Introduction
Numerous investigations into MSCs have demonstrated their effectiveness in treating diseases with the ideal properties of a stem cell and a regenerative capacity. Due to their capability of converting into divergent cell types such as bone cells, cartilage cells, muscle cells, and adipose tissue, they stand as a worthy resource in the context of tissue repair and regeneration. Recently, MSCs have attracted considerable interest because of their potential to treat degenerative diseases, orthopedic injuries, and some systemic diseases. MSCs are also relatively easily isolable from several tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood, and are moderately immunogenic. With MSC’s research progression, researchers are learning how to apply its functionality to various clinical uses such as tissue engineering, disease mimicking, and treatments. Here in this article, the authors discuss and outline the timely advancements in MSC research and its applications to regenerative medicine.
The Versatility of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
MSCs are multipotent stem cells that reside in the bone marrow and are capable of differentiating into mesenchymal derivatives, including osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. Due to this versatility, MSCs are suitable for use in different forms of therapy. There are ethical issues associated with ESC, and there is adequate evidence indicating that MSCs derived from adult tissues are tumorigenic. MSCs are easy to isolate from adult tissues and can be grown in vitro and then implanted back into the body without fear of immune rejection.
They also discovered that MSCs have special potential in differentiating bone cells, hence being recommended in the treatment of bone injury and defects. Researchers have shown that MSC-based therapies can be used to successfully reconstruct large defects in the bones of animals. Studies on the use of MSCs alongside scaffolds like hydroxyapatite in preclinical studies have demonstrated MSCs’ potential as a potent tool in bone regeneration and the achievement of optimal mechanical properties of damaged tissues.
Chondrogenesis: MSCs in Cartilage Regeneration
Cartilage repair is yet another field where MSCs have proved to be invaluable Cartilage repair is an area where MSCs have a tremendous deal of potential. The low intrinsic healing capability of cartilage tissue, especially in joint surfaces, has led to the search for novel approaches to the management of joint diseases. These MSCs can be chondrogenic or become chondrocytes that form cartilage tissue. Investigators have also been able to direct chondrogenesis in vitro by applying culture conditions that resemble the native cartilage. In these systems, MSCs differentiate into chondrocytes and proliferate to form three-dimensional aggregates where they deposit cartilage-specific proteins such as type II collagen and aggrecan essential to cartilage health.
In clinical practice, MSCs are being explored concerning conditions such as osteoarthritis that result in cartilage damage and pain and dysfunction of joints. In a trial involving patients with OA, scientists plan to help the body rebuild cartilage by implanting MSCs directly into the damaged joints of patients with the condition. Some of the early clinical studies have used it and noted a positive impact on joint function and pain relief, but much more research is required to determine the long-term effects of using this product.