Comparison of Human Articular Cartilage Tissue and Chondrocytes Isolated from Peripheral versus Central Regions of Traumatic Lesions

Abstract

Objective Cellular and molecular events occurring in cartilage regions close to injury are poorly investigated, but can possibly compromise the outcome of cell-based cartilage repair. In this study, key functional properties were assessed for cartilage biopsies collected from the central part of traumatic joint lesions ( central) and from regions surrounding the defect ( peripheral). These properties were then correlated with the quality of the initial cartilage biopsy and the inflammatory state of the joint. Design Cartilage samples were collected from knee joints of 42 patients with traumatic knee injuries and analyzed for cell phenotype (by reverse transcriptas-polymerase chain reaction), histological quality, cellularity, cell viability, proliferation capacity, and post-expansion chondrogenic capacity of chondrocytes (in pellet culture). Synovium was also harvested and analyzed for the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Results Cartilage quality and post-expansion chondrogenic capacity were higher in peripheral versus central samples. Differences between these 2 parameters were more pronounced in joints with high inflammatory features characterized by >100-fold difference in the mRNA levels of IL6 and IL8 in the corresponding synovium. Peripheral chondrocytes isolated from good- versus bad-quality biopsies expressed higher levels of collagen II/I and aggrecan/versican and lower levels of MMP13 and ADAMTS5. They also exhibited reduced proliferation and enhanced cartilage-forming capacity. Conclusions Chondrocytes at the periphery of traumatic lesions better maintain properties of healthy cartilage compared to those isolated from the center, even when derived from bad-quality tissues harvested from highly inflamed joints. Future studies are necessary to investigate the change of functional properties of peripheral chondrocytes over time.

Suitable characteristics in the selection of human allogeneic chondrocytes donors to increase the number of viable cells for cartilage repair

“…Recently Acevedo et al ( 2021 ) reported high viability values ranging from 73 to 100% in chondrocytes isolated from peripheral and central regions of the femoral condyle. Taking into account the above, we consider that the viability in both groups: cadaveric, 84.16%; and alive, 87.8%, is acceptable after subjecting the chondrocytes to the mechanical/enzyme process to obtain them (Acevedo et al 2021 ).…”

“…Recently Acevedo et al ( 2021 ) reported high viability values ranging from 73 to 100% in chondrocytes isolated from peripheral and central regions of the femoral condyle. Taking into account the above, we consider that the viability in both groups: cadaveric, 84.16%; and alive, 87.8%, is acceptable after subjecting the chondrocytes to the mechanical/enzyme process to obtain them (Acevedo et al 2021 ). Also, Xia et al ( 2008 ) reported about chondrocytes that were isolated from 15 patients undergoing total knee replacement and established viability immediately after enzymatic isolation from fresh articular cartilage, reporting an average viability of 74.7% (Xia et al 2008 ), in comparison our results indicated higher averages for both groups.…”

Minced Cartilage Procedure for One-Stage Arthroscopic Repair of Chondral Defects at the Glenohumeral Joint

“…36 As a source for harvesting the needed cartilage, it was shown that samples collected from the center of a cartilage lesion appeared to have lower qualities containing chondrocytes less viable and with inferior ability to form cartilage as compared to the closely flanking peripheral areas. 37 If not enough material is available, cartilage can be taken from nonweightbearing areas as shown in the knee, for example, from the intercondylar notch. 38 However Aurich et al 39 demonstrated an inferior redifferentiation potential of chondrocytes harvested from these areas when compared to the cells from the margins of the defects.…”

Biologic principles of minced cartilage implantation: a narrative review

“…The highest regenerative capacity was reported from the healthy cartilage from the edge of the defect area, and non-weight bearing regions were inferior [ 6 ]. The biologic potential was higher in the edge of the defect compared to the central defect area of human cartilage fragments [ 1 ].…”