CARTILAGEPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2025-08-04DOI: 10.1177/19476035251357836
Beth Lineham, Ahmad Joumah, Thomas Hamilton, Nagitha Wijayathunga, Hemant Pandit
{"title":"Magnetic Resonance Imaging Derived Cartilage Morphological Changes and their Correlation with Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Following Knee Joint Distraction for Osteoarthritis: A 12-Month Cohort Study.","authors":"Beth Lineham, Ahmad Joumah, Thomas Hamilton, Nagitha Wijayathunga, Hemant Pandit","doi":"10.1177/19476035251357836","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251357836","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>AimsKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant source of morbidity and socioeconomic burden, exacerbated by aging populations and rising body mass index. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is effective but may result in dissatisfaction or revision, particularly in young patients. Knee Joint Distraction (KJD) offers a joint-preserving alternative that may delay or avoid replacement. This study assessed cartilage morphology changes using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients up to 1-year post-KJD in patients from a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The primary aim was to evaluate cartilage volumes at 12 months post-KJD. Secondary aims were to evaluate additional MRI parameters for cartilage morphology and compare the MRI parameters with Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) scores at 3 and 12 months.MethodsA subset of participants from an RCT comparing TKR and KJD were analyzed. The MRI and PROMs, including Knee Injury & Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (KOOS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and pain visual analogue scale (VAS), were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months postintervention. Cartilage segmentation using commercial software and grading using the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) were performed.ResultsTen patients were included. Increases in mean cartilage volume were observed in all regions except the trochlear at both follow-ups. Mean cartilage thickness increased in all areas except the lateral tibia. Mean denuded bone area decreased in all regions at 12 months and in the lateral femur at 3 months. Baseline cartilage status was predictive of treatment response.ConclusionKJD led to improvements in cartilage morphology up to 12 months, suggesting its potential as a joint-preserving strategy for knee OA. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm benefits and understand mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"289-298"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12321802/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144774695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CARTILAGEPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2025-07-29DOI: 10.1177/19476035251355522
Mikel Sánchez, Jorge Guadilla, Cristina Jorquera, Daniel Marijuán-Pinel, Jon Mercader-Ruiz, Maider Beitia, Renato Andrade, João Espregueira-Mendes, Sergio González, Jaime Oraa, Leonor López de Dicastillo, Nicolás Fiz, Juan Azofra, Diego Delgado
{"title":"Intra-articular Injections of Allogeneic Platelet-Rich Plasma from Responder Patients for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot and Feasibility Clinical Trial.","authors":"Mikel Sánchez, Jorge Guadilla, Cristina Jorquera, Daniel Marijuán-Pinel, Jon Mercader-Ruiz, Maider Beitia, Renato Andrade, João Espregueira-Mendes, Sergio González, Jaime Oraa, Leonor López de Dicastillo, Nicolás Fiz, Juan Azofra, Diego Delgado","doi":"10.1177/19476035251355522","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251355522","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of allogeneic platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from responder donors to treat knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients who showed negative response to autologous PRP.DesignThis pilot feasibility trial included KOA patients who did not respond to previous autologous PRP treatment. They were treated with intra-articular injections of allogeneic PRP from responder donors. Patients filled out Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Lequesne Index at baseline, 2, 6, and 12 months. Blood and PRP from donors and patients were analyzed, and a cell proliferation study was carried out.ResultsOf the 16 patients enrolled, 14 completed the study. KOOS pain subscale and VAS showed a significant increase from baseline to 12 months, and the Lequesne Index to 6 months (<i>P</i> < .005). Six patients (42.9%) showed a Minimal Clinically Important Improvement. No adverse reactions to allogeneic PRP were reported. The platelet number between donors and recipients was similar (<i>P</i> > .05) with a platelet concentration factor of 2.5. Donors were significantly younger than patients (<i>P</i> < .05) and presented higher levels of IGF-1 (<i>P</i> < .05). Cell bioactivity showed no differences between patient and donor PRP (<i>P</i> > .05).ConclusionThe use of allogeneic PRP from donor responders is a feasible and safe treatment for KOA patients who do not respond to autologous PRP. This treatment showed efficacy after 1 year of follow-up, suggesting a valid alternative for these patients, although further research is needed.EU Clinical Trials Register (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/). Registration number: 2021-001267-24.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"500-510"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12307335/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144728141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Use of Collagen-Based Filler for Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis: Long-Term Follow-Up and Future Applications.","authors":"Massimo Corain, Niccolò Faccioli, Umberto Lavagnolo","doi":"10.1177/19476035251354926","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251354926","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundTrapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMO) is a prevalent degenerative condition. While conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, drugs, and corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections offer symptomatic relief, their long-term efficacy remains debated. A recent study has explored collagen-based fillers as an alternative, but long-term clinical outcomes are still under investigation.MethodsThis study enrolled 64 patients diagnosed with TMO, stratified into 2 groups based on the Eaton-Littler classification (grade 1-2: group A; grade 3-4: group B). All patients received a percutaneous intra-articular injection of a cell-free collagenic hydrogel under ultrasound guidance. Outcomes were assessed more than 2 years using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, Jamar and Pinch tests for grip strength, and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.ResultsIn both groups, all studied variables demonstrated a significant improvement (<i>P</i> < 0.001) that was sustained in the long term. Notably, greater improvement was observed in strength tests for Group A patients and in the DASH score for Group B patients. The most substantial improvement occurred between 2 and 6 months post-procedure. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionCollagen-based filler injections provide long-term pain relief and functional improvement in TMO, representing a promising minimally invasive treatment option.Trial registry name:NCT06881186.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"467-474"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12213533/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144539097","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CARTILAGEPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2024-11-20DOI: 10.1177/19476035241297693
Yu Huang, Fengqiong Zuo, Jue Wu, Shaoping Wu
{"title":"TNF-α Regulated Bidirectional Interaction Between Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Articular Chondrocytes.","authors":"Yu Huang, Fengqiong Zuo, Jue Wu, Shaoping Wu","doi":"10.1177/19476035241297693","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035241297693","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundArticular chondrocytes (ACs) secrete a variety of extracellular matrix components to maintain the functions of articular cartilage. Degeneration of ACs leads to the degeneration of articular cartilage and consequently to osteoarthritis. The secretion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is capable of protecting ACs from degeneration, and thus BMSCs are widely applied to treat osteoarthritis.ObjectiveThis study aims to explore whether BMSCs and ACs will affect the functions of each other through their secretions in the context of osteoarthritis.DesignBMSCs and ACs isolated from rabbits were identified using flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. Conditioned medium of BMSCs and ACs treated with 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 ng/ml of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were collected and used to treat ACs and BMSCs, respectively. The viabilities of ACs and BMSCs treated with condition medium were assessed using a Cell Count Kit-8 (CCK-8) kit. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunoblotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods were employed to evaluate the relative expression levels of genes and proteins, as well as the cytokine concentrations in the supernatant.ResultsImmunofluorescence and flow cytometry results indicated that the purity of isolated cells exceeded 95%. CCK-8 analysis showed that 6 hours of treatment with a conditioned medium did not affect the viability of BMSCs and ACs. However, treatment for 12 hours or longer significantly increased the viability of BMSCs (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and significantly decreased the viability of ACs (<i>p</i> < 0.01). RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the relative expression levels of <i>Runx2</i> (1.15-3.91), <i>Alp</i> (1.06-2.84), <i>TNF</i> (BMSCs: 0.94-2.54; ACs: 1.03-2.64), <i>IL6</i> (BMSCs: 0.98-2.78; ACs: 0.96-3.71), <i>IL17A</i> (BMSCs: 1.08-5.91; ACs: 0.90-4.20), and <i>IL10</i> (BMSCs: 0.93-2.82; ACs: 0.89-2.25) genes in conditioned medium-treated BMSCs and ACs were dose-dependently elevated (<i>p</i> < 0.001) by TNF-α treatment. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that the expression levels of RUNX2 (0.53-0.86) and ALP (0.49-0.85) proteins were also dose-dependently elevated (<i>p</i> < 0.001) by TNF-α treatment. ELISA results showed similar TNF-α dose-dependent increases (<i>p</i> < 0.001) in the supernatant concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (BMSCs: 36.90 ± 0.75 to 199.38 pg/ml; ACs: 29.76 to 293.99 pg/ml), interleukin (IL)-6 (BMSCs: 4.96-48.24 pg/ml; ACs: 6.12-38.15 pg/ml), IL-17 (BMSCs: 3.06-28.99 pg/ml; ACs: 3.08-28.51 pg/ml), as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (BMSCs: 6.34-65.02 pg/ml; ACs: 5.30-34.85 pg/ml).ConclusionTogether, these results indicate a TNF-α-regulated bidirectional interaction between BMSCs and ACs, deepening our understanding of the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and aiding in its prevention and treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"575-587"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11580114/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142681054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CARTILAGEPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2024-11-29DOI: 10.1177/19476035241301291
Chia Tai, Akira Ito, Zixi Zhao, Hiroshi Kuroki, Tomoki Aoyama
{"title":"Attenuating Cartilage Degeneration in a Low Mechanical Compression Rat Model Through Intra-Articular Injections of Allogeneic Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.","authors":"Chia Tai, Akira Ito, Zixi Zhao, Hiroshi Kuroki, Tomoki Aoyama","doi":"10.1177/19476035241301291","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035241301291","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveMechanical stimulation significantly contributes to posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), a condition that impedes patient recovery following intra-articular injury. Effective treatment options for compression-induced injuries are limited. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) implantation has emerged as a potential therapeutic breakthrough for joint diseases. The aim of this study was to attenuate the progression of PTOA induced by cyclic loading and demonstrate the potential effectiveness of BMSCs in a rat model of low mechanical compression.DesignUsing a rat model of compression-induced articular cartilage injury, assessments were conducted 2, 4, and 8 weeks after cyclic compressive loading. The expression of matrix metallopeptidase 13, transforming growth factor-beta 3 (TGF-β3), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and cleaved caspase-3 was evaluated through immunohistochemistry to investigate the mechanistic aspects underlying the prevention of compression-induced injury following BMSCs treatment.ResultsIntra-articular injections of BMSCs significantly improved scores in the OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) Osteoarthritis Cartilage Histopathology Assessment System and Histological-Histochemical Grading System. This treatment showed positive outcomes in maintaining high relative cell density and reducing proteoglycan loss after cyclic compression-induced injury. The expression patterns of IGF-1 and TGF-β3 provide valuable insights into the presence and distribution of these growth factors in healthy and injured cartilage.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the efficacy of BMSCs treatment in attenuating the advancement of compression-induced injuries, albeit within a limited timeframe.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"705-717"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11607721/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142749630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CARTILAGEPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2025-03-19DOI: 10.1177/19476035251326276
Mariia Oliinyk, Simon C Mastbergen, Anne Karien C A Marijnissen, David T Felson, David J Hunter, Micheal C Nevitt, Harrie Weinans, Mylène P Jansen
{"title":"Comparing Five Major Knee Osteoarthritis Cohort Studies: Similarities, Differences, and Unique Aspects of CHECK, OAI, FNIH, IMI-APPROACH, and MOST.","authors":"Mariia Oliinyk, Simon C Mastbergen, Anne Karien C A Marijnissen, David T Felson, David J Hunter, Micheal C Nevitt, Harrie Weinans, Mylène P Jansen","doi":"10.1177/19476035251326276","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251326276","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveTo analyze and synthesize the information available from five pivotal, large-scale, multicenter, observational studies (CHECK, OAI, FNIH Biomarkers Consortium, IMI-APPROACH, and MOST) focusing on knee osteoarthritis (OA), which can be used to elucidate disease progression, risk factors, and the effectiveness of potential interventions.DesignFor this narrative review, a comprehensive literature search and data extraction from official web pages and scientific databases were conducted to compare methodologies, in- and exclusion criteria, outcomes, and cohort characteristics across the studies. Thematic, comparative, and qualitative analyses were employed to identify trends, commonalities, and disparities among the findings.ResultsThe studies collectively enhanced understanding of the onset and progression of knee OA, and in several of the studies, hip OA, emphasizing the importance of both systemic and local risk factors. Advanced imaging and biomarkers are important components in all the cohorts, with the goal of aiding early diagnosis and tracking disease progression. All cohorts evaluated unique markers generally not available in the other cohorts, while other factors overlap, suggesting possibilities for combining or cross-validating between cohorts.ConclusionsThe collaborative efforts of major OA research significantly advance our understanding of knee OA. These studies highlight the importance of a multifaceted approach, integrating advanced imaging, biomarkers, and longitudinal data to tackle the complexities of OA. By synthesizing findings and addressing knowledge gaps such as heterogeneity of patients and used measurements, and use of novel pain measures, future research can develop more effective diagnostic tools and treatments, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for OA patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"475-489"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11924058/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143656182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CARTILAGEPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2025-02-21DOI: 10.1177/19476035251320747
Ju Zeng, Decui Liang, Guangyan Tang
{"title":"Grading of Cartilage Damage in Degenerative Knee Osteoarthritis Based on Quantitative Parameters of the Infrapatellar Fat Pad: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Ju Zeng, Decui Liang, Guangyan Tang","doi":"10.1177/19476035251320747","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251320747","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PurposeThe aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between quantitative texture parameters and degenerative cartilage damage in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by conducting a full-volume texture analysis of infrapatellar fat pad (IFP). In addition, this study also explored if the quantitative texture parameter models outperform semi-quantitative model in cartilage damage classification tasks.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study involved 202 patients who were diagnosed with KOA using imaging and clinical examinations. Texture parameters of the IFP were extracted from sagittal FSE PDWI fat-suppressed sequence images, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was used for feature selection. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between semi-quantitative parameter (Hoffa-synovitis score), quantitative parameters, and cartilage damage. Five multi-classification logistic regression models were developed to predict cartilage damage grade by using Hoffa-synovitis score, texture parameters, and clinical characteristics as independent variables. Subsequently, the performance of these models was compared.ResultsEight texture features were screened out in this study. Correlation analysis showed that Hoffa synovitis score, texture parameters, and cartilage damage grade were significantly correlated (all <i>P</i> < 0.05). The strongest correlation was found between Hoffa-synovitis score and cartilage damage, demonstrating a moderate positive relationship (<i>r</i> = 0.62). In terms of texture features, the Correlation parameter exhibited a moderate positive correlation with cartilage damage (<i>r</i> = 0.49), while other texture parameters had a slight positive correlation degree of positive or negative correlation. In the task of classifying cartilage damage, the model's macro-average area under the curve (AUC) only using the Hoffa-synovitis score was 0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64, 0.83), while the model using only selected texture parameters achieved a macro-average AUC of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.68, 0.94). Furthermore, the model that combined texture parameters and clinical features also achieved a macro-average AUC of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.72, 0.94). By integrating the Hoffa-synovitis score, texture parameters, and clinical features, the model's macro-average AUC experienced a slight improvement to 0.85 (95% CI: 0.74, 0.93). Notably, the model combining only Hoffa-synovitis score and texture parameters had the best classification performance, with a macro-average AUC of 0.88 (95% CI: 77, 0.97). The performance of the 4 models incorporating texture parameters outperformed that of the Hoffa-synovitis score alone (all <i>P</i> < 0.05), however with no significant statistical difference observed among the 4 models (all <i>P</i> > 0.05).ConclusionsThere existed a correlation between the texture parameters of the infrapatellar fat IFP and cartilage damage in KOA. The models using textu","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"511-521"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11846089/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143466958","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CARTILAGEPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2025-08-31DOI: 10.1177/19476035251369735
Thomas J Manzoni, Anh Ho, Lilly Smull, Valarie C West, Jeffery D V Waters, Karina Lemus, James Adams, Alvin W Su, Justin Parreno
{"title":"Enhanced Superficial Zone Chondrocyte Expansion and Redifferentiation by Culture on Chondrocyte-Derived Decellularized Matrices.","authors":"Thomas J Manzoni, Anh Ho, Lilly Smull, Valarie C West, Jeffery D V Waters, Karina Lemus, James Adams, Alvin W Su, Justin Parreno","doi":"10.1177/19476035251369735","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251369735","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundCell-based therapies to regenerate native-like cartilage are limited by the inability to re-express zone-specific molecules. While monolayer-expanded (passaged) chondrocytes are a clinically approved cell source, the resulting tissues have reduced Proteoglycan-4 (PRG4) expression. This may be due to poor attachment, slow proliferation, and dedifferentiation of superficial zone chondrocytes (SZC) on polystyrene. Optimizing expansion conditions is therefore critical. Chondrocyte-derived decellularized extracellular matrix (CD-ECM) has been shown to enhance proliferation and reduce dedifferentiation of full-thickness chondrocytes, but its effect on SZC remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that culturing SZC on CD-ECM would improve attachment, proliferation, and reduced dedifferentiation, enabling formation of PRG4-expressing tissue.MethodsPrimary bovine SZC were seeded on polystyrene or CD-ECM. Attachment, expansion rate, and gene expression were evaluated during passaging. Cells from each condition were assessed for their capacity to form PRG4-expressing bioengineered tissue.ResultsPrimary bovine SZC had increased attachment and reached confluency faster on CD-ECM. SZC on CD-ECM were smaller, with fewer actin stress fibers, and exhibited reduced expression of dedifferentiation markers. Furthermore, SZC expanded on CD-ECM were stimulated to form tissues rich in Collagen II and Aggrecan with higher Proteoglycan-4 expression.ConclusionsThe use of CD-ECM for passaging SZC may aid in achieving an adequate number of SZC for bioengineering purposes.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"616-630"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12399585/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144944091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CARTILAGEPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2025-07-03DOI: 10.1177/19476035251351713
Josefine Ekholm, Kristina Vukusic, Camilla Brantsing, Georgina Shaw, Fazal Ur Rehman Bhatti, Stina Simonsson, Anna Falk, Mary Murphy, Victoria Rotter Sopasakis, Anders Lindahl
{"title":"Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Toward Implantable Chondroprogenitor Cells.","authors":"Josefine Ekholm, Kristina Vukusic, Camilla Brantsing, Georgina Shaw, Fazal Ur Rehman Bhatti, Stina Simonsson, Anna Falk, Mary Murphy, Victoria Rotter Sopasakis, Anders Lindahl","doi":"10.1177/19476035251351713","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251351713","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background.</i> Post-traumatic chondral and osteochondral lesions can be treated with autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), but the high cost of autologous cell expansion under strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations limits patient access. Stem cell-based advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) offer more cost-effective alternatives, with human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) showing great promise due to their expandability, low immunogenicity, commercialization potential, and fewer ethical concerns. <i>Aim.</i> To develop a protocol to direct iPSC through a mesenchymal stage into chondroprogenitors (iCHOp), resembling autologous chondroprogenitor cells used in ACI. <i>Methods.</i> The derived chondroprogenitor cells were expanded in monolayer and in 3-dimensional (3D) cultures and subsequently analyzed using transcriptomic profiling via RNA sequencing and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and compared with ACI chondrocytes. <i>Results.</i> Transcriptomic profiling confirmed successful differentiation, with iCHOp showing 83% similarity to ACI chondrocytes. Further 3D culture maturation led to upregulation of chondrogenesis-related genes and activation of cartilage-specific pathways. Histological analysis confirmed extracellular matrix production, including proteoglycans, collagen, and versican. Furthermore, the protocol's reproducibility was demonstrated using 3 distinct iPSC lines, successfully expanded in both serum-containing and defined serum-free media. <i>Conclusion.</i> Our optimized approach yields iCHOp with phenotypes closely matching ACI chondrocytes, offering a solid foundation for further development and potential clinical applications in cartilage repair.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":" ","pages":"644-659"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12226525/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144552421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CARTILAGEPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2025-10-14DOI: 10.1177/19476035251379214
Camila Vicioso, Mark Kurapatti, Luca M Valdivia, Ryan Smolarsky, Sophie deBettencourt, Avanish Yendluri, Prabhjot Singh, Nikan K Namiri, Hulaimatu Jalloh, Robert L Parisien
{"title":"High Variability in Return-to-Sport Assessment After Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation of the Knee: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Camila Vicioso, Mark Kurapatti, Luca M Valdivia, Ryan Smolarsky, Sophie deBettencourt, Avanish Yendluri, Prabhjot Singh, Nikan K Namiri, Hulaimatu Jalloh, Robert L Parisien","doi":"10.1177/19476035251379214","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19476035251379214","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PurposeTo systematically review return-to-sport (RTS) patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) usage following autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI). We hypothesized that RTS reporting would be highly inconsistent, limiting clinical applicability.MethodsA systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus (January 1, 2014-December 8, 2024). Eligible studies reported RTS PROMs after ACI/MACI. Extracted data included study design, demographics, name and type of scale used, and assessment modality.ResultsOf 807 studies screened, 85 met inclusion criteria. Measures used to report RTS varied widely. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Sport/Rec and the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form were the most commonly reported validated PROMs, included in 71.8% and 49.4% of studies, respectively. Only 15.3% of studies reported RTS as a postoperative percentage. Of all, 22.4% of studies used custom, nonvalidated tools. Most studies (49.4%) were prospective, and in-person evaluation was most common (52.8%). Timepoints of RTS measurement were inconsistent.ConclusionsRTS is inconsistently quantified following ACI/MACI, limiting cross-study comparisons and complicating clinical interpretation of outcomes. Standardized use of and expansion of validated PROMs is needed to improve the clinical applicability of data on RTS for ACI/MACI.</p>","PeriodicalId":9626,"journal":{"name":"CARTILAGE","volume":"17 3","pages":"397-407"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12521132/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148758515","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}