Effects of intra-articular applied rat BMSCs expressing alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide or substance P on osteoarthritis pathogenesis in a murine surgical osteoarthritis model

We conclude that i.a. injection of rBMSC in general have a beneficial effect on cartilage matrix structure, subchondral bone microarchitecture and inflammation. rBMSC-αCGRP have anabolic and possible analgesic properties and may attenuate the progression or severity of OA. In contrast, rBMSC-SP exert a more catabolic influence on knee joints of both, Sham and DMM mice, making it a potential candidate for inhibition studies.