Perspectives on Osteoarthritis Treatment with Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae

Aging Dis. 2024 May 7;15(3):1029-1045. doi: 10.14336/AD.2023.0817.

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis, a widespread degenerative condition, impacts a younger population and leads to high disability rates. Nature often provides solutions for aging and disease prevention. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae (AB) are natural substances with potential. MSCs can transform into various tissues, alleviating symptoms by releasing factors and miRNA, potentially slowing osteoarthritis progression. AB's compositions target knee joint cells, enhancing internal conditions and joint function. Both MSCs and AB share mechanisms for immune regulation, reducing cartilage apoptosis, promoting chondrocyte formation, and addressing osteoporosis. They also influence estrogen and gut flora. This article reviews their roles in treating osteoarthritis, discussing apoptosis reduction, chondrocyte growth, bone enhancement, angiogenesis, and regulation of estrogen and intestinal flora. It explores their relationship and suggests AB's potential in stimulating mesenchymal stem cell repair for knee osteoarthritis treatment.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Achyranthes
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / pharmacology
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation* / methods
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / drug effects
  • Osteoarthritis / drug therapy
  • Osteoarthritis / pathology
  • Osteoarthritis / therapy
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee* / drug therapy
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee* / pathology
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee* / therapy

Substances

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the Major Research plan of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (92249303) and the Key Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82230071); CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (2022-I2M-1-012, 2021-I2M-1-051)