Cartilage regeneration in experimental lesions in an ovine model, applying ex vivo expanded autologous bone marrow-derived progenitor cells using BST methodology.
Objectives
Study in an ovine animal model promoted by the Blood and Tissue Bank (BST). The objective was to evaluate the behavior of infused stem cells in joints previously subjected to articular cartilage and meniscus injury.
Methodology
The study was conducted in the experimental operating room of the Veterinary Clinical Hospital at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, following approval and under the supervision of the Animal and Human Research Ethics Committee. The cells were selected and expanded at the same university’s Department of Chemical Engineering.
Results
The results of the study were fully satisfactory: significant differences were evidenced in the joints treated with expanded mesenchymal stem cells compared to the untreated (control) joints.
After 6 months, the injured articular cartilage showed recovery with hyaline characteristics, and the menisci with free-edge lesions evidenced complete regeneration.
The effect was considered dose-dependent, as a higher number of infused cells led to better regeneration results.
STUDY DESCRIPTION
Status: Completed
Promoter: Blood and Tissue Bank (BST).
IACUC / Ethics Committee: Veterinary Clinical Hospital (UAB)
Investigators: F. García, J. García, F. Gòdia, J.J. Cairó, D. Peris, J. Barrachina, R. Soler Rich, M. Pumarola, M. Prades, F. Soler, Ll. Orozco.
Entities: Blood and Tissue Bank; Dept. of Chemical Engineering (UAB); Veterinary Clinical Hospital (UAB); ITRT-Teknon Medical Center; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UAB); EGARSAT.
Funding: BST (MEDCEL Project, State Secretariat for Universities and Research)
