For over 20 years, stem cell therapy for cartilage regeneration has been a topic of considerable interest and research. Groundbreaking studies and trials have demonstrated the potential of using stem cells to treat knee osteoarthritis. Offering hope to countless individuals suffering from this debilitating condition.
Research on Rabbits
In 1994, researchers at the Department of Orthopedics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. Conducted an influential study using rabbits. This study revealed the remarkable ability of osteochondral progenitor cells. A type of stem cell responsible for bone and cartilage repair, to restore major cartilage defects in the rabbits’ knees.
Within two weeks of the initial treatment, researchers observed a uniform difference in chondrocytes (cartilage cells) along the defect. After 24 weeks, researchers observed complete repair of the subchondral bone while preserving the overlying articular cartilage.
To address these challenges, stem cell transplantation for cartilage and bone formation has emerged as a viable option. Mesenchymal stem cells, found in bone marrow, have the remarkable ability to differentiate into bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle cells. Additionally, the transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells is clinically friendly, as these cells are easily obtainable and can be expanded without losing their differentiation potential.
The primary aim of this research was to utilize cell transplantation for repairing human articular cartilage abnormalities in osteoarthritic knee joints.
Osiris Therapeutics in Baltimore
In 2003, researchers at Osiris Therapeutics in Baltimore, USA published a study involving animal subjects. This study demonstrated significant improvements in the medial meniscus and cartilage regeneration due to autologous stem cell treatment.
Moreover, it was found that this treatment significantly reduced advanced destruction of the articular cartilage and remodeled osteophytes, addressing subchondral sclerosis (hardening of the bone beneath the cartilage) common in osteoarthritic joint disease.
Eternal Medical Center
Just four years ago, in 2016, a research article published in the Medical Journal Clinical and Translational Medicine by physicians from Georgia Regents University highlighted the growing excitement in cartilage regeneration biology. The emerging developments in tissue engineering with stem cells fueled this excitement.
Stem cells have demonstrated the ability to control various healing methods, enabling articular cartilage repair. This includes the inhibition of T-cell growth and regulation of the natural inflammatory response in osteoarthritis.
Recent research also suggests that stem cells can combat osteoarthritis through paracrine mechanisms, in addition to their capacity to differentiate into new cartilage cells and reduce inflammation.
Furthermore, stem cells release cytokines critical for epidermal growth (EGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGFB), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), along with other cytokines and new cartilage proteins. These factors play a crucial role in combating osteoarthritis and degenerative processes.
It is also presumed that stem cells may release cytokines and proteins that could be beneficial in addressing neurogenic pain, offering significant advantages in osteoarthritic pain therapy.
Cartilage Regeneration with Stem Cells
Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine
Studies on this subject have also been conducted in Japan. Researchers from the Department of Hand Surgery at Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine. Conducted a comparative publication on articular cartilage irregularities in rabbits. By directly injecting mesenchymal stem cells, they were able to induce articular cartilage repair.
They examined a total of 36 rabbit knees through macroscopic, histological, and fluorescent dye microscope analysis over a period of 12 to 24 weeks. The study determined that, unlike the untreated rabbits, the articular cartilage remained intact in the group treated with mesenchymal stem cells.
The group that received direct treatment with stem cells showed complete coverage of the irregularities with new articular cartilage tissue. Notably, this group exhibited well-developed regenerated cartilage matrices.
Conclusions
In summary, six months after treatment, the group subjected to intra-articular stem cell therapy exhibited articular cartilage regeneration, albeit not at the level of normal cartilage. However, when they applied stem cells directly to the lesion, development occurred at an accelerated rate.
This suggests that when injected into an area with articular cartilage irregularities, stem cells adhere to the lesion and initiate cartilage regeneration. You can place stem cells directly into the wound or inject them into the joint.
Start Your Stem Cell Treatment and Reclaim Your Health
Today, stem cell treatments offer one of the most effective options for regaining your health. Initiating your treatment begins with scheduling a medical evaluation. During this, we can review your medical records and tailor your treatment accordingly.
Scheduling an evaluation before commencing treatment is essential because each patient’s treatment is personalized. We have found that this approach yields better results, often more rapidly. With over 30 years of clinical experience and countless families regaining their health through our stem cell treatments. We confirm that Regenerative Medicine is the most effective aspect of Modern Medicine.
