Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Osteoarthritis: Evidence for Structural Benefit and Cartilage Repair

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) presents a major clinical challenge to rheumatologists and orthopedists due to the lack of available drugs reducing structural degradation. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) may represent new therapeutic approaches in cartilage regeneration. In this review, we highlight the latest knowledge on the biological properties of MSC, such as their chondrogenic and immunomodulatory potential, and we give a brief overview of the effects of MSCs in preclinical and clinical studies of OA treatment and also compare different MSC sources, with the adipose tissue-derived MSCs being promising. Then, we focus on their structural benefit in treating OA and summarize the current evidence for the assessment of cartilage in OA according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and second-look arthroscopy after MSC therapy. Finally, this review provides a brief perspective on enhancing the activity of MSCs.