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Lee SH, Li Z, Zhang EY, Kim DH, Huang Z, Lee SJ, Kang HW, Burdick JA, Mauck RL, Heo SC. Precision Repair of Zone-Specific Meniscal Injuries Using a Tunable Extracellular Matrix-Based Hydrogel System. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.12.612723. [PMID: 39345590 PMCID: PMC11429709 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.12.612723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Meniscus injuries present significant therapeutic challenges due to their limited self-healing capacity and diverse biological and mechanical properties across meniscal tissue. Conventional repair strategies neglect to replicate the complex zonal characteristics within the meniscus, resulting in suboptimal outcomes. In this study, we introduce an innovative, age- and stiffness-tunable meniscus decellularized extracellular matrix (DEM)-based hydrogel system designed for precision repair of heterogeneous, zonal-dependent meniscus injuries. By synthesizing age-dependent DEM hydrogels, we identified distinct cellular responses: fetal bovine meniscus-derived DEM promoted chondrogenic differentiation, while adult meniscus-derived DEM supported fibrochondrogenic phenotypes. The incorporation of methacrylate hyaluronic acid (MeHA) further refined the mechanical properties and injectability of the DEM-based hydrogels. The combination of age-dependent DEM with MeHA allowed for precise stiffness tuning, influencing cell differentiation and closely mimicking native tissue environments. In vivo tests confirmed the biocompatibility of hydrogels and their integration with native meniscus tissues. Furthermore, advanced 3D bioprinting techniques enabled the fabrication of hybrid hydrogels with biomaterial and mechanical gradients, effectively emulating the zonal properties of meniscus tissue and enhancing cell integration. This study represents a significant advancement in meniscus tissue engineering, providing a promising platform for customized regenerative therapies across a range of heterogeneous fibrous connective tissues.
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Dakkak A, Krill M, Fogarty A, Krill M. Stem cell therapy for the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy: A systematic literature review. Sci Sports 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scispo.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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3D cell-printing of biocompatible and functional meniscus constructs using meniscus-derived bioink. Biomaterials 2020; 267:120466. [PMID: 33130320 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Meniscus injuries are prevalent in orthopedic diagnosis. The reconstruction of the structural inhomogeneity and anisotropy of the meniscus is a major challenge in clinical practice. Meniscal tissue engineering has emerged as a potential alternative for the treatment of various meniscal diseases and injuries. In this study, we developed three-dimensional (3D) cell-printed meniscus constructs using a mixture of polyurethane and polycaprolactone polymers and cell-laden decellularized meniscal extracellular matrix (me-dECM) bioink with high controllability and durable architectural integrity. The me-dECM bioink provided 3D cell-printed meniscus constructs with a conducive biochemical environment that supported growth and promoted the proliferation and differentiation of encapsulated stem cells toward fibrochondrogenic commitment. In addition, we investigated the in vivo performance of the 3D cell-printed meniscus constructs, which exhibited biocompatibility, excellent mechanical properties, and improved biological functionality. These attributes were similar to those of the native meniscus. Collectively, the 3D cell-printing technology and me-dECM bioink facilitate the recapitulation of meniscus tissue specificity in the aspect of the shape and microenvironment for meniscus regeneration. Further, the developed constructs can potentially be applied in clinical practice.
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Malanga GA, Chirichella PS, Hogaboom NS, Capella T. Clinical evaluation of micro-fragmented adipose tissue as a treatment option for patients with meniscus tears with osteoarthritis: a prospective pilot study. INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPAEDICS 2020; 45:473-480. [PMID: 33026537 PMCID: PMC7843556 DOI: 10.1007/s00264-020-04835-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The management of knee pain secondary to meniscal tears with osteoarthritis is limited by the poor inherent healing potential of the meniscus. Previous studies have reported on the benefit of autologous micro-fragmented fat as a therapeutic for various knee pathologies. The goal of this prospective pilot study was to determine the safety and potential treatment effect of micro-fragmented adipose tissue injection for patients with knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis and meniscal tears who have failed conservative management. Methods Twenty subjects with knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis with associated meniscal tear after failed conservative management were enrolled in the study. Numeric Pain Scale (NPS) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS) following ultrasound-guided intra-meniscal and intra-articular micro-fragmented adipose tissue injections were examined at three, six and 12 months. Results The mean NPS revealed a significant decrease in patient pain at the 1-year time point compared with baseline (5.45 to 2.21, p < .001). Similarly, overall, mean KOOS symptoms significantly improved from 57.7 to 78.2 (p < .001), with all 4 KOOS subscales demonstrating significant improvement at the final one year follow-up. One subject developed uncomplicated cellulitis at the harvest site which was treated with oral antibiotics. Other complications were minor and mostly limited to adipose harvest. Conclusion This study demonstrated that micro-fragmented adipose tissue injected directly into a torn meniscus and knee joint using ultrasound guidance represents a safe and potentially efficacious treatment option for patients with knee pain suffering from degenerative arthritis and degenerative meniscal tears. A larger, randomized, controlled trial is warranted to determine efficacy. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.org Identifier: NCT03714659
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard A Malanga
- New Jersey Regenerative Institute LLC, 197 Ridgedale Ave Suite 210, Cedar Knolls, NJ, 07927, USA. .,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA.
| | - Paul S Chirichella
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Nathan S Hogaboom
- Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA.,New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Teresa Capella
- New Jersey Regenerative Institute LLC, 197 Ridgedale Ave Suite 210, Cedar Knolls, NJ, 07927, USA
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Carboni A, Amodeo G, Perugini M, Arangio P, Orsini R, Scopelliti D. Temporomandibular Disorders Clinical and Anatomical Outcomes After Fat-Derived Stem Cells Injection. J Craniofac Surg 2019; 30:793-797. [PMID: 30418285 DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000004884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common disorders that usually involve temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles, and other relevant structures. The symptoms may vary limiting the patients' quality of life. Many treatment options were proposed during the last years with the aim to treat the pathology. In this article, we analyze the effect of the injection of the fat-derived stem cell in the joint as a new treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Carboni
- Operation Smile Italy Foundation, Smile House, Rome.,Maxillo-Facial Surgery Department, "San Filippo Neri" Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Amodeo
- Operation Smile Italy Foundation, Smile House, Rome.,Maxillo-Facial Surgery Department, "San Filippo Neri" Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Perugini
- Maxillo-Facial Surgery Department, "Belcolle" Hospital, Strada Sammartinese, Viterbo
| | - Paolo Arangio
- Operation Smile Italy Foundation, Smile House, Rome.,Maxillo-Facial Surgery Department, "San Filippo Neri" Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Raniero Orsini
- Operation Smile Italy Foundation, Smile House, Rome.,Maxillo-Facial Surgery Department, "San Filippo Neri" Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Scopelliti
- Operation Smile Italy Foundation, Smile House, Rome.,Maxillo-Facial Surgery Department, "San Filippo Neri" Hospital, Rome, Italy
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6
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Torres-Torrillas M, Rubio M, Damia E, Cuervo B, Del Romero A, Peláez P, Chicharro D, Miguel L, Sopena JJ. Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Promising Tool in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20123105. [PMID: 31242644 PMCID: PMC6627452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20123105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is one of the most common medical complaints worldwide and musculoskeletal injuries have an enormous social and economical impact. Current pharmacological and surgical treatments aim to relief pain and restore function; however, unsatiscactory outcomes are commonly reported. In order to find an accurate treatment to such pathologies, over the last years, there has been a significantly increasing interest in cellular therapies, such as adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs). These cells represent a relatively new strategy in regenerative medicine, with many potential applications, especially regarding MSK disorders, and preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated their efficacy in muscle, tendon, bone and cartilage regeneration. Nevertheless, several worries about their safety and side effects at long-term remain unsolved. This article aims to review the current state of AMSCs therapy in the treatment of several MSK diseases and their clinical applications in veterinary and human medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Torres-Torrillas
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Monica Rubio
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain.
- García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Elena Damia
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Belen Cuervo
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Ayla Del Romero
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Pau Peláez
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Deborah Chicharro
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Laura Miguel
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Joaquin J Sopena
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain.
- García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain.
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The Importance of the Knee Joint Meniscal Fibrocartilages as Stabilizing Weight Bearing Structures Providing Global Protection to Human Knee-Joint Tissues. Cells 2019; 8:cells8040324. [PMID: 30959928 PMCID: PMC6523218 DOI: 10.3390/cells8040324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to review aspects of the pathobiology of the meniscus in health and disease and show how degeneration of the meniscus can contribute to deleterious changes in other knee joint components. The menisci, distinctive semilunar weight bearing fibrocartilages, provide knee joint stability, co-ordinating functional contributions from articular cartilage, ligaments/tendons, synovium, subchondral bone and infra-patellar fat pad during knee joint articulation. The meniscus contains metabolically active cell populations responsive to growth factors, chemokines and inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, resulting in the synthesis of matrix metalloproteases and A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease with ThromboSpondin type 1 repeats (ADAMTS)-4 and 5 which can degrade structural glycoproteins and proteoglycans leading to function-limiting changes in meniscal and other knee joint tissues. Such degradative changes are hall-marks of osteoarthritis (OA). No drugs are currently approved that change the natural course of OA and translate to long-term, clinically relevant benefits. For any pharmaceutical therapeutic intervention in OA to be effective, disease modifying drugs will have to be developed which actively modulate the many different cell types present in the knee to provide a global therapeutic. Many individual and combinatorial approaches are being developed to treat or replace degenerate menisci using 3D printing, bioscaffolds and hydrogel delivery systems for therapeutic drugs, growth factors and replacement progenitor cell populations recognising the central role the menisci play in knee joint health.
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Koch M, Hammer S, Fuellerer J, Lang S, Pfeifer CG, Pattappa G, Weber J, Loibl M, Nerlich M, Angele P, Zellner J. Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate for the Treatment of Avascular Meniscus Tears in a One-Step Procedure-Evaluation of an In Vivo Model. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051120. [PMID: 30841560 PMCID: PMC6429139 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Avascular meniscus tears show poor intrinsic regenerative potential. Thus, lesions within this area predispose the patient to developing knee osteoarthritis. Current research focuses on regenerative approaches using growth factors or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to enhance healing capacity within the avascular meniscus zone. The use of MSCs especially as progenitor cells and a source of growth factors has shown promising results. However, present studies use bone-marrow-derived BMSCs in a two-step procedure, which is limiting the transfer in clinical praxis. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate a one-step procedure using bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), containing BMSCs, for inducing the regeneration of avascular meniscus lesions. Longitudinal meniscus tears of 4 mm in size of the lateral New Zealand White rabbit meniscus were treated with clotted autologous PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or BMAC and a meniscus suture or a meniscus suture alone. Menisci were harvested at 6 and 12 weeks after initial surgery. Macroscopical and histological evaluation was performed according to an established Meniscus Scoring System. BMAC significantly enhanced regeneration of the meniscus lesions in a time-dependent manner and in comparison to the PRP and control groups, where no healing could be observed. Treatment of avascular meniscus lesions with BMAC and meniscus suturing seems to be a promising approach to promote meniscus regeneration in the avascular zone using a one-step procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Koch
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Selma Hammer
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Julian Fuellerer
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Siegmund Lang
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Christian G Pfeifer
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Girish Pattappa
- Laboratory of Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Johannes Weber
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Markus Loibl
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Michael Nerlich
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Peter Angele
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
- Sporthopaedicum Regensburg/Straubing, Hildegard-von-Bingen-Str. 1, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Johannes Zellner
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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9
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Treatment of Knee Meniscus Pathology: Rehabilitation, Surgery, and Orthobiologics. PM R 2019; 11:292-308. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2018.08.384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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10
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Jones IA, Togashi R, Wilson ML, Heckmann N, Vangsness CT. Intra-articular treatment options for knee osteoarthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2019; 15:77-90. [PMID: 30498258 PMCID: PMC6390843 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-018-0123-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Intra-articular drug delivery has a number of advantages over systemic administration; however, for the past 20 years, intra-articular treatment options for the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) have been limited to analgesics, glucocorticoids, hyaluronic acid (HA) and a small number of unproven alternative therapies. Although HA and glucocorticoids can provide clinically meaningful benefits to an appreciable number of patients, emerging evidence indicates that the apparent effectiveness of these treatments is largely a result of other factors, including the placebo effect. Biologic drugs that target inflammatory processes are used to manage rheumatoid arthritis, but have not translated well into use in OA. A lack of high-level evidence and methodological limitations hinder our understanding of so-called 'stem' cell therapies and, although the off-label administration of intra-articular cell therapies (such as platelet-rich plasma and bone marrow aspirate concentrate) is common, high-quality clinical data are needed before these treatments can be recommended. A number of promising intra-articular treatments are currently in clinical development in the United States, including small-molecule and biologic therapies, devices and gene therapies. Although the prospect of new, non-surgical treatments for OA is exciting, the benefits of new treatments must be carefully weighed against their costs and potential risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Jones
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Togashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Melissa L Wilson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nathanael Heckmann
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - C Thomas Vangsness
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Jones IA, Chen X, Evseenko D, Vangsness CT. Nomenclature Inconsistency and Selective Outcome Reporting Hinder Understanding of Stem Cell Therapy for the Knee. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2019; 101:186-195. [PMID: 30653050 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.17.01474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prospect of treating knee cartilage injury/pathology with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has garnered considerable attention in recent years, but study heterogeneity and a lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) preclude quantitative analysis. The purpose of this review was to provide clinicians with an overview of RCTs that addresses 2 key areas that have been largely overlooked: nomenclature inconsistency and selective outcome reporting. METHODS RCTs that purported to use stem cells or MSCs to treat knee cartilage were identified with use of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses). Study variables were compiled, and methodological quality was assessed. The cell treatments and the methods used to characterize them were recorded and compared. Clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic outcomes were extracted and evaluated qualitatively. RESULTS There was extensive variation among the treatments, adjuvant therapies, and outcome measures. Treatments did not coincide with terminology. Significant differences in clinical outcomes were reported infrequently, and intra-group improvements or inter-group subscore differences were consistently highlighted, particularly when inter-group comparisons were left unreported. CONCLUSIONS Overall, there are isolated cases in which positive efficacy results have been published, but our results suggest that the generally positive efficacy conclusions concerning stem cell therapy for knee cartilage pathology may be overstated. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that the efficacy of stem cell therapies should not be considered in aggregate. Cells that are procured or processed differently produce entirely different drugs. When evaluating the efficacy of "stem cell" therapies, clinicians must consider the methodological quality, nomenclature, and inherent distinctness of each treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Jones
- University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California
| | - Denis Evseenko
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California
| | - C Thomas Vangsness
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California
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Tissue Engineering of Large Full-Size Meniscus Defects by a Polyurethane Scaffold: Accelerated Regeneration by Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Stem Cells Int 2018; 2018:8207071. [PMID: 29853919 PMCID: PMC5964612 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8207071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The endogenous healing potential of avascular meniscal lesions is poor. Up to now, partial meniscectomy is still the treatment of choice for meniscal lesions within the avascular area. However, the large loss of meniscus substance predisposes the knee for osteoarthritic changes. Tissue engineering techniques for the replacement of such lesions could be a promising alternative treatment option. Thus, a polyurethane scaffold, which is already in clinical use, loaded with mesenchymal stromal cells, was analyzed for the repair of critical meniscus defects in the avascular zone. Large, approximately 7 mm broad meniscus lesions affecting both the avascular and vascular area of the lateral rabbit meniscus were treated with polyurethane scaffolds either loaded or unloaded with mesenchymal stromal cells. Menisci were harvested at 6 and 12 weeks after initial surgery. Both cell-free and cell-loaded approaches led to well-integrated and stable meniscus-like repair tissue. However, an accelerated healing was achieved by the application of mesenchymal stromal cells. Dense vascularization was detected throughout the repair tissue of both treatment groups. Overall, the polyurethane scaffold seems to promote the vessel ingrowth. The application of mesenchymal stromal cells has the potential to speed up the healing process.
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