Osteoarthritis: Treatment Exploration Using Stem Cells

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the cartilage that affects millions. Its pathology is characterized by catabolic and anabolic factors that can be modified due to age, weight and genetics to increase the severity of deterioration. Current standards of care may manage symptoms, but there is currently no proven treatment of osteoarthritis to reverse degeneration and build back the ECM. Due to this, stem cells have been investigated as a potential therapy. This is because of their unique abilities to differentiate into many cell types and even regenerate tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells have been targeted specifically because of their high reproduction rate and many other important factors. Studies done have concluded that there are statistically significant benefits in treating osteoarthritic joints with mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue and umbilical cord tissue as well as synovial. Although these benefits have been recorded, it is still imperative that further studies be conducted to test the longevity of the treatment and its possible negative side effects.