New developments in biologic approaches to articular cartilage regeneration

8^th International Conference on Tissue Science and Regenerative Medicine

September 11- 12, 2017 Singapore

Susan Chubinskaya

Rush University Medical Center, USA

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Tissue Sci Eng

Abstract :

Statement of the Problem: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of disability with one in three adults of working age having arthritis-attributable work limitations. In at least 12% of patients with symptomatic OA, the cause is joint injury that progressed over time to post-traumatic OA. Human adult articular cartilage has a limited innate ability to regenerate. Currently, no methodology is able to restore native structure and function of hyaline cartilage, though various approved surgical procedures lead to temporarily improved clinical outcomes. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the restoration of native cartilage structure is necessary for symptomatic improvement. In this presentation we will discuss new experimental biologic developments in the field of cartilage regeneration. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: We will provide an overview of new technologies tested in vitro and in vivo in animal models and in Phase-I clinical studies. We will also comment on existing clinical trials and discuss potential therapies for cartilage regeneration. Findings: New technologies aimed to regenerate cartilage usually involve cells growth and differentiation factors, a scaffold or graft, or combination therein. When addressing the question of cartilage regeneration it is critical to consider integration with surrounding cartilage tissue and subchondral bone. Cell sources for cartilage regeneration have included bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs, MSCs), umbilical cord cells, embryonic stem cells, human placental membrane and adipose derived MSCs, to name a few. Some approaches, like osteochondral grafts and minced cartilage products, have a benefit of the existing native matrix structure; though they are expensive and have low availability. To address regeneration of the osteochondral unit the focus has shifted to acellular scaffolds, preferably heterogeneous, that combines two distinct layers corresponding to the cartilage and bone to enable simultaneous regeneration of both tissues. One example of such scaffold that has been extensively tested in our laboratory and in animal models and human clinical trials is Agili-C (CartiHeal, Israel). This scaffold consists of a natural crystalline aragonite, derived from corals, to which hyaluronic acid is added. It showed a great ability to induce regeneration of chondral and osteochondral lesions and attract chondrocytes and stems cells to fill the defect area. We will also present evidence for biologic mechanism based therapies to have a potential to halt cartilage degeneration and stimulate repair. Conclusion & Significance: A number of new and exciting technologies are being developed for cartilage regeneration. However, one of the biggest challenges is the translation into the clinic.

Biography :

Susan Chubinskaya is an Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs at Rush University and Vice-Chair, Research and Faculty Development, Department of Pediatrics. She also holds joint appointments as Professor in the Departments of Internal Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center. She is an internationally recognized expert in the field of cartilage repair/regeneration, especially in post-traumatic and degenerative osteoarthritis. She has published more than 90 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 12 book chapters and more than 220 peer-reviewed abstracts.