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A systematic review of tissue engineered meniscus: cell-based preclinical models
Behrooz Haddad1, Amir H Pakravan, Sujith Konan
1University College London Institute of Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 4LP United Kingdom. behrooz.haddad@gmail.com
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy
|January 16, 2013
Summary
Cell-based tissue engineering shows promise for meniscus regeneration, improving tissue integration and biochemical properties compared to acellular methods in preclinical studies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Meniscal injuries are common sports injuries with limited natural healing capacity.
- Meniscectomy can lead to altered knee biomechanics and osteoarthritis development.
- Tissue-engineered meniscus offers a potential solution for severe meniscal damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical studies on cell-based approaches for tissue-engineered meniscus regeneration.
- To evaluate the efficacy of various cell types in meniscus tissue engineering.
- To compare cell-based strategies with acellular controls.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, UK PubMed central, and Embase databases.
- Inclusion of preclinical studies utilizing cellular approaches for meniscus regeneration.
- Review of nineteen articles detailing cell types and regeneration outcomes.
Main Results:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (bone marrow, synovium), meniscal fibrochondrocytes, chondrocytes, and bone marrow stromal cells were investigated.
- Sixteen of nineteen studies demonstrated superior tissue regeneration with cell-based methods versus acellular controls.
- Regenerated tissues exhibited enhanced integration and favorable biochemical properties compared to acellular techniques.
Conclusions:
- Cell-based approaches significantly improve tissue regeneration for engineered meniscus.
- Further research is needed to assess the chondroprotective potential of these regenerative strategies.
- Preclinical evidence supports cell-based tissue engineering as a viable strategy for meniscus repair.
