Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for osteoarthritis: a pilot study with long-term follow-up and repeated injections

Regen Med. 2018 Apr;13(3):295-307. doi: 10.2217/rme-2017-0152. Epub 2018 Feb 8.

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and therapeutic potential of autologous human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (haMSCs) in patients with osteoarthritis.

Materials & methods: Safety and efficacy of haMSCs were preclinically assessed in vitro and in BALB/c-nu nude mice. 18 patients were enrolled and divided into three dose groups: the low-dose, mid-dose and high-dose group (1 × 107, 2 × 107 and 5 × 107 cells, respectively), provided three injections and followed up for 96 weeks.

Results & conclusion: The preclinical study established the safety and efficacy of haMSCs. Intra-articular injections of haMSCs were safe and improved pain, function and cartilage volume of the knee joint, rendering them a promising novel treatment for knee osteoarthritis. The dosage of 5 × 107 haMSCs exhibited the highest improvement (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01809769).

Keywords: MRI; MSC; cartilage; cell therapy; clinical trials; function; intra-articular; mesenchymal stem cells; osteoarthritis; pain.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase I
  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism*
  • Adipose Tissue / pathology
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Autografts
  • Female
  • Heterografts
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee / metabolism
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee / pathology
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee / therapy*
  • Pilot Projects

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01809769