Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to have the potential for articular cartilage regeneration, and are suggested for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Here, we investigated whether intra-articular injection of xenogeneic human adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells (haMPCs) promoted articular cartilage repair in rabbit OA model and engrafted into rabbit articular cartilage. The h...

It is becoming increasingly apparent that articular cartilage growth is achieved by apposition from the articular surface. For such a mechanism to occur, a population of stem/progenitor cells must reside within the articular cartilage to provide transit amplifying progeny for growth. Here, we report on the isolation of an articular cartilage progenitor cell from the surface zone of articular ca...

BACKGROUND Participation in football can put both male and female players at an increased risk for knee osteoarthritis. There is a higher prevalence of focal chondral defects in the knee of athletes compared to nonathletes. The management of chondral defects in the football player is complex and multifactorial. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the current strategie...

The information from spectral reflectance of articular cartilage has been related to the integrity of the tissue. This study explores more in detail the interrelations between the cartilage composition, structure and mechanical properties, and optical spectral reflectance. Using human osteochondral samples the reflectance spectral images of articular cartilage were captured and analyzed by usin...

Somatotropin (STH) administered to earth gravity birds (1 g) stimulated the mean growth in height of the articular cartilage layer of the distal tibial epiphyses (DTE) and of the resting and proliferating layers of the proximal epiphyses of os tarsometatarsus (PE-TMT). However, it inhibited growth in height of the calcified cartilage zone of both epiphyses. Hypergravity control animals (2 g) sh...

Background. Intra-articular infections can rapidly lead to osteoarthritic degradation. The aim of this clinical biomarker analysis was to investigate the influence of inflammation on cartilage destruction and metabolism. Methods. Patients with acute joint infections were enrolled in a prospective clinical trial and the cytokine composition of effusions (n = 76) was analyzed. Characteristics of ...

Changes in articular cartilage during the aging process are a stage of natural changes in the human body. Old age is the major risk factor for osteoarthritis but the disease does not have to be an inevitable consequence of aging. Chondrocytes are particularly prone to developing age-related changes. Changes in articular cartilage that take place in the course of aging include the acquisition of...

The aim of the present study was to examine hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) levels in the synovial fluid and articular cartilage of patients with primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to investigate their association with the severity of disease. A total of 36 patients with knee OA and ten healthy controls were enrolled. Anteroposterior knee radiographs and/or Mankin scores were assessed to...

The fine structure of the surface and superficial layer of the articular cartilage is of special interest for the analysis of the functions and pathological changes of the joint. The arrangement of the collagen fibrils in the surface layer of the articular cartilage has been investigated by the Spaltlinie method (BENNINGHOFF, 1925), by phase contrast microscopy (MACCONAILL, 1951) and by polariz...

OBJECTIVE To refresh the athletic trainer's knowledge of articular cartilage biomechanics, physiology, and structure and explore the role of glucosamine sulfate in treating articular cartilage pathologic conditions, including supplementation methods and clinical outcomes. DATA SOURCES We searched MEDLINE from 1989 through 2000 and SPORT Discus from 1975 through 2000 using the following key wo...