Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
11:22
Treatment of Osteochondral Defects in the Rabbit's Knee Joint by Implantation of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Fibrin Clots
Published on: May 21, 2013
Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy for cartilage repair: a review
Hideyuki Koga1, Lars Engebretsen, Jan E Brinchmann
1Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, PO Box 4014, Ullevaal Stadion, 0806 Oslo, Norway. koga-z@rg7.so-net.ne.jp
Summary
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy shows promise for cartilage repair in animal studies. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in humans for treating articular cartilage injury.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Regenerative medicine
- Cell-based therapies
Background:
- Articular cartilage injuries are a significant challenge in orthopaedic surgery.
- Current treatments have limitations and potential complications.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer potential due to their regenerative capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on MSC-based cell therapy for articular cartilage repair.
- To assess the potential of MSCs as an alternative treatment for cartilage defects.
- To identify gaps in current research regarding human clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and early-phase clinical studies.
- Analysis of studies reporting MSC transplantation for cartilage defects.
- Evaluation of MSC properties, including proliferation and chondrogenic potential.
Main Results:
- Successful outcomes reported in animal studies using MSC transplantation for cartilage repair.
- MSCs possess high proliferative capacity and chondrogenic differentiation potential.
- Current human applications are limited to preclinical and Phase I studies.
Conclusions:
- MSC-based therapy shows preclinical promise for articular cartilage repair.
- Lack of comparative clinical studies in humans hinders definitive conclusions.
- Randomized clinical trials are essential to evaluate the efficacy of MSC therapy for cartilage repair.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that can differentiate into most connective tissue cell types, except for hematopoietic cells, depending upon the source of MSCs. For example, bone-marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) can differentiate into osteocytes, hepatocytes, and pancreatic and neuronal cells. MSCs can be isolated from various sources such as bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, teeth, and Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance in the umbilical cord. The ease of their access...
01:21Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration
Stem cell therapy is a method used in regenerative medicine to repair and restore function to damaged tissues and organs. Stem cells have the potential to proliferate and differentiate into various tissue types, making them ideal candidates for tissue regeneration. For example, hematopoietic stem cell transplants are commonly used in blood cancer treatment to replenish damaged bone marrow and restore healthy blood cells.
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell types that...
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell types that...