Attenuating Cartilage Degeneration in a Low Mechanical Compression Rat Model Through Intra-Articular Injections of Allogeneic Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract

Objective Mechanical stimulation significantly contributes to posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), a condition that impedes patient recovery following intra-articular injury. Effective treatment options for compression-induced injuries are limited. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) implantation has emerged as a potential therapeutic breakthrough for joint diseases. The aim of this study was to attenuate the progression of PTOA induced by cyclic loading and demonstrate the potential effectiveness of BMSCs in a rat model of low mechanical compression. Design Using a rat model of compression-induced articular cartilage injury, assessments were conducted 2, 4, and 8 weeks after cyclic compressive loading. The expression of matrix metallopeptidase 13, transforming growth factor-beta 3 (TGF-β3), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and cleaved caspase-3 was evaluated through immunohistochemistry to investigate the mechanistic aspects underlying the prevention of compression-induced injury following BMSCs treatment. Results Intra-articular injections of BMSCs significantly improved scores in the OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) Osteoarthritis Cartilage Histopathology Assessment System and Histological-Histochemical Grading System. This treatment showed positive outcomes in maintaining high relative cell density and reducing proteoglycan loss after cyclic compression-induced injury. The expression patterns of IGF-1 and TGF-β3 provide valuable insights into the presence and distribution of these growth factors in healthy and injured cartilage. Conclusions These findings highlight the efficacy of BMSCs treatment in attenuating the advancement of compression-induced injuries, albeit within a limited timeframe.