Chondrocyte Isolation from Loose Bodies—An Option for Reducing Donor Site Morbidity for Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation

Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021484 · Published: January 12, 2023

Regenerative Medicine Genetics Orthopedics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether loose bodies, which are often discarded during surgery for osteochondritis dissecans, contain enough viable chondrocytes to be used for autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). This could reduce the need to take cartilage biopsies from other areas of the knee, avoiding donor site morbidity. Chondrocytes isolated from loose bodies (LB-CH) were compared to control chondrocytes (Ctrl-CH) from non-weight-bearing joint regions and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs). The study assessed their proliferation, viability, and ability to differentiate into cartilage cells after long-term expansion in the lab. The results suggest that LB-CH are a promising source of chondrocytes for ACI, as they showed comparable or even superior performance to Ctrl-CH in terms of proliferation, viability, and chondrogenic differentiation potential, while also avoiding the need for additional biopsies.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Loose bodies from 18 patients with osteochondritis dissecans, control chondrocytes from 7 patients, and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells from 6 patients

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
LB-CH exhibited comparable viability and proliferation rates to control cells during long-term expansion, with no ultimate cell cycle arrest observed within 12 passages.
2
The chondrogenic differentiation potential was comparable between LB-CH and Ctrl-CH, and both groups showed a significantly higher ability to form a hyaline cartilage matrix in vitro than BMSC.
3
Histological analysis of native loose body specimens showed a typical tri-zone organization of cartilage tissue, exhibiting a healthy and highly organized cartilage structure.

Research Summary

This study investigates the potential of using chondrocytes isolated from loose bodies (LB-CH) as a cell source for autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) to reduce donor site morbidity. LB-CH were compared to control chondrocytes (Ctrl-CH) and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) in terms of proliferation, viability, and chondrogenic differentiation potential. The results indicate that LB-CH exhibit comparable or superior performance to Ctrl-CH in long-term expansion, viability, and chondrogenic differentiation. Both LB-CH and Ctrl-CH showed a significantly higher ability to form a hyaline cartilage matrix in vitro than BMSCs. The study suggests that loose bodies are a promising cell source for obtaining suitable chondrocytes for therapeutic applications, circumventing donor site morbidity associated with current ACI procedures.

Practical Implications

Reduced Donor Site Morbidity

Utilizing loose bodies as a chondrocyte source eliminates the need for cartilage biopsies from healthy joint areas, minimizing patient discomfort and potential complications.

Improved ACI Efficacy

LB-derived chondrocytes exhibit comparable or superior chondrogenic potential compared to traditional sources, potentially leading to better cartilage repair outcomes.

Cost-Effective Treatment

Repurposing discarded loose bodies as a cell source could reduce the overall cost of ACI procedures.

Study Limitations

1
The control group was not derived from the same patients as the loose bodies, which could introduce bias.
2
The study focuses on in vitro analysis, and further in vivo studies are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of LB-derived chondrocytes.
3
The sample size for the control group was smaller than that of the loose body group.

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