Attenuating Cartilage Degeneration in a Low Mechanical Compression Rat Model Through Intra-Articular Injections of Allogeneic Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract

[Objective] Mechanical stimulation significantly contributes to posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), a condition that impedes patient recovery following intra-articular injury. Effective treatment options for compression-induced injuries are limited. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) implantation has emerged as a potential therapeutic breakthrough for joint diseases. The aim of this study was to attenuate the progression of PTOA induced by cyclic loading and demonstrate the potential effectiveness of BMSCs in a rat model of low mechanical compression. [Design] Using a rat model of compression-induced articular cartilage injury, assessments were conducted 2, 4, and 8 weeks after cyclic compressive loading. The expression of matrix metallopeptidase 13, transforming growth factor-beta 3 (TGF-β3), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and cleaved caspase-3 was evaluated through immunohistochemistry to investigate the mechanistic aspects underlying the prevention of compression-induced injury following BMSCs treatment. [Results] Intra-articular injections of BMSCs significantly improved scores in the OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) Osteoarthritis Cartilage Histopathology Assessment System and Histological-Histochemical Grading System. This treatment showed positive outcomes in maintaining high relative cell density and reducing proteoglycan loss after cyclic compression-induced injury. The expression patterns of IGF-1 and TGF-β3 provide valuable insights into the presence and distribution of these growth factors in healthy and injured cartilage. [Conclusions] These findings highlight the efficacy of BMSCs treatment in attenuating the advancement of compression-induced injuries, albeit within a limited timeframe.