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Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society2011; 29(7); 1121-1130; doi: 10.1002/jor.21366

Autologous chondrocyte implantation drives early chondrogenesis and organized repair in extensive full- and partial-thickness cartilage defects in an equine model.

Abstract: Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) has been used clinically for over 15 years and yet definitive evidence of chondrocyte persistence and direct impact on cartilage repair in full-thickness lesions is scant and no data are available on ACI in partial-thickness defects in any animal model. This study assessed the effect of chondrocytes secured using periosteal overlay in partial- and full-thickness cartilage defects in the equine model. Paired cartilage defects 15 mm in diameter were made in the patellofemoral joint of 16 horse and repaired with ACI or periosteal flap alone. Response was assessed at 8 weeks by clinical, microradiographic, and histologic appearance, and by collagen type II immunohistochemistry, and proteoglycan and DNA quantification. ACI improved histologic scores in partial- and full-thickness cartilage defects, including defect filling, attachment to the underlying subchondral bone, and presence of residual chondrocyte accumulations. For partial-thickness defects chondrocyte predominance, collagen type II content, and toluidine stained matrix were enhanced, and attachment to the surrounding cartilage improved. DNA and PG content of grafted partial-thickness defects was improved by chondrocyte implantation. Periosteal patches alone did not induce cartilage repair. This study indicated implantation of chondrocytes to cartilage defects improved healing with a combination of persisting chondrocyte regions, enhanced collagen type II formation, and better overall cartilage healing scores. Use of ACI in the more challenging partial-thickness defects also improved histologic indices and biochemical content. The equine model of cartilage healing closely resembles cartilage repair in man, and results of this study confirm cell persistence and improved early cartilage healing events after ACI.
Copyright © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society.
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Publication Date: 2011-02-11 PubMed ID: 21319216DOI: 10.1002/jor.21366Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article investigates the effects of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) on the repair of full and partial-thickness cartilage defects in horses. The study found that ACI improved healing outcomes, which suggests that it could be a successful treatment method for cartilage injuries in humans as well.

Study Background and Purpose

  • The research was conducted to assess the effects of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) on the repair of full and partial-thickness cartilage defects in an equine model.
  • Despite ACI being used clinically for over 15 years, the study pointed out that there is limited direct evidence of its impact in full-thickness lesions, and no data on its use in partial-thickness defects in any animal model.
  • The research was thus designed to bridge this knowledge gap and provide more comprehensive insights into the efficacy of ACI in repairing different types of cartilage injuries.

Methodology

  • The experiment involved creating paired cartilage defects 15mm in diameter in the patellofemoral joint of 16 horses, which were then repaired using either ACI or a periosteal flap alone.
  • The response to each treatment was assessed at 8 weeks using clinical, microradiographic, and histologic appearance, collagen type II immunohistochemistry, and proteoglycan and DNA quantification.

Results

  • The study noted that ACI improved histologic scores in both full- and partial-thickness cartilage defects, including defect filling, attachment to the underlying subchondral bone, and the presence of residual chondrocyte accumulations.
  • In the case of partial-thickness defects, enhancements were observed in chondrocyte predominance, collagen type II content, toluidine-stained matrix, and the attachment to the surrounding cartilage.
  • DNA and proteoglycan content were improved by chondrocyte implantation in grafted partial-thickness defects.
  • Conversely, periosteal patches alone did not induce cartilage repair.

Implications

  • The study’s findings suggest that implantation of chondrocytes improved cartilage repair by leading to persisting chondrocyte regions, enhanced collagen type II formation, and better overall healing scores in the cartilage.
  • In addition, the use of ACI in partial-thickness defects, which traditionally present more surgical challenges, also improved healing outcomes.
  • The researchers concluded that the equine model of cartilage healing is similar to cartilage repair in humans, and this study confirms that cell persistence and early cartilage healing events are improved with ACI treatment.
  • Thus, ACI could be a potential therapeutic option for cartilage injuries in humans, though further studies are needed to translate this animal model research into human medicine.

Cite This Article

APA
Nixon AJ, Begum L, Mohammed HO, Huibregtse B, O'Callaghan MM, Matthews GL. (2011). Autologous chondrocyte implantation drives early chondrogenesis and organized repair in extensive full- and partial-thickness cartilage defects in an equine model. J Orthop Res, 29(7), 1121-1130. https://doi.org/10.1002/jor.21366

Publication

Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society
ISSN: 1554-527X
NlmUniqueID: 8404726
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 29
Issue: 7
Pages: 1121-1130

Researcher Affiliations

Nixon, Alan J
  • Comparative Orthopaedics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA. ajn1@cornell.edu
Begum, Laila
    Mohammed, Hussni O
      Huibregtse, Barbara
        O'Callaghan, Michael M
          Matthews, Gloria L

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Biopsy
            • Calcinosis / pathology
            • Calcinosis / physiopathology
            • Calcinosis / therapy
            • Cartilage, Articular / injuries
            • Cartilage, Articular / pathology
            • Cartilage, Articular / physiology
            • Cell Survival / physiology
            • Chondrocytes / pathology
            • Chondrocytes / transplantation
            • Chondrogenesis / physiology
            • Collagen Type II / metabolism
            • Disease Models, Animal
            • Graft Survival / physiology
            • Horses
            • Synovial Fluid / physiology
            • Wound Healing / physiology

            Citations

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