Growth factors and chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

• Published in: Tissue & cell 2012-04, Vol.44 (2), p.69-73
• Main Authors: Danišovič, Ľ, Varga, I, Polák, Š
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Advanced Basic Science; Age; Cartilage (articular); Cartilage diseases; Cell Differentiation; Cell Proliferation; Chondrocytes; Chondrocytes - cytology; Chondrocytes - metabolism; Chondrogenesis; Chondrogenic differentiation; Debilitation; Differentiation; Fibroblast Growth Factors - pharmacology; Fibroblast Growth Factors - therapeutic use; Growth factors; Humans; Hyaline Cartilage - pathology; Hyaline Cartilage - transplantation; Innervation; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I - metabolism; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I - therapeutic use; Limiting factors; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Mesenchymal stem cells; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - cytology; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - metabolism; Mesenchyme; Osteoarthritis; Osteoarthritis - pathology; Osteoarthritis - therapy; Sex; Stem cells; Transforming Growth Factor beta - metabolism; Transforming Growth Factor beta - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 0040-8166; 1532-3072
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2011.11.005

Abstract The main purpose of the article is to review recent knowledge about growth factors and their effect on the chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells under in vitro conditions. Damaged or lost articular cartilage leads to progressive debilitation, which have major impact on the life quality of the affected individuals of both sexes in all age groups. Mature hyaline cartilage has a very low self-repair potential due to intrinsic properties – lack of innervation and vascular supply. Another limiting factor is low mitotic potential of chondrocytes. Small defects are healed by migration of chondrocytes, while large ones are healed by formation of inferior fibrocartilage. However, in many cases osteoarthritis develops. Recently, cellular therapy combining mesenchymal stem cells and proper differentiation factors seems to be promising tool for hyaline cartilage defects healing.