Human adipose-derived stem cells contribute to chondrogenesis in coculture with human articular chondrocytes.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• 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)

Adipose tissue is easily available and contains high numbers of stem cells that are capable for chondrogenic differentiation. We hypothesize that a partial substitution of chondrocytes with autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) might be a possible strategy to reduce the number of chondrocytes needed in matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation. To lay the ground, in vitro coculture experiments were performed using human chondrocytes and human ASC. Chondrocytes were obtained from donors undergoing matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation. ASC were isolated from liposuction material. Chondrocytes and ASC were seeded either in fibrin (Tisseel; Baxter, Vienna, Austria) or collagen matrix (Tissue Fleece; Baxter, Unterschleissheim, Germany). RNA for quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction was isolated after 2 weeks of culture in chondrogenic medium, and after 4 weeks samples were processed for histology. Related to the number of chondrocytes used, coculture with ASC led to strong increase in collagen type IX mRNA expression, which is an indicator for long-term stability of cartilage. Moderate upregulation was shown for SOX9, aggrecan, melanoma inhibitory activity, cartilage link protein 1, and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein mRNA. However, expression of collagen I and collagen II indicates the synthesis of fibrous tis

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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