Cartilage[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Intra-Articular Injection of Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Reduces Radiographic Osteoarthritis in an Ovine Model.
Perry J, Mennan C, Cool P … +7 more , McCarthy HS, Newell K, Hopkins T, Hulme C, Wright KT, Henson FMD, Roberts S
Cartilage · 2024 Nov · PMID 39491540 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To determine if mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from human umbilical cords (hUC) could reduce degeneration developing when injected into the knee of a large animal model of osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN...
OBJECTIVE: To determine if mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from human umbilical cords (hUC) could reduce degeneration developing when injected into the knee of a large animal model of osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: Ten million culture-expanded UC-MSCs (pooled from 3 human donors) were injected in 50 μL of tissue culture medium into the left stifle joints of 7 sheep whose medial meniscus was transected 4 weeks previously. Seven other sheep had only 50 μL of medium injected as the no treatment "control" group. After 8 weeks the sheep underwent euthanasia, the joints were excised and examined macroscopically, via x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), both via histology for degenerative and inflammatory changes and immunohistochemically to identify any human cells within the joint tissues. Activity monitoring both before meniscus transection and euthanasia was also undertaken. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the Kellgren-Lawrence x-ray score for joints injected with hUC-MSCs compared with the control joints. Likewise, macroscopic, MRI, synovitis and OARSI histology scores were all lower (better) in the joints injected with hUC-MSCs than in the control arm, but not significantly. Activity levels and synovitis scores were similar in both groups of animals. CONCLUSIONS: hUC-MSCs appear to modify and reduce the development of osteoarthritic changes in the ovine stifle joint after meniscal destabilization, an injury which commonly leads to OA in humans. These results are encouraging for the potential benefit of culture expanded UC-MSCs as an allogeneic cell therapy in patients who may have early OA following a meniscal injury of the knee.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing "Early" Versus "Late" Periosteal Patch Attachment to Knee Chondral Defects in Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation.
Orfanos G, McCarthy HS, Williams M … +6 more , Dugard N, Gallacher PD, Glover AW, Roberts S, Wright KT, Kuiper JH
Cartilage · 2025 Dec · PMID 39480175 · Full text
ObjectiveTraditional autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) involves arthroscopically harvesting a cartilage biopsy (stage 1), followed by arthrotomy 3 to 4 weeks later to apply a periosteal patch and implant culture-...
ObjectiveTraditional autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) involves arthroscopically harvesting a cartilage biopsy (stage 1), followed by arthrotomy 3 to 4 weeks later to apply a periosteal patch and implant culture-expanded chondrocytes underneath (stage 2). This study aimed to determine if patch application during stage 1 rather than stage 2 improved clinical outcome.DesignA randomized controlled trial was conducted from 1998 to 2001. Patients were randomized to receive either traditional ACI (control/late) or ACI with "early" patch during stage 1 (intervention/early). Clinical outcome (Lysholm score) was assessed pre-operatively and annually post-operatively.ResultsSeventy-seven patients were recruited, with 40 patients randomized to the early and 37 to the late patch group. The overall mean pre-operative Lysholm score was 51.8 (range 11-89) and significantly improved by 11.1 points (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.8 to 17.4) at mean 12.7 years (range 1.5-23.7) follow-up. Latest mean Lysholm scores for the early and late groups were 68.4 (95% CI = 19 to 100) versus 56.7 (95% CI = 18 to 98). Adjusted for covariate imbalances, no evidence was found for a difference between the groups (mean difference = 8.5, 95% CI = -5.2 to 22.2, = 0.22). Twenty-year survival until any re-operation or arthroplasty was 59.6%/82.1% for the early and 56.8%/69.5% for the late group, with no evidence for a difference.ConclusionACI is an effective durable treatment for cartilage defects, with high levels of patient satisfaction and low failure rates. No evidence was found that applying the periosteal patch at the time of chondrocyte harvest improved long-term Lysholm scores or survival until any re-operation or arthroplasty.
Impact of Chondrocyte Inflammation on Glial Cell Activation: The Mediating Role of Nitric Oxide.
Farrag M, Cordero-Barreal A, Ait Eldjoudi D … +8 more , Varela-García M, Torrijos Pulpón C, Lago F, Essawy A, Soffar A, Pino J, Farrag Y, Gualillo O
Cartilage · 2024 Oct · PMID 39469810 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: This study investigates how the inflammatory response of ATDC5 murine chondrogenic cells influences the activity of C6 (rat) and GL261 (mouse) glial cell lines. Prior research suggested nitric oxide (NO) invol...
OBJECTIVE: This study investigates how the inflammatory response of ATDC5 murine chondrogenic cells influences the activity of C6 (rat) and GL261 (mouse) glial cell lines. Prior research suggested nitric oxide (NO) involvement in cartilage-immune crosstalk. The current study explores whether NO, produced by inflamed chondrocytes, mediates signaling between chondrocytes and glial cells. DESIGN: Pre-challenged ATDC5 cells with 250 ng/ml of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were cocultured with GL261 or C6 glioma cells for 24 h with a transwell culture system. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay. Gene and protein expression were evaluated by qRT-PCR and WB, respectively. RESULTS: Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) indicated statistically significant upregulation of LCN2, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and GFAP in glial cells following 24-h coculture with challenged ATDC5 cells. Suppression of LPS-induced NO production by aminoguanidine decreased LPS-mediated LCN2 and IL-6 expression in glioma cells. We identified also the involvement of the ERK1/2 and AKT signaling pathways in the glial neuroinflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates, for the first time, that NO produced by inflamed murine chondrocytes mediated pro-inflammatory responses in glial cells via ERK1/2 and AKT signaling, highlighting a potential mechanism linking cartilage NO to neuroinflammation and chronic pain in osteoarthritis.
Outcomes Following Autologous Osteochondral Transplantation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus at 10-Year Follow-Up: A Retrospective Review.
Butler JJ, Robert G, Dahmen J … +5 more , Lin CC, Robin JX, Samsonov AP, Kerkhoffs GMMJ, Kennedy JG
Cartilage · 2026 Mar · PMID 39469788 · Full text
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes following autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) at a minimum of 10-year follow-up.DesignR...
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes following autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) at a minimum of 10-year follow-up.DesignRetrospective chart review identified patients who underwent AOT for the treatment of OLT. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained in all patients. Clinical outcomes assessed included: pre- and post-operative foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS), visual analog scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, complications, failures and secondary surgical procedures.ResultsThirty-nine patients with a mean lesion size was 122.3 ± 64.1 mm and mean follow-up time of 138.9 ± 16.9 months were included. The mean FAOS scores improved from a preoperative score of 51.9 ± 16.0 to 75.3 ± 21.9 ( < 0.001). Increasing lesion size was variable associated with inferior FAOS scores (R = 0.2228). There was statistically significant higher mean T2 relaxation values at the superficial layer at the site of the AOT graft (42.9 ± 5.2 ms) compared to the superficial layer of the adjacent native cartilage (35.8 ± 3.8 ms) ( < 0.001). Seventeen complications (43.6%) were observed, the most common of which was anterior ankle impingement (25.6%). There were 2 failures (5.1%), both of which had a history of prior bone marrow stimulation via microfracture and post-operative cysts identified on MRI.ConclusionThis retrospective review found that AOT for the treatment of large OLTs produced a 94.9% survival rate at a minimum of 10-year follow-up. Increasing lesion size was associated with inferior clinical outcomes. The findings of this study indicates that AOT is a viable long-term surgical strategy for the treatment of large OLTs.
Acellular Particulated Costal Allocartilage Improves Cartilage Regeneration in High Tibial Osteotomy: Data From a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Chung K, Jung M, Jang KM … +3 more , Park S, Kim J, Kim SH
Cartilage · 2025 Sep · PMID 39462281 · Full text
ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare short-term arthroscopic and clinical outcomes between microfractures with (treatment group) and without (control group) acellular particulated costal allocartilage in patients undergo...
ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare short-term arthroscopic and clinical outcomes between microfractures with (treatment group) and without (control group) acellular particulated costal allocartilage in patients undergoing concurrent high tibial osteotomy (HTO).DesignThis retrospective cohort study enrolled 19 and 21 patients in the treatment and control groups, respectively, and reviewed them at a minimum 2-year follow-up after HTO. Cartilage regeneration status was evaluated according to the International Cartilage Repair Society-Cartilage Repair Assessment (ICRS-CRA) grading and Koshino's macroscopic staging systems during medial locked plate removal. Patient-reported measures, including the visual analog scale pain score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and International Knee Documentation Committee score, assessed clinical outcomes.ResultsThe total points of the ICRS-CRA grading system were significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (7.7 ± 3.8 vs 4.2 ± 3.0, respectively; = 0.007). Likewise, the cartilage status according to Koshino's macroscopic staging system was better in the treatment group ( = 0.022). Patient-reported functional outcomes significantly improved postoperatively but were equivalent between the study groups at the final follow-up.ConclusionsMicrofractures augmented with acellular particulated costal allocartilage resulted in better repair quality than microfractures alone at a minimum 2-year follow-up after HTO, but functional outcomes improved similarly for both treatment approaches.
Fluctuation of Bone Marrow Lesions and Inflammatory MRI Markers over 2 Years and Concurrent Associations with Quantitative Cartilage Loss.
Roemer FW, Jansen MP, Maschek S … +13 more , Mastbergen SC, Marijnissen AK, Wisser A, Heiss R, Weinans HH, Blanco FJ, Berenbaum F, Kloppenburg M, Haugen IK, Eckstein F, Hunter DJ, Guermazi A, Wirth W
Cartilage · 2025 Sep · PMID 39460605 · Full text
ObjectiveTo assess whether change of semiquantitatively magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined bone marrow lesions (BMLs) and inflammatory markers is associated with change in quantitatively-assessed cartilage loss in...
ObjectiveTo assess whether change of semiquantitatively magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined bone marrow lesions (BMLs) and inflammatory markers is associated with change in quantitatively-assessed cartilage loss in the femorotibial joint (FTJ) in knees with radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) over 24 months.DesignParticipants were included from the IMI-APPROACH and the Osteoarthritis Initiative FNIH studies. Semiquantitative MRI assessment was performed for BMLs, Hoffa- and effusion-synovitis. Quantitative cartilage thickness measurements were performed manually. Definitions of change included number of subregions with BMLs, change in sum and change in maximum increase in size. Change in Hoffa-synovitis and effusion-synovitis was categorized in addition. Between-group comparisons regarding cartilage loss in the FTJ, medial and lateral compartments were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsA total of 629 participants were included. Knees without any BMLs at baseline (BL) and follow-up (FU) had significantly less cartilage loss compared to the other subgroups. Change in both directions in the sum score of BMLs was associated with increased rates of cartilage loss. Maximum increase in size of BMLs was associated with increased rates of cartilage loss (FTJ increase by 2 grades -0.183 mm, 95% CI [-0.335, -0.031], by 3 grades -0.306 mm, [-0.511, -0.101]). Worsening of Hoffa-synovitis was associated with increased rates of cartilage loss.ConclusionKnees without BMLs at BL and FU showed lowest rates of cartilage loss. Knees with an increase in BML size showed increased rates of concurrent cartilage loss. Approaches with the aim to inhibit BML development, avoidance of increase in size and avoidance of Hoffa-synovitis worsening may have beneficial effects on cartilage loss.
Exploring Trends and Gaps in Osteoarthritis Biomarker Research (1999-2024): A Citation Analysis of Top 50 Cited Articles.
Hu W, Yang J, Liu L … +3 more , Li D, Zhao Y, Wang A
Cartilage · 2026 Jun · PMID 39422972 · Full text
PurposeThis study aimed to comprehensively analyze the landscape of osteoarthritis (OA) biomarker research through the citation analysis of top-cited articles, identifying trends and gaps in this field.MethodsThe Web of...
PurposeThis study aimed to comprehensively analyze the landscape of osteoarthritis (OA) biomarker research through the citation analysis of top-cited articles, identifying trends and gaps in this field.MethodsThe Web of Science Core Collection was utilized to retrieve the top 50 cited articles on OA biomarkers. Data extraction included publication characteristics, citation metrics, and biomarker categorization. Statistical analyses were conducted to discern correlations and assess significance.ResultsThe top 50 cited articles spanned the years 1999 to 2020, and collectively cited 4849 articles, accumulating a total of 6177 citations, resulting in an average of 123.5 citations per document. Citations per article varied between 78 and 359, with a citation density ranging from 3.9 to 23.93. Analysis of the top 50 cited articles revealed comparable impact between recent and older publications. Predominant trends included cartilage-related and blood-based biomarkers, while inflammation-related, radiomics, and multi-omics emerged as potential future research directions. In BIPEDS classification, gaps were identified in biomarkers evaluating intervention efficacy and safety.ConclusionDespite significant advancements, there is no universally acknowledged biomarker for OA. Addressing gaps in biomarker exploration is crucial for enhancing OA management strategies. This study provides insights into prevailing trends and future research directions in OA biomarkers, guiding future investigations and therapeutic development.
Commercial Insurance Coverage Criteria for Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Poorly Reflect Current Research.
Kotlier JL, Lin EH, Fathi A … +6 more , Iyer AS, Telang SS, Bolia IK, Ahmad A, Petrigliano FA, Liu JN
Cartilage · 2025 Sep · PMID 39345049 · Full text
ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to both quantify and qualify the way insurance companies justify their coverage policies for autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and determine whether these policies align with rec...
ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to both quantify and qualify the way insurance companies justify their coverage policies for autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and determine whether these policies align with recent research on the subject.DesignThe top 11 national commercial health insurance payers for ACI were identified. Coverage policy documents were recovered for 8 payers. These documents were examined, and the type of reference and the level of evidence (LOE) were recorded for each applicable reference. Specific coverage criteria for each individual payer were then extracted and assessed for similarities among commercial payers. Finally, all references cited by each payer were examined to determine whether they mentioned the specific payer criteria.ResultsThis study found that the majority of cited references were primary journal articles (86, 58.1%) and that only 30 (20.2%) references were level I or level II evidence. This study also found significant homogeneity among payer coverage criteria. Cited sources inconsistently mentioned specific payer coverage criteria. In addition, payer criteria tended to be poorly supported by current evidence on ACI.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that commercial insurance payers' coverage policies for ACI poorly cite references, cite a majority of references with low LOE, and cite references which infrequently mention their specific coverage criteria. In addition, payer coverage policies have a high degree of homogeneity and many of their specific criteria are poorly supported by current research on ACI.
Suture Tying Force for Cut-Out during Radial Meniscus Tear Repair: A Biomechanical Evaluation of Failure Loads during the Knot-Tying Process.
Massey PA, Dudoussat E, Montgomery C … +4 more , Scalisi W, McBride H, Rutz R, Solitro GF
Cartilage · 2024 Sep · PMID 39344014 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine average tensile forces resulting in suture failure while tying a knot during repair of complete radial meniscus tears and to compare the failure tensile force based on...
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine average tensile forces resulting in suture failure while tying a knot during repair of complete radial meniscus tears and to compare the failure tensile force based on meniscus tissue location: the peripheral (red-red) versus inner (white-white). DESIGN: This study was designed as a cadaveric biomechanical study using 24 menisci harvested from fresh frozen cadaveric knees with midbody radial tears. Tears were repaired using 2-0 nonabsorbable suture in both the inner meniscus and the peripheral meniscus. A force gauge was used to measure the tension of a surgeon's knot until failure of either the suture or the meniscus tissue. Statistical analysis was performed comparing suture failure tensile forces between inner and peripheral sutures using 2-sample test. RESULTS: Suture repairs primarily failed due to meniscal tissue cut-out after suture tensioning (96%). There was no statistical difference in failure mode between medial and lateral meniscus for both the inner (100% cut-out) and the peripheral (92% cut-out; = 0.703) sutures. The peripheral sutures failed as significantly higher loads (54 ± 26 N) than the inner sutures (36 ± 11 N, = 0.006). The peripheral meniscus tissue tolerated significantly higher tension at failure (36 ± 7 N) than the inner meniscus (26 ± 7 N, < 0.001). CONCLUSION: When tying parallel sutures to repair a radial meniscus tear, suture tensile forces above 30 N may tear through meniscus tissue. Surgeons should not use suture tying forces above 30 N when repairing radial meniscus tears with parallel sutures. The peripheral meniscus can withstand higher knot-tying forces than the inner meniscus, so surgeons should consider tying the peripheral suture before the inner suture.
Regenerative Variability of Human Juvenile Chondrocyte Sheets From Different Cell Donors in an Athymic Rat Knee Chondral Defect Model.
Matsukura K, Kondo M, Metzler NF … +7 more , Ford AJ, Maak TG, Hutchinson DT, Wang AA, Sato M, Grainger DW, Okano T
Cartilage · 2024 Sep · PMID 39319855 · Full text
PURPOSE: This study aimed to establish a combined histological assessment system of neo-cartilage outcomes and to evaluate variations in an established rat defect model treated with human juvenile cartilage-derived chond...
PURPOSE: This study aimed to establish a combined histological assessment system of neo-cartilage outcomes and to evaluate variations in an established rat defect model treated with human juvenile cartilage-derived chondrocyte (JCC) sheets fabricated from various donors. METHODS: JCCs were isolated from the polydactylous digits of eight patients. Passage 2 (P2) JCC sheets from all donors were transplanted into nude rat chondral defects for 4 weeks (27 nude rats in total). Defect-only group served as control. Histological samples were stained for safranin O, collagen 1 (COL1), and collagen 2 (COL2). (1) All samples were scored, and correlation coefficients for each score were calculated. (2) Donors were divided into "more effective" and "less effective" groups based on these scores. Then, differences between each group in each category of modified O'Driscoll scoring were evaluated. RESULTS: (1) Modified O'Driscoll scores were negatively correlated with %COL1 area, and positively correlated with %COL2 area and COL2/1 ratio. (2) Four of 8 donors exhibited significantly higher modified O'Driscoll scores and %COL2 areas. JCC donors were divided into two groups by average score values. Significant differences between the two groups were observed in modified O'Driscoll categories of "Nature of predominant tissue," "Reconstruction of subchondral bone," and "Safranin O staining." CONCLUSION: The combined histological evaluation method is useful for detailed efficacy assessments of cartilage defect regeneration models. Variations in histological scores among juvenile cartilage-derived chondrocyte donors were correlated to the quality of regenerated cartilage hyaline structure and subchondral bone remodeling observed in the nude rat defect model.
An Evidence-Based Update on Fixation Procedures for Acute and Chronic Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus.
Nakasa T, Ikuta Y, Haraguchi N … +7 more , Park CH, Weber CD, Rikken QGH, Dahmen J, Stufkens SAS, Kerkhoffs GMMJ, Takao M
Cartilage · 2026 Mar · PMID 39311645 · Full text
Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) involve the subchondral bone and the overlying articular cartilage. Various surgical treatments for these lesions are available, such as bone marrow stimulation (BMS), autologous...
Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) involve the subchondral bone and the overlying articular cartilage. Various surgical treatments for these lesions are available, such as bone marrow stimulation (BMS), autologous osteochondral grafting, and fixation of an osteochondral fragment. Treatment choice depends on the condition of the lesion, which includes lesion size, morphology, location, and the presence of cysts. Among the surgical procedures available to date, fixation of the osteochondral fragment has the advantage of restoring the articular surface while preserving the native hyaline cartilage and its subchondral bone. Fixation for OLT has been shown to be clinically successful for the treatment of both acute and chronic lesions. Moreover, the indication for osteochondral fragment fixation is expanding as recent studies have found good clinical outcomes in relatively small-sized lesions. The present article describes the current evidence on fixation for acute and chronic OLT.
Peptides for Targeting Chondrogenic Induction and Cartilage Regeneration in Osteoarthritis.
Liao HJ, Chen HT, Chang CH
Cartilage · 2024 Sep · PMID 39291443 · Full text
OBJECTS: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread degenerative joint condition commonly occurring in older adults. Currently, no disease-modifying drugs are available, and safety concerns associated with commonly used traditi...
OBJECTS: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread degenerative joint condition commonly occurring in older adults. Currently, no disease-modifying drugs are available, and safety concerns associated with commonly used traditional medications have been identified. In this review, a significant portion of research in this field is concentrated on cartilage, aiming to discover methods to halt cartilage breakdown or facilitate cartilage repair. METHODS: Researchers have mainly investigated the cartilage, seeking methods to promote its repair. This review focuses on peptide-based molecules known for their ability to selectively bind to growth factor cytokines and components of the cartilage extracellular matrix. RESULTS: Chondroinductive peptides, synthetically producible, boast superior reproducibility, stability, modifiability, and yield efficiency over natural biomaterials. This review outlines a chondroinductive peptide design, molecular mechanisms, and their application in cartilage tissue engineering and also compares their efficacy in chondrogenesis and . CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, we will summarize the application of peptides engineered to regenerate cartilage by acting as scaffolds, functional molecules, or both and discuss additional possibilities for peptides. This review article provides an overview of our current understanding of chondroinductive peptides for treating OA-affected cartilage and explores the delivery systems used for regeneration. These advancements may hold promise for enhancing or even replacing current treatment methodologies.
Corrigendum to "Observation of Solute Transport Between Articular Cartilage and Subchondral Bone in Live Mice".
Cartilage · 2025 Sep · PMID 39248321 · Full text
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Exploring Osteoarthritis Dynamics: Patient-Specific Cartilage Samples in an Organ-on-a-Chip Model.
Pasztorek M, Fischer J, Otahal A … +3 more , de Luna A, Nehrer S, Rosser J
Cartilage · 2024 Sep · PMID 39235338 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to tackle the existing challenges associated with the prediction and optimization of pharmaceutical interventions for osteoarthritis (OA). The primary objective is to develop an innovative tool...
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to tackle the existing challenges associated with the prediction and optimization of pharmaceutical interventions for osteoarthritis (OA). The primary objective is to develop an innovative tool that provides objective and patient-specific information regarding the most affected tissue in OA, articular cartilage. DESIGN: We employed an organ-on-a-chip (OoC) approach to replicate the 3D structure of cartilage in an setup. The study focused on assessing the individual drug responses of common medications using this innovative platform. Additionally, we conducted a biomarker analysis to gain insights into the variability of drug responses across patients. RESULTS: Our findings reveal that OA articular cartilage demonstrates an individualized response to pharmaceutical interventions. Despite the diverse nature of patient responses, our study indicates that Triamcinolone, a standard-of-care medication, consistently exhibits a robust anti-inflammatory response across patient tests. However, as seen in clinical studies, Triamcinolone was concurrently associated with degeneration. The biomarker analysis further underscores the importance of considering individual drug responses in developing effective treatment plans. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study introduces a valuable tool that not only mimics the 3D structure of cartilage but also provides crucial insights into the individualized responses of patients to various OA treatments. The application of an OoC approach may allow for a more accurate assessment of treatment efficacy. This objective biomarker analysis on patient-specific tissue offers clinicians a means to tailor treatment plans, thereby minimizing joint damage and advancing toward a more personalized approach in OA management.
Microbiome and Femoral Cartilage Thickness in Knee Osteoarthritis: Is There a Link?
Elsawy NA, Ibrahiem AH, Younis GA … +2 more , Meheissen MA, Abdel-Fattah YH
Cartilage · 2025 Sep · PMID 39235213 · Full text
ObjectiveTo assess the relation between microbiome and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in the blood and synovial fluid (SF) with femoral cartilage thickness (FCT) measured by ultrasound (US) in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patien...
ObjectiveTo assess the relation between microbiome and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in the blood and synovial fluid (SF) with femoral cartilage thickness (FCT) measured by ultrasound (US) in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 40 primary KOA patients recruited between September 2022 and June 2023. Age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Patients underwent full clinical examination, standing plain x-ray of the knee joint and knee US examination to measure medial, intercondylar, and lateral FCT. Microbiomes (specific bacterial phyla) were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and LPS levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit in the patients' serum and SF.ResultsThe patient's age ranged from 43 to 72 years. Most patients were females (72.5%), with a mean BMI of 35.8 ± 6.21 kg/m. The mean medial, intercondylar, and lateral FCT were less than cut-off values. All 40 (100%) patients showed positive bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (16S ribosomal RNA) in both blood and SF samples. was the most abundant in patients' blood (48.49%) and SF (63.59%). The mean serum LPS level was significantly higher compared to mean SF LPS ( =4.702, < 0.001). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between lateral FCT and relative abundance in both patients' blood and SF.ConclusionMicrobiome and LPS are present in the blood and SF of primary KOA patients. Microbiome () was associated with decreased lateral FCT. This might provide a potential link between both systemic and local microbiomes and cartilage affection in KOA patients.
The Literature that Commercial Insurance Payers Use to Substantiate Knee Osteochondral Allograft Policies Are of a Low Level of Evidence.
Fathi A, Kotlier JL, Telang SS … +7 more , Patel VS, Bolia IK, Biedermann BM, Cruz CA, Lin EH, Petrigliano FA, Liu JN
Cartilage · 2025 Sep · PMID 39215447 · Full text
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to analyze how the largest insurance companies support their medical necessity policies regarding osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) and to determine whether the literatur...
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to analyze how the largest insurance companies support their medical necessity policies regarding osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) and to determine whether the literature they cite in their policies is of a high level of evidence (LOE).DesignThe 10 largest national health insurance companies were identified. Each payer was contacted via phone or email to obtain their coverage policy regarding OCA. For each policy, the medical necessity criteria were recorded, and all cited references were screened. For all references applicable to OCA, the LOE was recorded, and each reference was screened to determine whether they mentioned the specific criteria reported in the policies.ResultsThe medical policies for 6 of the 10 national health insurance companies were identified. These 6 policies cited a collective total of 102 applicable references. Most of these studies were an LOE of IV ( = 58, 56.9%) and an LOE of V ( = 18, 17.6%). There were similarities amongst the medical necessity criteria between different commercial payers; however, most criteria were poorly supported by the cited literature.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that commercial insurance companies utilize studies that are of a low LOE when justifying their medical necessity criteria. Moreover, these cited studies infrequently support or mention the commercial payers' criteria. Future studies should continue to explore how well-supported insurance policies are with the goal of potentially increasing access and authorization for well-supported treatment modalities.
Chondrocyte Response to Fresh Autologous Conditioned Serum Versus Freeze-Dried Allogenic Conditioned Serum.
Credille K, Elias TJ, Allahabadi S … +6 more , Wang Z, Hakimiyan A, Chubinskaya S, Cole BJ, Frisbie D, Yanke AB
Cartilage · 2024 Aug · PMID 39095949 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cytokine release profile and histological response of human cartilage after exposure to autologous conditioned serum (ACS) and freeze-dried allogenic conditioned serum (FD-CS). DESIGN: Carti...
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cytokine release profile and histological response of human cartilage after exposure to autologous conditioned serum (ACS) and freeze-dried allogenic conditioned serum (FD-CS). DESIGN: Cartilage explants were collected from 6 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. ACS and FD-CS were created from patient serum samples. Cartilage samples were divided into 6 groups: (1) untreated control, (2) ACS, (3) FD-CS, (4) untreated interleukin (IL)-1β (5 ng/ml), (5) IL-1β + ACS, and (6) IL-1β + FD-CS. After 12 days, cartilage samples were analyzed with glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentration normalized to wet weight while comparing cytokine concentrations, and histological scoring. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in pathology scoring for ACS ( = 0.0368) and FD-CS ( = 0.0368) in the IL-1β injury groups compared with the untreated IL-1β insult group. ACS and FD-CS significantly mitigate the IL-1β induced increase in basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) ( = 0.0009 and = 0.0002, respectively). FD-CS showed a significant decrease in IL-1β concentration in the presence of IL-1β insult compared with the untreated IL-1β group ( < 0.0001). ACS-treated samples had significantly higher concentration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α independent of IL-1β when compared with samples not treated with biologics ( = 0.0053). CONCLUSIONS: Explanted osteoarthritic cartilage responds favorably and equivalently to treatment with ACS and FD-CS from a histological perspective. Both ACS and FD-CS were able to mitigate the IL-1β-induced increases in bFGF and FD-CS lowered IL-1β concentration while increasing interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) concentration. Although the cytokine profile of cartilage tissue explants treated with FD-CS appears to be different than that of ACS, this difference does not seem to affect biologic activity of FD-CS.
Subchondroplasty® (SCP) Provides Resolution of Symptoms and Functional Improvements in Mild-to-Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis with Persistent Bone Marrow Lesions: 12-Month Follow-Up Results from a Multicentric Open-Label Prospective Clinical Trial.
Di Matteo B, Anzillotti G, Conte P … +6 more , Angele P, Emans P, Minguell-Monyart J, Woodell-May J, Correa-Tapia M, Kon E
Cartilage · 2025 Jun · PMID 39076070 · Full text
Bone marrow lesions (BMLs) are MRI-visible subchondral bone alterations, highly correlated with symptoms in the knee. Subchondroplasty (SCP) is able to fill the subchondral defects associated with BMLs using an injectabl...
Bone marrow lesions (BMLs) are MRI-visible subchondral bone alterations, highly correlated with symptoms in the knee. Subchondroplasty (SCP) is able to fill the subchondral defects associated with BMLs using an injectable bone substitute material. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the 12-month outcomes of the SCP in the treatment of symptoms of mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients with persistent BMLs of the knee. Subjects affected by BMLs of the femoral condyle or tibial plateau that were present for >3 months and not responsive to conservative treatments were enrolled in this prospective multicenter trial. All the patients underwent SCP. Follow-up was conducted at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. All subjects completed Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS) score, Euro Quality of life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) score, and a subject global satisfaction scale. Demographic information of the patients was also collected. A total of 79 patients completed the 12-month follow-up. Statistically significant improvements on all clinical scales were registered from baseline to the 12-month follow-up. No severe adverse events were reported. Four patients were considered failed. A 12-month subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate the possible correlation between all the KOOS subscales and age, gender, number of BMLs, location of BMLs, and Kellgren-Lawrence grade: no statistically significant associations were observed. SCP is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of symptoms related to persisting BMLs in mild-to-moderate osteoarthritic knees, with a low failure rate up to 12 months' evaluation.
Longitudinal Analysis of Knee Articular Cartilage Degeneration After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Comparison of T1rho and T2 Mapping.
Toguchi K, Watanabe A, Horii M … +6 more , Watanabe S, Itoh R, Sakamoto T, Murata Y, Ohtori S, Sasho T
Cartilage · 2025 Jun · PMID 39058092 · Full text
ObjectiveTo assess articular cartilage degeneration in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed knees as detected by MR T1rho and T2 mapping relative to controls and longitudinally at 3 months and 1 year after ACL...
ObjectiveTo assess articular cartilage degeneration in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed knees as detected by MR T1rho and T2 mapping relative to controls and longitudinally at 3 months and 1 year after ACL reconstruction (ACLR).DesignTwenty-five patients with acute ACL injury were enrolled (13 women and 12 men; mean age 30.8), and 14 healthy controls were selected by sex and age matching. The affected knees of the ACLR participants were imaged using a 3.0T magnetic resonance (MR) scanner 3 months and 1 year after ACLR. Cartilage T1rho and T2 values were quantified for subcompartments in the full-thickness, superficial, and deep layers and were compared with the matched subcompartments of control knees. The influence of concomitant meniscal tears identified using proton density-weighted imaging (PDWI) was also investigated.ResultsIn the posterior lateral tibia, T1rho and T2 values were significantly higher in ACLR participants at 3 months and slightly decreased at 1-year compared to the control group. T1rho values in the medial compartment exhibited a significant increase at 1-year compared with those of control knees, while T2 showed no significance. In cartilage with medial meniscal tears, the T1rho values in multiple medial subcompartments were significantly higher than those in cartilage without medial meniscal tears, and this alteration was relatively detectable by T1rho.ConclusionsT1rho and T2 mapping is effective in evaluating cartilage degeneration following ACLR. T1rho may exhibit greater sensitivity for assessing the progression of early degeneration in the medial compartment after ACLR.
Isolation and Characterization of Meniscus Progenitor Cells From Rat, Rabbit, Goat, and Human.
Yan WT, Wang JS, Guo SY … +2 more , Zhu JH, Zhang ZZ
Cartilage · 2024 Jul · PMID 39058020 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: Meniscus progenitor cells (MPCs) have been identified as promising candidates for meniscus regeneration, and it is crucial for us to understand meniscus injury repair mechanism at the cellular level. In this s...
OBJECTIVE: Meniscus progenitor cells (MPCs) have been identified as promising candidates for meniscus regeneration, and it is crucial for us to understand meniscus injury repair mechanism at the cellular level. In this study, we investigate the biological properties of MPCs isolated from different species using the differential adhesion to fibronectin (DAF) technique. We aim to characterize MPCs in different species and evaluate the feasibility of these models for future meniscal investigation. DESIGN: MPCs were isolated from freshly digested meniscus from rat, rabbit, goat, and human cells using DAF. Biological properties, including proliferation, colony-forming, multilineage differentiation, and migration abilities, were compared in MPCs and their corresponding mixed meniscus cell (MCs) population in each species. RESULTS: MPCs were successfully isolated by the DAF technique in all species. Rat MPCs appeared cobblestone-like, rabbit MPCs were more polygonal, goat MPCs had a spindle-shaped morphology, human MPCs appear more fibroblast-like. Compared with MCs, isolated MPCs showed progenitor cell characteristics, including multilineage differentiation ability and MSC (mesenchymal stem cells) markers (CD166, CD90, CD44, Stro-1) expression. They also highly expressed fibronectin receptors CD49e and CD49c. MPCs also showed greater proliferation capacity and retained colony-forming ability. Except for goat MPCs showed greater migration abilities than MCs, no significant differences were found in the migration ability between MPCs and MCs in other species. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that DAF is an effective method for isolating MPCs from rat, rabbit, goat, and human. MPCs in these species demonstrated similar characteristics, including greater proliferation ability and better chondrogenic potential.
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