Objectives. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is being used increasingly often in the clinical setting to treat tendon-related pathologies. Yet the optimal PRP preparations to promote tendon healing in different patient populations are poorly defined. Here, we sought to determine whether increasing the concentration of platelet-derived proteins within a derivative of PRP,
Tendon injuries constitute a major healthcare burden owing to the limited healing ability of these tissues and the poor clinical outcomes of surgical repair treatments. Recent advances in tendon tissue engineering (TTE) strategies, particularly through the use of biotextile technologies, hold great promise toward the generation of artificial living tendon constructs. We have previously developed a braided construct based on suture threads coated with gelMA:alginate hydrogel encapsulating human tendon cells. These cell-laden composite fibers enabled the replication of cell and tissue-level properties simultaneously. Based on this concept, in this study we explored the use of
Objectives. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) are a promising strategy for orthopaedic applications, particularly in bone repair. Ex vivo expansion of ADMSCs is required to obtain sufficient cell numbers. Xenogenic supplements should be avoided in order to minimise the risk of infections and immunological reactions. Human
Aims. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles secreted by all cells, enriched in proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids related to cell-to-cell communication and vital components of cell-based therapies. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived EVs have been studied as an alternative for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. However, their clinical translation is hindered by industrial and regulatory challenges. In contrast, platelet-derived EVs might reach clinics faster since platelet concentrates, such as
Aims. Platelet concentrates, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and
There is good scientific rationale to support the use of growth factors to promote musculoskeletal tissue regeneration. However, the clinical effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and other blood-derived products has yet to be proven. Characterization and reporting of PRP preparation protocols utilized in clinical trials for the treatment of musculoskeletal disease is highly inconsistent, and the majority of studies do not provide sufficient information to allow the protocols to be reproduced. Furthermore, the reporting of blood-derived products in orthopaedics is limited by the multiple PRP classification systems available, which makes comparison of results between studies challenging. Several attempts have been made to characterize and classify PRP; however, no consensus has been reached, and there is lack of a comprehensive and validated classification. In this annotation, we outline existing systems used to classify preparations of PRP, highlighting their advantages and limitations. There remains a need for standardized universal nomenclature to describe biological therapies, as well as a comprehensive and reproducible classification system for autologous blood-derived products. Cite this article:
Macrophages (Mφ) are immune cells that play a crucial role in both innate and adaptive immunity as they are involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. Depending on the microenvironment and signals present, Mφ can polarize into either M1 or M2 phenotypes, with M1 macrophages exhibiting pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects, while M2 macrophages having immunosuppressive and tissue repair properties. Macrophages have been shown to play key roles in the development and progression or inhibition of various diseases, including cancer. For example, macrophages can stimulate tumor progression by promoting immunosuppression, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. This work aimed to investigate the effect of extracellular vesicles (EVs)-derived from polarized macrophages on an osteosarcoma cell line. Monocytes were extracted from buffy coats and cultured in RPMI medium with
Tendon injuries are common and current therapies often are unsuccessful. Cell-based therapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seems to be the most promising approach to heal tendon. Moreover, providing safe and regulated cell therapy products to patients requires adherence to good manufacturing practices (GMP). Adipose-derived stem cells (n=4) were cultured in 6-well plates coated with type-I collagen in a chemically defined serum-free medium (SF) or a xenogenic-free human pooled
Angiogenesis is a key factor in early stages of wound healing and is crucial for tissue regeneration. Gold standard for large bone defect treatment is the transplantation of autologous bone grafts, but is not entirely satisfying (e.g. limited amount). Cell therapies and tissue engineering approaches may overcome these problems by using cells and autologous blood components obtainable by less invasive procedures. Pre-clinical studies previously showed promising results combining endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) in polyurethane scaffolds in presence of PRP (1). A systemic investigation of the chemical and mechanical characteristics of different PRP gels formulations suggested their potential use as sustained autologous growth factor delivery system (2). Here we investigate PRP hydrogels as autologous injectable cell delivery systems for EPCs and MSCs and their efficacy in promoting fast neo-vascularization for bone repair applications. PRP hydrogel and corresponding
Ageing-related incompetence becomes a major hurdle for the clinical translation of adult stem cells in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). This study aims to investigate the effect of stepwise preconditioning on cellular behaviours in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) from ageing patients, and to verify their therapeutic effect in an OA animal model. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from ageing patients and preconditioned with chondrogenic differentiation medium, followed by normal growth medium. Cellular assays including Bromodeoxyuridine / 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR), β-Gal, Rosette forming, and histological staining were compared in the manipulated human mesenchymal stem cells (hM-MSCs) and their controls. The anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) rabbit models were locally injected with two millions, four millions, or eight millions of hM-MSCs or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoring was performed to measure the pathological changes in the affected joints after staining. Micro-CT analysis was conducted to determine the microstructural changes in subchondral bone.Aims
Methods
Bone demonstrates good healing capacity, with a variety of strategies being utilized to enhance this healing. One potential strategy that has been suggested is the use of stem cells to accelerate healing. The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, WHO-ICTRP, ClinicalTrials.gov, as well as reference checking of included studies. The inclusion criteria for the study were: population (any adults who have sustained a fracture, not including those with pre-existing bone defects); intervention (use of stem cells from any source in the fracture site by any mechanism); and control (fracture healing without the use of stem cells). Studies without a comparator were also included. The outcome was any reported outcomes. The study design was randomized controlled trials, non-randomized or observational studies, and case series.Aims
Methods
Although mechanical stabilisation has been a hallmark of orthopaedic surgical management, orthobiologics are now playing an increasing role. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a volume of plasma fraction of autologous blood having platelet concentrations above baseline. The platelet α granules are rich in growth factors that play an essential role in tissue healing, such as transforming growth factor-β, vascular endothelial growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor. PRP is used in various surgical fields to enhance bone and soft-tissue healing by placing supraphysiological concentrations of autologous platelets at the site of tissue damage. The easily obtainable PRP and its possible beneficial outcome hold promise for new regenerative treatment approaches. The aim of this literature review was to describe the bioactivities of PRP, to elucidate the different techniques for PRP preparation, to review animal and human studies, to evaluate the evidence regarding the use of PRP in trauma and orthopaedic surgery, to clarify risks, and to provide guidance for future research.