Recent Developments in Clinical Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies have been used as cell-based treatments for decades, owing to their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative properties. With high expectations, many ongoing clinical trials are investigating the safety and efficacy of MSC therapies to treat arthritic diseases. Studies on osteoarthritis (OA) have shown positive clinical outcomes, with improved joint function, pain level, and quality of life. In addition, few clinical MSC trials conducted on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have also displayed some optimistic outlook. The largely positive outcomes in clinical trials without severe side effects establish MSCs as promising tools for arthritis treatment. However, further research is required to investigate its applicability in clinical settings. This review discusses the most recent advances in clinical studies on MSC therapies for OA and RA.

Keywords: cartilage; cell therapy; mesenchymal stem cell; osteoarthritis; rheumatoid arthritis.

Figure 1

Various isolation sites and differentiation potentials of MSCs. Bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, and synovium are common sites for MSC extraction. The isolated MSCs can be differentiated into adipocytes, chondrocytes, myocytes, and osteoblasts.

Figure 2

Progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). In contrast to the healthy joint, the osteoarthritic joint has thinned cartilage and the bone ends rub together. Joints diagnosed with RA have swollen, inflamed synovial membranes and undergo bone erosion. The cartilage erosion seen in the later stages of arthritis ultimately leads to the loss of mobility.