Improvement of the Chondrocyte-Specific Phenotype upon Equine Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation: Influence of Culture Time, Transforming Growth Factors and Type I Collagen siRNAs on the Differentiation Index

Banked Primary Progenitor Cells for Allogeneic Intervertebral Disc (IVD) Therapy: Preclinical Qualification and Functional Optimization within a Cell Spheroid Formulation Process

Background/Objectives: Biological products are emerging as therapeutic management options for intervertebral disc (IVD) degenerative affections and lower back pain. Autologous and allogeneic cell therapy protocols have been clinically implemented for IVD repair. Therein, several manufacturing process design considerations were shown to significantly influence clinical outcomes. The primary objective of this study was to preclinically qualify (chondrogenic potential, safety, resistance to hypoxic and inflammatory stimuli) cryopreserved primary progenitor cells (clinical grade FE002-Disc cells) as a potential cell source in IVD repair/regeneration. The secondary objective of this study was to assess the cell source's delivery potential as cell spheroids (optimization of culture conditions, potential storage solutions). Methods/Results: Safety (soft agar transformation, β-galactosidase, telomerase activity) and functionality-related assays (hypoxic and inflammatory challenge) confirmed that the investigated cellular active substance was highly sustainable in defined cell banking workflows, despite possessing a finite in vitro lifespan. Functionality-related assays confirmed that the retained manufacturing process yielded strong collagen II and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis in the spheroids in 3-week chondrogenic induction. Then, the impacts of various process parameters (induction medium composition, hypoxic incubation, terminal spheroid lyophilization) were studied to gain insights on their criticality. Finally, an optimal set of technical specifications (use of 10 nM dexamethasone for chondrogenic induction, 2% O2 incubation of spheroids) was set forth, based on specific fine tuning of finished product critical functional attributes. Conclusions: Generally, this study qualified the considered FE002-Disc progenitor cell source for further preclinical investigation based on safety, quality, and functionality datasets. The novelty and significance of this study resided in the establishment of defined processes for preparing fresh, off-the-freezer, or off-the-shelf IVD spheroids using a preclinically qualified allogeneic human cell source. Overall, this study underscored the importance of using robust product components and optimal manufacturing process variants for maximization of finished cell-based formulation quality attributes.

Subperiosteal delivery of transforming growth factor beta 1 and human growth hormone from mineralized PCL films

The ability to locally deliver bioactive molecules to distinct regions of the skeleton may provide a novel means by which to improve fracture healing, treat neoplasms or infections, or modulate growth. In this study, we constructed single-sided mineral-coated poly-ε-caprolactone membranes capable of binding and releasing transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and human growth hormone (hGH). After demonstrating biological activity in vitro and characterization of their release, these thin bioabsorbable membranes were surgically implanted using an immature rabbit model. Membranes were circumferentially wrapped under the periosteum, thus placed in direct contact with the proximal metaphysis to assess its bioactivity in vivo. The direct effects on the metaphyseal bone, bone marrow, and overlying periosteum were assessed using radiography and histology. Effects of membrane placement at the tibial growth plate were assessed via physeal heights, tibial growth rates (pulsed fluorochrome labeling), and tibial lengths. Subperiosteal placement of the mineralized membranes induced greater local chondrogenesis in the plain mineral and TGF-β1 samples than the hGH. More exuberant and circumferential ossification was seen in the TGF-β1 treated tibiae. The TGF-β1 membranes also induced hypocellularity of the bone marrow with characteristics of gelatinous degeneration not seen in the other groups. While the proximal tibial growth plates were taller in the hGH treated than TGF-β1, no differences in growth rates or overall tibial lengths were found. In conclusion, these data demonstrate the feasibility of using bioabsorbable mineral coated membranes to deliver biologically active compounds subperiosteally in a sustained fashion to affect cells at the insertion site, bone marrow, and even growth plate.

Modulation of Canine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Medicinal Signalling Cells with Ascorbic Acid: Effect on Proliferation and Chondrogenic Differentiation on Standard Plastic and Silk Fibroin Surfaces

Ascorbic acid (AA) plays a crucial role in both the proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem/medicinal signalling cells (MSCs); these are both key aspects of their general therapeutic use and their increasing use in veterinary medicine. Current immunomodulatory therapies require efficient expansion of MSCs in the laboratory, while emerging tissue regeneration strategies, such as cartilage or bone repair, aim to use differentiated MSCs and modulate the expression of chondrogenic and hypertrophic markers. Our aim was to investigate whether the addition of AA to the growth medium enhances the proliferation of canine adipose-derived MSCs (cAMSCs) grown on standard plastic surfaces and whether it affects chondrogenic differentiation potential on silk fibroin (SF) films. We assessed cell viability with trypan blue and proliferation potential by calculating population doubling. Chondrogenic induction on SF films was assessed by Alcian blue staining and gene expression analysis of chondrogenic and hypertrophic genes. The results showed that growth medium with AA significantly enhanced the proliferation of cAMSCs without affecting cell viability and modulated the expression of chondrogenic and hypertrophic genes of cAMSCs grown on SF films. Our results suggest that AA may be used in growth medium for expansion of cAMSCs and, at the same time, provide the basis for future studies to investigate the role of AA and SF in chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs.

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviate Rat Knee Osteoarthritis via Activating Wnt/ β-catenin Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease characterized by joint cartilage degeneration, destruction, and osteogenic hyperplasia. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) have attracted increasing research interest due to their high clonogenic, proliferative, and migratory potential, as well as their improved secretion of relevant chondrogenic factors. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanism of hUC-MSCs in alleviating pathological symptoms of OA.

METHODS

For the in vivo study, OA rats were established by the Hulth method to observe the therapeutic effect of intra-articular injection of hUC-MSCs. X-ray tests, gross observations, and histological and immunohistochemical assessments were conducted in rats. Levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase-1 in rats' synovial fluid were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. For the in vitro study, hUC-MSCs and chondrocytes were cultured to explore the effect and underlying mechanisms of hUC-MSCs on OA. Apoptosis, proliferation, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) were measured in the chondrocytes. The relative expression of aggrecan, COL-2, and SOX-9 mRNA was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Expressions of Wnt/β-catenin signaling molecules were measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

We found that intra-articular injection of hUC-MSCs reduced the combined score, increased the expression of collagen II, and decreased the expression of MMP-13, IL-1β, and IL-6 in rat knee joints. Additionally, hUC-MSCs increased the content of GAGs, inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis, and promoted chondrocyte proliferation. The expression of aggrecan, COL-2, and SOX-9 mRNA in chondrocytes was promoted by hUC-MSCs via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this study demonstrated that hUC-MSCs induce the secretion of some cytokines via the paracrine function to activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to reduce the pathological condition of OA and maintain the proper expression of cytokines and extracellular matrix proteins.

Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Priming and Purification Method Modulate the Impact of Exosomes Derived from Equine Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells on Equine Articular Chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread osteoarticular pathology characterized by progressive hyaline cartilage degradation, exposing horses to impaired well-being, premature career termination, alongside substantial financial losses for horse owners. Among the new therapeutic strategies for OA, using mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived exosomes (MSC-exos) appears to be a promising option for conveying MSC therapeutic potential, yet avoiding the limitations inherent to cell therapy. Here, we first purified and characterized exosomes from MSCs by membrane affinity capture (MAC) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). We showed that intact MSC-exos are indeed internalized by equine articular chondrocytes (eACs), and then evaluated their functionality on cartilaginous organoids. Compared to SEC, mRNA and protein expression profiles revealed that MAC-exos induced a greater improvement of eAC-neosynthesized hyaline-like matrix by modulating collagen levels, increasing PCNA, and decreasing Htra1 synthesis. However, because the MAC elution buffer induced unexpected effects on eACs, an ultrafiltration step was included to the isolation protocol. Finally, exosomes from MSCs primed with equine pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, or IFN-γ) further improved the eAC hyaline-like phenotype, particularly IL-1β and TNF-α. Altogether, these findings indicate the importance of the exosome purification method and further demonstrate the potential of pro-inflammatory priming in the enhancement of the therapeutic value of MSC-exos for equine OA treatment.

Effect of pro-inflammatory cytokine priming and storage temperature of the mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) secretome on equine articular chondrocytes

Context: Osteoarthritis (OA) is an invalidating articular disease characterized by cartilage degradation and inflammatory events. In horses, OA is associated with up to 60% of lameness and leads to reduced animal welfare along with extensive economic losses; currently, there are no curative therapies to treat OA. The mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) secretome exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, making it an attractive candidate for improving the management of OA. In this study, we determined the best storage conditions for conditioned media (CMs) and tested whether priming MSCs with cytokines can enhance the properties of the MSC secretome. Methods: First, properties of CMs collected from bone-marrow MSC cultures and stored at -80°C, -20°C, 4°C, 20°C or 37°C were assessed on 3D cultures of equine articular chondrocytes (eACs). Second, we primed MSCs with IL-1β, TNF-α or IFN-γ, and evaluated the MSC transcript levels of immunomodulatory effectors and growth factors. The primed CMs were also harvested for subsequent treatment of eACs, either cultured in monolayers or as 3D cell cultures. Finally, we evaluated the effect of CMs on the proliferation and the phenotype of eACs and the quality of the extracellular matrix of the neosynthesized cartilage. Results: CM storage at -80°C, -20°C, and 4°C improved collagen protein accumulation, cell proliferation and the downregulation of inflammation. The three cytokines chosen for the MSC priming influenced MSC immunomodulator gene expression, although each cytokine led to a different pattern of MSC immunomodulation. The cytokine-primed CM had no major effect on eAC proliferation, with IL-1β and TNF-α slightly increasing collagen (types IIB and I) accumulation in eAC 3D cultures (particularly with the CM derived from MSCs primed with IL-1β), and IFN-γ leading to a marked decrease. IL-1β-primed CMs resulted in increased eAC transcript levels of MMP1, MMP13 and HTRA1, whereas IFNγ-primed CMs decreased the levels of HTRA1 and MMP13. Conclusion: Although the three cytokines differentially affected the expression of immunomodulatory molecules, primed CMs induced a distinct effect on eACs according to the cytokine used for MSC priming. Different mechanisms seemed to be triggered by each priming cytokine, highlighting the need for further investigation. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates the potential of MSC-CMs for improving equine OA management.

The Role of Tocotrienol in Arthritis Management—A Scoping Review of Literature

Arthritis is a cluster of diseases impacting joint health and causing immobility and morbidity in the elderly. Among the various forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the most common. Currently, satisfying disease-modifying agents for arthritis are not available. Given the pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress components in the pathogenesis of arthritis, tocotrienol, a family of vitamin E with both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, could be joint-protective agents. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the effects of tocotrienol on arthritis derived from the existing scientific literature. A literature search using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. Only cell culture, animal and clinical studies with primary data that align with the objective of this review were considered. The literature search uncovered eight studies investigating the effects of tocotrienol on OA (n = 4) and RA (n = 4). Most of the studies were preclinical and revealed the positive effects of tocotrienol in preserving joint structure (cartilage and bone) in models of arthritis. In particular, tocotrienol activates the self-repair mechanism of chondrocytes exposed to assaults and attenuates osteoclastogenesis associated with RA. Tocotrienol also demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory effects in RA models. The single clinical trial available in the literature showcases that palm tocotrienol could improve joint function among patients with OA. In conclusion, tocotrienol could be a potential anti-arthritic agent pending more results from clinical studies.

Equine osteoarthritis: Strategies to enhance mesenchymal stromal cell-based acellular therapies

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that eventually leads to the complete degradation of articular cartilage. Articular cartilage has limited intrinsic capacity for self-repair and, to date, there is no curative treatment for OA. Humans and horses have a similar articular cartilage and OA etiology. Thus, in the context of a One Health approach, progress in the treatment of equine OA can help improve horse health and can also constitute preclinical studies for human medicine. Furthermore, equine OA affects horse welfare and leads to significant financial losses in the equine industry. In the last few years, the immunomodulatory and cartilage regenerative potentials of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated, but have also raised several concerns. However, most of MSC therapeutic properties are contained in their secretome, particularly in their extracellular vesicles (EVs), a promising avenue for acellular therapy. From tissue origin to in vitro culture methods, various aspects must be taken into consideration to optimize MSC secretome potential for OA treatment. Immunomodulatory and regenerative properties of MSCs can also be enhanced by recreating a pro-inflammatory environment to mimic an in vivo pathological setting, but more unusual methods also deserve to be investigated. Altogether, these strategies hold substantial potential for the development of MSC secretome-based therapies suitable for OA management. The aim of this mini review is to survey the most recent advances on MSC secretome research with regard to equine OA.

Bone Marrow MSC Secretome Increases Equine Articular Chondrocyte Collagen Accumulation and Their Migratory Capacities

Equine osteoarthritis (OA) leads to cartilage degradation with impaired animal well-being, premature cessation of sport activity, and financial losses. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies are promising for cartilage repair, but face limitations inherent to the cell itself. Soluble mediators and extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by MSCs are the alternatives to overcome those limitations while preserving MSC restorative properties. The effect of equine bone marrow MSC secretome on equine articular chondrocytes (eACs) was analyzed with indirect co-culture and/or MSC-conditioned media (CM). The expression of healthy cartilage/OA and proliferation markers was evaluated in eACs (monolayers or organoids). In vitro repair experiments with MSC-CM were made to evaluate the proliferation and migration of eACs. The presence of nanosized EVs in MSC-CM was appraised with nanoparticle tracking assay and transmission electron microscopy. Our results demonstrated that the MSC secretome influences eAC phenotype by increasing cartilage functionality markers and cell migration in a greater way than MSCs, which could delay OA final outcomes. This study makes acellular therapy an appealing strategy to improve equine OA treatments. However, the MSC secretome contains a wide variety of soluble mediators and small EVs, such as exosomes, and further investigation must be performed to understand the mechanisms occurring behind these promising effects.

Marine Collagen Hydrolysates Downregulate the Synthesis of Pro-Catabolic and Pro-Inflammatory Markers of Osteoarthritis and Favor Collagen Production and Metabolic Activity in Equine Articular Chondrocyte Organoids

Articular cartilage experiences mechanical constraints leading to chondral defects that inevitably evolve into osteoarthritis (OA), because cartilage has poor intrinsic repair capacity. Although OA is an incurable degenerative disease, several dietary supplements may help improve OA outcomes. In this study, we investigated the effects of Dielen^® hydrolyzed fish collagens from skin (Promerim^®30 and Promerim^®60) and cartilage (Promerim^®40) to analyze the phenotype and metabolism of equine articular chondrocytes (eACs) cultured as organoids. Here, our findings demonstrated the absence of cytotoxicity and the beneficial effect of Promerim^® hydrolysates on eAC metabolic activity under physioxia; further, Promerim^®30 also delayed eAC senescence. To assess the effect of Promerim^® in a cartilage-like tissue, eACs were cultured as organoids under hypoxia with or without BMP-2 and/or IL-1β. In some instances, alone or in the presence of IL-1β, Promerim^®30 and Promerim^®40 increased protein synthesis of collagen types I and II, while decreasing transcript levels of proteases involved in OA pathogenesis, namely Htra1, and the metalloproteinases Mmp1-3, Adamts5, and Cox2. Both Promerim^® hydrolysates also decreased Htra1 protein amounts, particularly in inflammatory conditions. The effect of Promerim^® was enhanced under inflammatory conditions, possibly due to a decrease in the synthesis of inflammation-associated molecules. Finally, Promerim^® favored in vitro repair in a scratch wound assay through an increase in cell proliferation or migration. Altogether, these data show that Promerim^®30 and 40 hold promise as dietary supplements to relieve OA symptoms in patients and to delay OA progression.

Distinctive Cellular Transcriptomic Signature and MicroRNA Cargo of Extracellular Vesicles of Horse Adipose and Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem Cells from the Same Donors

Equine endometrial and adipose mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs and aMSCs, respectively) were isolated from the same donors of thoroughbred mares. The cells displayed characteristic features of MSCs, including trilineage mesodermal and also neurogenic differentiation. We evaluated the influence of cellular origin on their transcriptome profile. Cellular RNA was isolated and sequenced and extracellular vesicles (EVs) were obtained from conditioned medium of cells cultured in medium depleted of EVs, and their microRNA (miRNA) cargo analyzed by sequencing. Differential expression of mRNAs and EV-miRNA was analyzed, as well as pathways and processes most represented in each cell origin. mRNA reads from all expressed genes clustered according to the cellular origin. A total of 125 up- and 51 downregulated genes were identified and 31 differentially expressed miRNAs. Based on mRNA sequencing, endometrial MSCs strongly upregulated genes involved in the Hippo, transforming growth factor beta, and pluripotency signaling pathways. Alongside with this, pathways involved in extracellular matrix reorganization were the most represented in the miRNA cargo of EVs secreted by eMSCs. The niche from which MSCs originated defined the transcriptomic signature of the cells, including the secretion of lineage-specific loaded EV to ensure proper communication and homeostasis. Identification and testing their biological functions can provide new tools for the therapeutic use of horse MSC.

Therapeutic Potential of Dental Pulp Stem Cells and Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative and inflammatory joint disorder with cartilage loss. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can undergo chondrogenic differentiation and secrete growth factors associated with tissue repair and immunomodulation. Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) emerges in regenerative medicine because of its growth factor content and fibrin matrix. This study evaluates the therapeutic application of DPSCs and L-PRF in OA via immunomodulation and cartilage regeneration. Chondrogenic differentiation of DPSCs, with or without L-PRF exudate (ex) and conditioned medium (CM), and of bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells was compared. These cells showed differential chondrogenesis. L-PRF was unable to increase cartilage-associated components. Immature murine articular chondrocytes (iMACs) were cultured with L-PRF ex, L-PRF CM, or DPSC CM. L-PRF CM had pro-survival and proliferative effects on unstimulated and cytokine-stimulated iMACs. L-PRF CM stimulated the release of IL-6 and PGE2, and increased MMP-13, TIMP-1 and IL-6 mRNA levels in cytokine-stimulated iMACs. DPSC CM increased the survival and proliferation of unstimulated iMACs. In cytokine-stimulated iMACs, DPSC CM increased TIMP-1 gene expression, whereas it inhibited nitrite release in 3D culture. We showed promising effects of DPSCs in an in vitro OA model, as they undergo chondrogenesis in vitro, stimulate the survival of chondrocytes and have immunomodulatory effects.

Comparison of the Chondrogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Bone Marrow and Umbilical Cord Blood Intended for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Osteoarthritis (OA) remains incurable in humans or horses and mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) represent an attractive solution for producing a neocartilage substitute. However, the best MSC source still needs to be identified. This study compared the chondrogenic potential of equine MSCs derived from bone marrow (BM) and umbilical cord blood (UCB), at their undifferentiated status to check if one cell source is better proned, and after chondrogenic-induced differentiation. Chondrogenesis was induced by culture in collagen scaffold with BMP-2 + TGF-ß1 in hypoxia or normoxia. MSCs chondrogenic potential was evaluated using the mRNA and corresponding protein levels for osteogenic, hypertrophic and chondrogenic markers. MSCs characterization demonstrated that BM- and UCB-MSCs differ in proliferation and tripotencies. At undifferentiated status, they also showed differences in their expression of osteogenic, chondrogenic and hypertrophic markers. Upon chondrogenesis induction, both MSCs sources exhibited increased chondrogenic expression and produce an extracellular matrix (ECM) of better quality in hypoxia, although collagen I remained expressed. UCB-MSCs produced higher amounts of collagen II, particularly its IIB isoform, than BM-MSCs, but also collagen I and Htra1, regardless of the oxygen condition. Finally, immunohistochemistry revealed that the BM-MSCs synthesized an ECM of higher quality, regarding the more homogenous distribution of type IIB collagen, compared to UCB-MSCs. Considering collagen I as the major undesirable component in the neo-synthesis of in vitro cartilage, we recommend using BM-MSCs for horse cartilage engineering.

Autologous Platelet Lysate Does Not Enhance Chondrogenic Differentiation of Equine Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Despite Increased TGF-β1 Concentration

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) are being investigated for their potential in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, including tendon and ligament lesions, and cartilage lesions. Culture expansion of cells has traditionally been performed in medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS), however, concerns regarding the antigenicity and potential viral or prion contamination of FBS have prompted interest in alternative medium supplements. Platelet lysate (PL) contains elevated concentrations of growth factors, including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), platelet-derived growth factors, and fibroblast growth factor, released from the α-granules of platelets; therefore, PL could be an ideal medium supplement. The effect of PL on mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) growth and differentiation has not been fully elucidated. We hypothesized that PL medium would contain significantly higher amounts of TGF-β1 than FBS medium and would be associated with enhanced osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. MSCs were isolated from bone marrow collected from five adult horses. Cells were cultured in traditional medium supplemented with FBS or in medium supplemented with fibrinogen depleted-PL (FD-PL). Immunophenotyping was performed using flow cytometry. Trilineage differentiation was assessed through histology and gene expression analysis using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. TGF-β1 was quantified in both medium types. The immunophenotypes of BM-MSCs cultured in FBS and FD-PL medium were similar with both culture types containing cells positive for stromal cell markers [cluster of differentiation 29 (CD29), CD44, CD90, CD105, and major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI)] and negative for exclusion markers (CD45, CD79α, and MHCII). Despite significantly higher TGF-β1 concentration in FD-PL medium, chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation were not significantly different between FBS and FD-PL supplemented cultures. PL is an appropriate alternative medium supplement for the culture of equine BM-MSCs up to passage 3. However, despite increased TGF-β1 concentration in FD-PL medium, significant changes in chondrogenic differentiation compared with FBS medium should not be expected.

The effect of hypoxia on chondrogenesis of equine synovial membrane-derived and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND

Joint injury is extremely common in equine athletes and post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), a progressive and debilitating disease, is estimated to affect 60% of horses in the USA. The limited potential for intrinsic healing of articular cartilage has prompted intense efforts to identify a cell-based repair strategy to prevent progression of PTOA. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to become an ideal source for cell-based treatment of cartilage lesions; however, full chondrogenic differentiation remains elusive. Due to the relatively low oxygen tension in articular cartilage, hypoxia has been proposed as a method of increasing MSC chondrogenesis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of hypoxic culture conditions on chondrogenesis in equine synovial membrane-derived MSCs (SM-MSCs) and bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). MSCs were isolated from synovial membrane and bone marrow collected from 5 horses. Flow cytometric analysis was used to assess cell surface marker expression including CD29, CD44, CD90, CD105, CD45, CD-79α, MHCI and MHCII. MSC pellets were cultured in normoxic (21% O₂) or in hypoxic (5% O₂) culture conditions for 28 days. Following the culture period, chondrogenesis was assessed by histology, biochemical analyses and gene expression of chondrogenic-related genes including ACAN, COL2b, SOX9, and COL10A1.

RESULTS

Both cell types expressed markers consistent with stemness including CD29, CD44, CD90, CD105, and MHCI and were negative for exclusion markers (CD45, CD79α, and MHCII). Although the majority of outcome variables of chondrogenic differentiation were not significantly different between cell types or culture conditions, COL10A1 expression, a marker of chondrocyte hypertrophy, was lowest in hypoxic SM-MSCs and was significantly lower in hypoxic SM-MSCs compared to hypoxic BM-MSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoxic culture conditions do not appear to increase chondrogenesis of equine SM-MSCs or BM-MSCs; however, hypoxia may downregulate the hypertrophic marker COL10A1 in SM-MSCs.

Intra-Articular Injection of 2 Different Dosages of Autologous and Allogeneic Bone Marrow- and Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Triggers a Variable Inflammatory Response of the Fetlock Joint on 12 Sound Experimental Horses

Osteoarthritis is a significant and costly cause of pain for both humans and horses. The horse has been identified as a suitable model for human osteoarthritis. Regenerative therapy with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising treatment, but the safety of this procedure continues to be debated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of intra-articular injections of allogeneic MSCs on healthy joints by comparing two different dosages and two different tissue sources, namely, bone marrow and umbilical cord blood, with a placebo treatment on the same individuals. We also assessed the influence of autologous versus allogeneic cells for bone marrow-derived MSC treatment. Twelve clinically sound horses were subjected to injections in their 4 fetlock joints. Each of the three fetlocks was administered a different MSC type, and the remaining fetlock was injected with phosphate-buffered saline as a control. Six horses received 10 million cells per joint, and the 6 other horses received 20 million cells per joint. Clinical and ultrasound monitoring revealed that allogeneic bone marrow-derived MSCs induced significantly more synovial effusion compared to umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs but no significant difference was noted within the synovial fluid parameters. The administration of 10 million cells in horses triggered significantly more inflammatory signs than the administration of 20 million cells. Mesenchymal stem cell injections induced mild to moderate local inflammatory signs compared to the placebo, with individual variability in the sensitivity to the same line of MSCs. Understanding the behavior of stem cells when injected alone is a step towards the safer use of new strategies in stem cell therapy, where the use of either MSC secretome or MSCs combined with biomaterials could enhance their viability and metabolic activity.

Chondrogenic Differentiation of Defined Equine Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Umbilical Cord Blood for Use in Cartilage Repair Therapy

Cartilage engineering is a new strategy for the treatment of cartilage damage due to osteoarthritis or trauma in humans. Racehorses are exposed to the same type of cartilage damage and the anatomical, cellular, and biochemical properties of their cartilage are comparable to those of human cartilage, making the horse an excellent model for the development of cartilage engineering. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiated into chondrocytes with chondrogenic factors in a biomaterial appears to be a promising therapeutic approach for direct implantation and cartilage repair. Here, we characterized equine umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (eUCB-MSCs) and evaluated their potential for chondrocyte differentiation for use in cartilage repair therapy. Our results show that isolated eUCB-MSCs had high proliferative capacity and differentiated easily into osteoblasts and chondrocytes, but not into adipocytes. A three-dimensional (3D) culture approach with the chondrogenic factors BMP-2 and TGF-β1 potentiated chondrogenic differentiation with a significant increase in cartilage-specific markers at the mRNA level (Col2a1, Acan, Snorc) and the protein level (type II and IIB collagen) without an increase in hypertrophic chondrocyte markers (Col10a1 and Mmp13) in normoxia and in hypoxia. However, these chondrogenic factors caused an increase in type I collagen, which can be reduced using small interfering RNA targeting Col1a2. This study provides robust data on MSCs characterization and demonstrates that eUCB-MSCs have a great potential for cartilage tissue engineering.