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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
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
Transplanted mesenchymal stem cells with pure fibrinous gelatin-transforming growth factor-beta1 decrease rabbit
Huilin Yang1, Jian Wu, Jiayong Liu
1The First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Suzhou 215006, China.
Background Context:
Disc degeneration is a major reason for low back pain and can be caused by apoptosis. The prevention of apoptosis using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may lead to new treatments for low back pain. Previous studies have reported that transplanted MSCs can proliferate and differentiate into cells expressing some of the major phenotypic qualities of nucleus pulposus cells. However, the effects of MSC transplantation on the disc height index (DHI) and apoptosis inhibition have not yet been thoroughly investigated.
Purpose:
The present study evaluates the effects of MSC transplantation on DHI and its potential to inhibit apoptosis.
Study Design/Setting:
Random, controlled, animal experiment study.
Methods:
The annulus fibrosus of 54 white New Zealand rabbits was punctured with a 21-gauge needle, and the nucleus pulposus tissue from the intervertebral discs was aspirated. The degenerative disc model was produced in each rabbit, which were then randomly divided into three groups: degenerative model group; pure fibrinous gelatin-transforming growth factor-beta1 (PFG-TGF-beta1) transplanted group; and MSC-PFG-TGF-beta1 transplanted group. Computed radiography imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and histological examinations were performed at Weeks 4, 8, and 12.
Results:
The transplanted MSCs inhibited apoptosis and slowed the rate of decrease in DHI. Magnetic resonance imaging results showed that the MSC-PFG-TGF-beta1 group had less degeneration and a slower decrease in DHI compared with both the degenerative model and PFG-TGF-beta1 groups. An increased quantity of nucleus pulposus and type II collagen content and a decrease in the rate of cell apoptosis were noted in the MSC-PFG-TGF-beta1 group.
Conclusions:
Mesenchymal stem cells can slow the rate at which the DHI decreases. This effect may be because of the inhibition of apoptosis by MSCs.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) slow disc degeneration and preserve disc height index (DHI) by inhibiting apoptosis. This study shows MSC transplantation is a promising treatment for low back pain.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Disc degeneration is a primary cause of low back pain, often linked to apoptosis.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show potential in treating disc degeneration by differentiating into nucleus pulposus cells.
- The impact of MSC transplantation on disc height index (DHI) and apoptosis inhibition requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of MSC transplantation in improving DHI.
- To assess the potential of MSCs to inhibit apoptosis in a disc degeneration model.
- To explore MSCs as a therapeutic strategy for low back pain.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, controlled animal study involving 54 rabbits with induced disc degeneration.
- Groups included a degenerative model, PFG-TGF-beta1 transplantation, and MSC-PFG-TGF-beta1 transplantation.
- Evaluations used computed radiography, MRI, and histological examinations at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- MSC transplantation inhibited apoptosis and slowed the decrease in DHI.
- MRI revealed less degeneration and a slower DHI decrease in the MSC group compared to controls.
- The MSC group showed increased nucleus pulposus and type II collagen, with reduced apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Mesenchymal stem cells effectively slow the rate of DHI decrease in degenerated discs.
- MSC-mediated apoptosis inhibition is a key mechanism for preserving disc structure and function.
- MSC transplantation offers a potential therapeutic approach for managing low back pain associated with disc degeneration.
