The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cartilage regeneration in knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) represents an enormous societal burden. Yet no approved procedure prevents the progressive destruction of the articular cartilage. AIM: This review aims to update the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cartilage regeneration in knee OA. METHODS: A PubMed (MEDLINE) search related to MSCs and knee OA were analyzed. Articles related to the use of MSCs in knee OA were searched using the following key words: knee OA stem cells and stifle joint stem cells. A total of 210 reports were found but only 19 very selected and reviewed. The main criterion for selection was that the articles were focused in the aforementioned question. RESULTS: Local delivery (intraarticular injection) of autologous MSCs has produced promising outcomes in 16 experimental models of knee OA. However, only 3 low-quality clinical studies have been reported so far on the role of MSCs injections in knee OA. Study design weakness prevented effective comparison of the efficacy of MSC injections with that of other treatments for relief of pain and other outcomes in human knee OA. The consistency of evidence of the clinical studies was low because of many uncontrolled variables. CONCLUSIONS: Animal experiments suggest that intraarticular injections of autologous MSCs can have the potential to promote cartilage regeneration in knee OA. Taking into account the low quality of the data reported in clinical studies, my conclusion is that intraarticular injections of autologous MSCs in knee OA is a treatment that is still experimental.