Intra-articular injection of synovial mesenchymal stem cells improves cartilage repair in a mouse injury model

Abstract

Controversy remains whether articular cartilage has an endogenous stem/progenitor cell population, since its poor healing capacity after injury can lead to diseases such as osteoarthritis. In the joint environment there are mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) in the synovial membrane and synovial fluid that can differentiate into cartilage, but it is still under debate if these cells contribute to cartilage repair in vivo. In this study, we isolated a Sca-1 positive, chondrogenesis capable population of mouse synovial MSCs from C57BL6 and MRL/MpJ “super-healer” strains. Intra-articular injection of Sca-1 + GFP + synovial cells from C57BL6 or MRL/MpJ into C57BL6 mice following cartilage injury led to increased cartilage repair by 4 weeks after injury. GFP expression was detected in the injury site at 2 weeks, but not 4 weeks after injury. These results suggest that synovial stem/progenitor cells, regardless of strain background, have beneficial effects when injected into an injured joint. MSCs derived from MRL/MpJ mice did not promote an increased repair capacity compared to MSCs derived from non-healing C57BL6 controls; however, MRL/MpJ MSCs were observed within the defect area at the time points examined, while C57BL6 MSCs were not.

Modulation of Synovial Fluid‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Intra‐Articular and Intraosseous Platelet Rich Plasma Administration

“…Arthrocentesis is usually a necessary step prior to conducting an IA injection of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or PRP. Additionally, MSCs present in the SF may derive from the SM, a tissue involved in the cartilage repair process [49, 50], and their chondrogenic capacity could be increased compared with other types of MSCs [51]. …”

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Cocultured with Chondrocytes Promote the Proliferation of Chondrocytes

“…Unfortunately, chondrocytes have limited potential for replication, a factor that contributes to the limited intrinsic healing capacity of cartilage in response to injury. Therefore, its ability to repair itself is very finite [2]. …”

Trauma and Stem Cells: Biology and Potential Therapeutic Implications

“…Animal models have demonstrated varying success with cartilage regeneration. Diekman et al [63] and Mak et al [64] compared the protective effects of MSC against post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Following joint trauma, mice received intra-articular injection of MSC isolated from Murphy Roths Large (MRL) mice.…”

“…This suggests that the inherent ability of MRL mice to regenerate chondral tissue is not due to suprapotent stem cells but suggests chondral regeneration from a more beneficial regulation of stem cell function. Mak et al [64] also studied the effect of MSCs chondral healing. A needle was used to cause a bony defect in a mouse model, coring cartilage to a depth of 2.7 mm.…”