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Published on: October 27, 2020
Cryopreservation increases apoptosis in human menisci
R Villalba1, J Peña, P Navarro
1Centro Regional de Transfusión Sanguínea y Banco Sectorial de Tejidos, Avda. San Alberto Magno s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain. rafael.villalba.sspa@juntadeandalucia.es
Summary
Cryopreservation significantly damages meniscus tissue, causing substantial cell loss through apoptosis. Further research is needed to improve preservation methods for successful meniscal allograft transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Meniscal allograft transplantation is a viable alternative to meniscectomy for preventing degenerative knee arthritis.
- Current cryopreservation methods for meniscal tissue yield variable and inadequate chondrocyte survival.
- Mechanisms of cryoinjury in meniscal tissue are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cellular injury, specifically apoptosis and ultrastructural damage, in cryopreserved human menisci.
- To assess the impact of standard cryopreservation techniques on meniscus cell viability.
- To elucidate the role of apoptosis in cell loss during meniscus preservation.
Main Methods:
- Human menisci were cryopreserved using a standard method.
- Tissue samples underwent light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.
- Apoptosis was quantified using the ISOL method.
Main Results:
- Cryopreserved menisci showed significantly lower cellularity (9.2 ± 2.8 cells/unit) compared to fresh menisci (14.6 ± 3.5 cells/unit).
- The apoptotic index in cryopreserved menisci (50 ± 18.1%) was significantly higher than in fresh menisci (0.8 ± 2.3%).
- Apoptosis was observed in fibrochondrocytes of both fresh and cryopreserved menisci.
Conclusions:
- Standard cryopreservation induces apoptosis and significant cell loss in human menisci.
- Apoptosis-mediated cell death is a major contributor to cellular damage during meniscus cryopreservation.
- Improved preservation techniques are necessary to enhance the long-term clinical success of meniscal allografts.
