Current problems and persprectives of the treatment of cartilage injuries using mesenchimal stem cells

Abstract

Since standard methods of treatment of cartilage trauma and inflammatory diseases lack effectiveness, at present one of the most promising strategies is mesenchymal stem cell transplantation. Despite the successes in this field, many issues, such as the selection of the tissue-source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their optimization or modification in culture in order to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, remains an actual task for both global and domestic scientists. The purpose of the study is to prepare a review of literature sources for the period 2004-2022 (in the vast majority on publications of the last five years) and to systematize new data on the biological characteristics of MSCs from various tissue sources, which are used in strategies for the treatment of cartilage lesions tissues, to analyze existing problems and further prospects, as well as potential ways of optimizing MSC cultivation methods to increase their regenerative potential. A study of 49 sources that met the inclusion criteria was carried out. A significant variety of strategies for the use of MSCs in animal models and in clinical practice was revealed. The main mechanisms ensuring the therapeutic effect of MSCs have been determined and can be used as criteria for optimizing cellular material. However, it was found that the question of the effectiveness of the use of differentiated MSCs, the selection of the tissue-source of MSCs, and the specifics of the use of MSCs from neonatal sources remains open. Thus, the analysis of literary sources revealed further promising ways to improve the therapeutic efficiency of MSC grafting in a wide range of cartilaginous lesions. There is a need to research the effects of MSCs from neonatal tissues, and especially the umbilical cord. This will become possible due to experimental research that will be carried out in the future.