Functional alterations of peripheral blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells in erosive hand osteoarthritis: modulation...

Erosive hand osteoarthritis (EHOA) is a severe subset of osteoarthritis characterised by progressive joint damage and limited therapeutic options. This study aimed to investigate the functional properties of peripheral blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PB-MSCs) in EHOA and to evaluate the effects of resveratrol (RSV) preconditioning.

PB-MSCs were isolated from peripheral blood of 24 patients with EHOA and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy donors. Cells were expanded in vitro and differentiated into chondrocytes. Apoptosis and autophagy-related markers were analysed by flow cytometry and Western blot. Chondrogenic capacity was assessed by CD44, CD49c and CD151 expression and by extracellular matrix quantification using Alcian blue staining. The effects of RSV preconditioning were also evaluated. Serum β-catenin levels were measured by ELISA.

EHOA MSC-derived chondrocytes showed increased apoptosis, reduced expression of markers associated with chondrogenic potential, hypertrophic features, and decreased extracellular matrix levels compared with healthy donors. Alterations in autophagy-related markers were also observed. RSV pretreatment significantly improved cell survival, enhanced chondrogenic marker expression, and increased extracellular matrix concentration in vitro. Serum β-catenin levels were significantly higher in EHOA patients and correlated with clinical and imaging indicators of disease severity.

PB-MSCs from EHOA patients exhibit functional alterations consistent with reduced regenerative potential. RSV preconditioning partially improved MSC viability and chondrogenic properties. These findings provide insight into MSC dysfunction in EHOA and support further investigation of strategies to enhance MSC-based regenerative approaches.