Abstract
Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a potential therapy for meniscus regeneration. However, when using single cell suspension injection, there is frequently a significant loss of cells, with only a small percentage of cells remaining at the target site. This issue may be solved with the use of MSC sheets. In the present study, we investigated whether the use of MSC sheets were able to regenerate the meniscus effectively in a rat meniscectomized model. The anterior half of the medial meniscus in 10 rats was excised and an MSC sheet was transplanted in the MSC sheet treatment group, while untreated rats served as the control. After 4 and 8 weeks, the knee joints were examined by gross and histological observation. Histological observation revealed that the anterior portion of meniscus was similar to the native tissue, showing typical fibrochondrocytes surrounded by richer extracellular matrix in the MSC sheet group. In addition, predominant collagen-rich matrix bridging the interface was observed and the neo-meniscus integrated well with its host meniscus. Furthermore, degenerative changes of tibial plateau and femoral condyle occurred in the two groups. MSC sheet transplantation alleviated the degenerative changes efficiently. In conclusion, transplantation of MSC sheets may efficiently promote meniscus regeneration, as well as inhibit the progression of osteoarthritis in knee joints.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
