Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder caused due to ageing, wear and tear of joints. Classified under degenerative joint disorders, it occurs in the cartilage which provides cushion effect in the joints causing pain, swelling and stiffness. General characteristics of OA: hereditary, expresses in middle age (around 55 years), more common in women than men. Hemophilia, avascular necrosis and rheumatoid arthritis also known to cause OA. Though the general medical methods seem to have little effect in the curing process, stem cell therapy in caprine model of osteoarthritis proves to be an effective method for reducing the pain and easing movement. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) play a major role in tissue repair mechanism and regeneration of the injured joint by an autologous preparation of stem cells to caprine knee joints. MSC(s) have capacity to differentiate into a variety of connective tissue cells: bone, cartilage, tendon, muscle and adipose tissue. Adult stem cells are isolated from the bone marrow, expanded in culture and transduced to express green fluorescent protein. OA is unilaterally induced into the knee joint of the specimen using medical meniscus and resection of anterior cruciate ligament. After 6 weeks, a single dose of 10 million autologous cells suspended in a dilute solution of sodium hyaluronen (SHA) was delivered to the injured knee by direct intra-articular injection. The control specimens receive only SHA and not OA so as to make a comparative study. Results showed evidence of regeneration of medical meniscus, implanted cells detected in newly formed tissues. This infection- free mode of therapy prevents progressive destruction seen in normal OA and effect observed 1-2 hours within implementation, hence proving to be an effective therapy with fairly successful results.

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