ADSC-enriched adipose extract alleviates cartilage fibrosis in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis by inhibiting chondrocyte senescence.

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a degenerative joint disease causing chronic pain and restricted mandibular movement. Its complex pathology and lack of effective therapies make it a clinical challenge. Recent studies have demonstrated that cartilage fibrosis correlates closely with TMJOA progression. Inflammatory microenvironments induce chondrocyte senescence, altering secretory phenotypes and driving fibrocartilage formation, characterized by hardened texture and poor mechanical properties, compromising joint biomechanics. Targeting cartilage fibrosis represents a key therapeutic strategy. Stem cell therapies show antifibrotic potential but face clinical limitations due to complex preparation and safety risks. Methods Synovial lavage fluid from TMJOA patients was collected and analyzed for fibrosis marker ACTA2 and inflammatory factor IL-1β expression to confirm intra-articular fibrosis and explore contributing factors. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC)-enriched adipose extract (ARDE) was prepared using mechanical emulsification with low-speed centrifugation. Its efficacy was assessed in a prospective clinical trial evaluating pain, mouth opening, and radiographic changes. ARDE's modulation of inflammation and repair of fibrocartilage were histologically assessed in a rabbit TMJOA model. In vitro TMJOA chondrocyte models induced by infl

Evidence level

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

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