Stem cell-based therapeutic strategies for rotator cuff tendinopathy

Zetao Wang; Youguo Liao; Canlong Wang; Chenqi Tang; Cailian Fang; Junchao Luo; Hengzhi Liu; Xianan Mo; Zicheng Wang; Lingfang Shen; Junjuan Wang; Xiao Chen; Zi Yin; Jianyou Li; Weiliang Shen

doi:10.1016/j.jot.2023.07.006

Stem cell-based therapeutic strategies for rotator cuff tendinopathy

J Orthop Translat. 2023 Aug 23:42:73-81. doi: 10.1016/j.jot.2023.07.006. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Authors

Zetao Wang^{1

2

3

4

5

6}, Youguo Liao^{2

3

4

5

7

6}, Canlong Wang^{2

3

4

5

6}, Chenqi Tang^{2

3

4

5

7

6

8}, Cailian Fang^{3

4

5

6}, Junchao Luo^{2

3

4

5

7

6}, Hengzhi Liu^{2

3

4

5

6}, Xianan Mo², Zicheng Wang¹, Lingfang Shen⁹, Junjuan Wang¹⁰, Xiao Chen^{3

4

5

7

6}, Zi Yin^{3

4

5

7

6}, Jianyou Li¹, Weiliang Shen^{1

2

3

4

5

7

6}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopedics, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou, China.
² Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
³ Institute of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
⁴ Orthopaedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
⁵ China Orthopaedic Regenerative Medicine Group (CORMed), Hangzhou, China.
⁶ Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
⁷ Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
⁸ Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
⁹ Air Force Health Care Center for Special Services, Hangzhou, China.
¹⁰ Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.

Abstract

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal disorder that imposes significant health and economic burden. Stem cell therapy has brought hope for tendon healing in patients with final stage rotator cuff tendinopathy. Some clinical trials have confirmed the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for rotator cuff tendinopathy, but its application has not been promoted and approved. There are still many issues that should be solved prior to using stem cell therapy in clinical applications. The optimal source and dose of stem cells for rotator cuff tendinopathy should be determined. We also proposed novel prospective approaches that can overcome cell population heterogeneity and standardize patient types for stem cell applications.

The translational potential of this article: This review explores the optimal sources of stem cells for rotator cuff tendinopathy and the principles for selecting stem cell dosages. Key strategies are provided for stem cell population standardization and recipient selection.

Keywords: Clinical application; Mesenchymal stem cells; Regenerative medicine; Rotator cuff; Stem cell therapy; Tendinopathy.

Publication types

Review