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Review
. 2014 Jan 16:7:1-17.
doi: 10.2147/SCCAA.S42880. eCollection 2014.

Current perspectives in stem cell research for knee cartilage repair

Patrick Orth  1 , Ana Rey-Rico  2 , Jagadeesh K Venkatesan  2 , Henning Madry  3 , Magali Cucchiarini  2
Affiliations
Review

Current perspectives in stem cell research for knee cartilage repair

Patrick Orth et al. Stem Cells Cloning. .

Abstract

Protocols based on the delivery of stem cells are currently applied in patients, showing encouraging results for the treatment of articular cartilage lesions (focal defects, osteoarthritis). Yet, restoration of a fully functional cartilage surface (native structural organization and mechanical functions) especially in the knee joint has not been reported to date, showing the need for improved designs of clinical trials. Various sources of progenitor cells are now available, originating from adult tissues but also from embryonic or reprogrammed tissues, most of which have already been evaluated for their chondrogenic potential in culture and for their reparative properties in vivo upon implantation in relevant animal models of cartilage lesions. Nevertheless, particular attention will be needed regarding their safe clinical use and their potential to form a cartilaginous repair tissue of proper quality and functionality in the patient. Possible improvements may reside in the use of biological supplements in accordance with regulations, while some challenges remain in establishing standardized, effective procedures in the clinics.

Keywords: cartilage repair; clinical trials; focal defects; knee; osteoarthritis; stem cells.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(A) Articular cartilage lesions. (1) Focal cartilage defect in a 28-year-old man and (2) osteoarthritic cartilage in a 49-year-old woman. (B) Therapeutic components of potential value to deliver stem cells for cartilage repair.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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