[Experimental study on repair of articular cartilage defects with homograft of marrow mesenchymal stem cells seeded onto poly-L-lactic acid/gelatin].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of homograft of marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seeded onto poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)/gelatin on repair of articular cartilage defects.


METHODS
The MSCs derived from 36 Qingzilan rabbits, aging 4 to 6 months and weighed 2.5-3.5 kg were cultured in vitro and seeded onto PLLA/gelatin. The MSCs/PLLA/gelatin composite was cultured and transplanted into full thickness defects on intercondylar fossa. Thirty-six healthy Qingzilan rabbits were made models of cartilage defects in the intercondylar fossa. These rabbits were divided into 3 groups according to the repair materials with 12 in each group: group A, MSCs and PLLA/gelatin complex (MSCs/PLLA/gelatin); group B, only PLLA/gelatin; and group C, nothing. At 4, 8 and 12 weeks after operation, the gross, histological and immunohistochemical observations were made, and grading scales were evaluated.


RESULTS
At 12 weeks after transplantation, defect was repaired and the structures of the cartilage surface and normal cartilage was in integrity. The defects in group A were repaired by the hyline-like tissue and defects in groups B and C were repaired by the fibrous tissues. Immunohistochemical staining showed that cells in the zones of repaired tissues were larger in size, arranged columnedly, riched in collagen II matrix and integrated satisfactorily with native adjacent cartilages and subchondral bones in group A at 12 weeks postoperatively. In gross score, group A (2.75 +/- 0.89) was significantly better than group B (4.88 +/- 1.25) and group C (7.38 +/- 1.18) 12 weeks after operation, showing significant differences (P < 0.05); in histological score, group A (3.88 +/- 1.36) was better than group B (8.38 +/- 1.06) and group C (13.13 +/- 1.96), and group B was better than group C, showing significant differences (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells seeded onto PLLA/gelatin is a promising way for the treatment of cartliage defects.
Wang
Mige
M
Orthopedics Institute, Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Gansu, 730030, PR China. dolphin123x@163.com
Xia
Yayi
Y
Wang
Shuanke
S
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D005780:Gelatin / Q000737:chemistry; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D010012:Osteogenesis; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D011817:Rabbits; D011897:Random Allocation; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide); D005780:Gelatin