Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Shaping the Future of Osteoarthritis Therapy with Advancements in Chitosan-Hyaluronic Acid Scaffolds

• Published in: Stem cells and development Vol. 34; no. 1-2; p. 1
• Main Authors: Ghamrawi, Ahed, Basso, Rasha, Shakik, Nour, Haddad, Lara, Nasr, Zeina, Harmouch, Chaza
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.2025
• Subjects: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Chitosan - chemistry; Chitosan - pharmacology; Chondrocytes - cytology; Chondrocytes - metabolism; Chondrogenesis - drug effects; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid - chemistry; Hyaluronic Acid - pharmacology; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation - methods; Mesenchymal Stem Cells - cytology; Mesenchymal Stem Cells - metabolism; Osteoarthritis - pathology; Osteoarthritis - therapy; Tissue Engineering - methods; Tissue Scaffolds - chemistry; Wharton Jelly - cytology; stem cells; chondrogenesis; MSC; regeneration; cell therapy
• ISSN: 1557-8534
• DOI: 10.1089/scd.2024.0033

This review explores the potential of Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) in cartilage regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment. It covers key factors influencing chondrogenesis, including growth factors, cytokines, and hypoxia, focusing on precise timing. The effectiveness of three-dimensional cultures and scaffold-based strategies in chondrogenic differentiation is discussed. Specific biomaterials such as chitosan and hyaluronic acid are highlighted for tissue engineering. The document reviews clinical applications, incorporating evidence from animal research and early trials and molecular and histological assessments of chondrogenic differentiation processes. It addresses challenges and strategies for optimizing MSC-derived chondrocyte therapy, emphasizing the immunomodulatory properties of these cells. The review concludes as a comprehensive road map for future research and clinical applications in regenerative medicine.