Description
Introduction
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) has the capacity to proliferate into chondrocytes and create secretome that influences the cellular environment. Secretome, an MSC derivate, has also been shown to provide this mechanism through the paracrine effect. However, there is yet any study to compare the treatment. We aimed to analyze the efficacy of hyaluronic acid, MSC, and secretome intraarticular injections on macroscopically and microscopically cartilage change in an animal model.
Method
We included 19 (1 control) male sheep (Ovies aries), operated on with total lateral meniscectomy to induce knee OA. All 18 sheep were randomized into 3 groups: the secretome, hyaluronic acid, and MSC groups. Each group was injected with 2 mL of secretome, 2 mL of hyaluronic acid, or 2x106 cells of UC-MSC. The sheep were observed for 1 month; then, the cartilage was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score was calculated for all subjects as well as descriptive and comparative statistical analysis.
Results
The secretome group showed a significantly better total macroscopic OARSI score (6.8, SD 1.5) compared with the hyaluronic acid group (15, SD 3.1) and MSC group (13, SD 3.3). The secretome group showed a significantly better microscopic score compared with the hyaluronic acid group (mean difference [MD] 6.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15–12) but no significant difference compared with the MSC group (MD 1.0, CI –4.8 to 6.8). The structure score (p = 0.03) and the interterritorial score (p = 0.007) showed significant differences among the 3 groups.
Conclusion
Intraarticular injection of secretome is effective in managing the early stage of osteoarthritis in the animal model compared with hyaluronic acid and has similar efficacy as MSC injection.
