Matrix-Associated Implantation of Predifferentiated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Versus Articular Chondrocytes

Abstract

The results suggest an encouraging method for future treatment of focal osteochondral defects without donor site morbidity by harvesting articular chondrocytes.

The Role of Environmental Factors in Regulating the Development of Cartilaginous Grafts Engineered Using Osteoarthritic Human Infrapatellar Fat Pad–Derived Stem Cells

“…Chondrogenic priming of MSCs to generate a more functional cartilage-like graft prior to implantation has been shown to improve the quality of repair in animal model 48,49 Translating such therapies to treat damaged and diseased articular cartilage in man will most likely necessitate the development of tissue engineering strategies to generate functional cartilaginous grafts using autologous stem cells. The objective of this study was to explore how environmental factors during both the expansion and differentiation of diseased human FPSCs would influence their chondrogenic capacity following encapsulation into three-dimensional hydrogels.…”

“…[45][46][47] Chondrogenic predifferentiation of MSCs within collagen gels, leading to improved functionality of the engineered graft prior to implantation, has been shown to improve the outcome in long-term sheep studies, 48 resulting in superior repair compared with undifferentiated MSCs or chondrocytes. 49 While promising, the quality of repair observed in these animal model studies using predifferentiated MSCs is still variable, 48,49 suggesting that engineering a more functional graft may be required prior to implantation. Further, it remains to be elucidated whether such predifferentiated cartilaginous grafts can be engineered using stem cells isolated from diseased human donors.…”

Temporal Activation of β-Catenin Signaling in the Chondrogenic Process of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Affects the Phenotype of the Cartilage Generated

“…Studies using predifferentiated MSCs for cartilage repair have resulted in faster and better cartilage regeneration compared with the use of undifferentiated MSCs, with phenotype stability maintained up to 1 year postimplantation [11,12]. These studies indicate that preconditioned MSCs can be employed to overcome the requirement of an extended regeneration period and to improve the quality of the neocartilage from the often inferior quality derived from undifferentiated MSCs [13,14].…”

Microsphere-Based Gradient Implants for Osteochondral Regeneration: a Long-Term Study in Sheep

“…Abrasion arthroplasty, subchondral drilling and microfracture strategies induce the formation of fibrocartilage, which helps to alleviate painful symptoms and to restore the function of affected joints; however, fibrocartilage has a limited life span and poor mechanical performance in comparison to articular cartilage [2,3]. While there is a greater chance of producing articular cartilage in the injured area by ACI, the technique has several disadvantages, which include the need for two surgical procedures, generation of a large quantity of chondrocytes based on the defect size and issues with graft fixation, delamination and periosteal hypertrophy [4]. Similarly, MACI is a technique that seeds patient-grown chondrocytes on a biomaterial for implantation into the patient; however, MACI is still limited by the need for two surgical procedures, cost and generation of chondrocytes based on defect parameters [4].…”

“…While there is a greater chance of producing articular cartilage in the injured area by ACI, the technique has several disadvantages, which include the need for two surgical procedures, generation of a large quantity of chondrocytes based on the defect size and issues with graft fixation, delamination and periosteal hypertrophy [4]. Similarly, MACI is a technique that seeds patient-grown chondrocytes on a biomaterial for implantation into the patient; however, MACI is still limited by the need for two surgical procedures, cost and generation of chondrocytes based on defect parameters [4].…”