Comparative repair efficacy of three mesenchymal stem cell sources in rat full-thickness talar cartilage defects.

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)

Ankle cartilage damage frequently progresses to osteoarthritis (OA), which impairs patient quality of life and creates substantial socioeconomic burdens worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer a promising approach for cartilage regeneration; however, comparative data on the efficacy of MSCs from different tissue sources for ankle cartilage repair remains limited. As an exploratory preclinical study, this investigation aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMMSCs), adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSCs), and synovial fluid-derived MSCs (SFMSCs) in a rat model of full-thickness talar cartilage defects. Full-thickness talar cartilage defects were created by limited-depth drilling in 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-300 g). Animals were randomly assigned to a control group or three treatment groups receiving intra-articular injection of BMMSCs, ADMSCs, or SFMSCs. Outcomes were assessed using behavioral and gait tests, footprint analysis, Micro-CT imaging for subchondral bone parameters (BS/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Sp), ICRS macroscopic scoring, histopathological evaluation, and immunohistochemical staining for chondrogenic markers (Col II, FSTL1, SOX9, Smad3). In this exploratory analysis, the SFMSC group displayed comparatively better functional recovery in behavioral and gait measurements relative to other groups. The footprint length factor was signifi

Evidence level

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

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