and exerted chondrocyte-protective and extracellular matrix (ECM)-modifying effect on the arthritic cartilage in a dose-dependent manner. The in situ expressions of type II Collagen (Col2) and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (Mmp13) in the arthritic cartilage was abnormal and was restored by PL. In vitro, PL significantly restored tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)-suppressed anabolic gene expression (Col2 and aggrecan) and TNF-α-increased catabolic gene expression (Col10, Mmp13, Adamts5, and Adamts9) in chondrocytes. The effects were mediated by TNF-α downstream signaling, including inhibition of NF-κB and c-Jun activities. This study provides certain knowledge of anti-OA effect and TNF signaling-related mechanism of PL, placing it as a promising and alternative option for OA therapy in the future.