Mechanisms of analgesic effect of mesenchymal stem cells in osteoarthritis pain

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal disease, and it is a major cause of pain, disability and health burden. Pain is the most common and bothersome presentation of OA, but its treatment is still suboptimal, due to the short-term action of employed analgesics and their poor adverse effect profile. Due to their regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively investigated as a potential therapy for OA, and numerous preclinical and clinical studies found a significant improvement in joint pathology and function, pain scores and/or quality of life after administration of MSCs. Only a limited number of studies, however, addressed pain control as the primary end-point or investigated the potential mechanisms of analgesia induced by MSCs. In this paper, we review the evidence reported in literature that support the analgesic action of MSCs in OA, and we summarize the potential mechanisms of these antinociceptive effects.

Advances in Stem Cell-Based Therapies in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

“…In addition, synovial MSCs (SMSCs), embryonic stem cell-derived MSCs (ES-MSCs), and MSCs from other sources have also been studied as potential treatments for OA. In rats with OA, injection of ES-MSCs derived from embryos showed effects such as alleviating OA pain, protecting joint structures, and slowing OA progression [ 77 ]. Akgun et al used a combination of SMSCs (treatment group) and chondrocytes (control group) with a I/III collagen membrane to treat patients with knee joint cartilage defects.…”

Nanomedicines Promote Cartilage Regeneration in Osteoarthritis by Synergistically Enhancing Chondrogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Regulating Inflammatory Environment

“…7 More evidence has shown that intraarticular (IA) injection of MSCs from different sources could relieve pain and improve function in knee OA in preclinical models and clinical trials. 8 However, clinical application of MSCs transplantation is still limited by the low efficiency in oriented differentiation into chondrocyte because of the inflammatory microenvironments. 9 It was reported that the osteoarthritic synovial fluid, containing a large amount of inflammatory synovial macrophages and proinflammatory factors, inhibited the chondrogenesis of MSCs and downregulated the expression of chondrogenic genes (Col2 and ACAN).…”

“…It has been reported that transplanted MSCs could migrate to the lesioned regions and differentiate into chondrocytes, thereby leading to cartilage regeneration . More evidence has shown that intra-articular (IA) injection of MSCs from different sources could relieve pain and improve function in knee OA in preclinical models and clinical trials . However, clinical application of MSCs transplantation is still limited by the low efficiency in oriented differentiation into chondrocyte because of the inflammatory microenvironments .…”

Arthroscopy with Lipoaspirate and Plasma Infiltration Using Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Plus Platelet-Rich Plasma: Harvesting and Injection for Arthroscopic Treatment of Cartilage Defects of the Knee

“… 19 , 20 , 21 The definitive pathways of cartilage regeneration induced by orthobiologic therapies are still discussed controversially and are a matter of ongoing research. 3 , 22 , 23 Nevertheless, recent studies have pointed out promising and easy-to-handle techniques to harness the beneficial effects of regenerative orthobiologic therapeutics. 9 , 23 , 24 , 25 In particular, abdominal adipose tissue has been recognized as a potential source of ASCs.…”

“… 3 , 22 , 23 Nevertheless, recent studies have pointed out promising and easy-to-handle techniques to harness the beneficial effects of regenerative orthobiologic therapeutics. 9 , 23 , 24 , 25 In particular, abdominal adipose tissue has been recognized as a potential source of ASCs. 26 …”