Application of Synovial Fluid Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Platelet-rich Plasma Hydrogel for Focal Cartilage Defect

PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness of synovial fluid mesenchymal stem cells (SFMSCs) mixed with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and thermosensitive hydrogel in the management of porcine articular cartilage defects in vitro and in vivo.MethodsThe in vitro experiment was designed to evaluate the differential potential of cell-laden PRP composite hydrogels, i.e., porcine SFMSCs plus PRP with thermosensitive hydrogel. The chondrogenic-related gene expressions were evaluated for 3 weeks. For the in vivo experiment, an osteochondral defect was first created in the medial condyle of the porcine femurs, which was filled with PRP composite hydrogel, i.e., PRP with thermosensitive hydrogel, in the right femur. The left femur was embedded with cell-laden PRP composite hydrogel. The gross morphology, microscopic histology, and immunohistological staining were evaluated at 4 weeks and 8 weeks after implantation.ResultsThe in vitro study demonstrated that the cell-laden PRP composite hydrogel appeared to have profound chondrogenic potential. The in vivo study also revealed that the cell-laden PRP composite hydrogels had better therapeutic effects with increased cell growth and maturation of chondrocyte than that of the PRP composite hydrogel only group.ConclusionThe SFMSCs with PRP and thermosensitive hydrogel have a great capability for chondrocyte regeneration and maturation.