Local implantation of autologous adipose-derived stem cells increases femoral strength and bone density in osteoporotic rats: A randomized controlled animal study

Abstract

Background: Deficient osteogenic capacity of bone marrow stem cells plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as a promising source of skeletal progenitor cells. The capacity of ADSCs to undergo osteogenic differentiation and induce mineralized tissue formation may be beneficial in the treatment of osteoporosis. We question whether administration of autologous ADSCs into the proximal femur of osteoporotic rats will induce osteogenesis and enhance bone quality and strength. Materials and Methods: Thirty ovariectomized female rats were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups: (1) percutanous implantation of autogenous ADSCs-seeded scaffold into the proximal femur and (2) percutanous implantation of non-seeded scaffold. The contralateral untreated femur served as control. The effect of treatment on bone characteristics was assessed at 12-week follow-up by micro-computed tomography analysis, mechanical testing, and histological analysis. Results: The mean cortical thickness, total bone volume density, and bone load to failure in femora injected with autologous ADSCs-seeded scaffold was significantly higher compared to femora injected with non-seeded scaffold and compared to the untreated control femora (p < 0.01). Histological examination of the injected specimens revealed complete osseo-integration of the scaffolds with direct conversion of the ADSCs into osteoblasts and no inflammatory response. Conclusions: Autogenous ADSCs implantation into the proximal femur of rats with ovariectomy-related osteoporosis promoted bone regeneration and increased bone strength at short-term follow-up. These findings highlight the potential benefit of autogenous ADSCs in the treatment of osteoporosis. Level of Evidence: Level I, randomized controlled trial, animal study.

Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Promising Tool in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Diseases

“…In addition, a single intratibial injection of AMSCs significantly improved trabecular bone quality after 6 weeks in comparison to untreated contralateral bones [117]. Similar results were obtained by Uri et al in a study in which AMSCs- seeded scaffolds were implanted into the proximal femur of osteoporotic rats [114]. Results showed that the mean cortical thickness, bone volume density, and bone load to failure in AMSCs injected femora were higher compared to control group.…”

“…Age-related skeletal changes, such as osteoporosis, are closely related to imbalanced bone remodeling characterized by elevated osteocyte apoptosis and osteoclast activation [114]. Recently, a study has demonstrated for the first time that AMSCs exosomes inhibits induced osteocyte apoptosis and osteocyte-mediated osteoclastogenesis [115].…”

“…Results showed that the mean cortical thickness, bone volume density, and bone load to failure in AMSCs injected femora were higher compared to control group. Furthermore, completed osseo-integration of the scaffolds and no inflammatory response were reported [114]. Future clinical studies are still needed to validate that human AMSCs have the ability to regenerate lost bone mass in osteoporotic patients.…”

Advances in mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for the treatment of osteoporosis

“…In the cell therapy of osteoporosis, ASCs have been reported as effective autologous cells. The mechanism of improving OVX‐induced osteoporosis is similar to that of BMMSCs, which is mainly reflected in three aspects: (a) Significant increases in cortical thickness, bone volume density and bone load 63 , (b) improved trabecular microstructure 64 , and (c) increased serum calcium and OCN levels 65 . Ye et al 66 revealed that osteogenic‐induced ASCs promoted osteogenesis and inhibited adipogenesis of osteoporotic BMMSCs by activating BMP‐2 signalling pathway, which explained above as an important pathway in osteogenic differentiation.…”

Clinical Therapeutic Usage of Bichat Ball in Dentistry-A Review

“…The Bichat ball has a large number of mesenchymal stem cells with great differentiation potential, in this way it is seen as a promising source of progenitor cells. A recent study [11] conducted experiments in animals with the aim of inducing the formation of mineralized tissue for the treatment of osteoporosis from cells derived from adipose tissue and the result was promising. In the case of an evolution of the studies in this sense, the use of the ball of Bichat, mainly for functional purposes, would gain even more relevance.…”