Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2016 | Research Article
Stem cells in articular cartilage regeneration
Authors:
Giuseppe Filardo, Francesco Perdisa, Alice Roffi, Maurilio Marcacci, Elizaveta Kon
Published in:
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
|
Issue 1/2016
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Abstract
Background
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising option to treat articular chondral defects and early OA stages. However, their potential and limitations for clinical use remain controversial. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to examine MSCs treatment strategies in order to summarize the current clinical evidence for the treatment of cartilage lesions and OA.
Methods
A systematic review of the literature was performed on the PubMed database using the following string: “cartilage treatment” AND “mesenchymal stem cells”. The filters included publications on the clinical use of MSCs for cartilage defects and OA in English language up to 2015.
Results
Our search identified 1639 papers: 60 were included in the analysis, with an increasing number of studies published on this topic over time. Seven were randomized, 13 comparative, 31 case series, and 9 case reports; 26 studies reported the results after injective administration, whereas 33 used surgical implantation. One study compared the 2 different modalities. With regard to the cell source, 20 studies concerned BMSCs, 17 ADSCs, 16 BMC, 5 PBSCs, 1 SDSCs, and 1 compared BMC vs PBSCs.
Conclusions
The available studies allow to draw some indications. First, no major adverse events related to the treatment or to the cell harvest have been reported. Second, a clinical benefit of using MSCs therapies has been reported in most of the studies, regardless of cell-source, indication or administration method. Third, young age, lower BMI, smaller lesion size for focal lesions and earlier stages of OA joints, have been shown to correlate with better outcomes, even though the available data strength doesn’t allow to define clear cutoff values.