Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Regen Med. 2019 Mar;14(3):213-230. doi: 10.2217/rme-2018-0161. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC) therapy on pain, function and disease modification in knee osteoarthritis. Methods: 30 participants with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis were randomized into three groups. Two treatment groups received intra-articular ADMSC therapy consisting of either a single injection (100 × 106 ADMSCs) or two injections (100 × 106 ADMSCs at baseline and 6 months). The third group served as control and continued conservative management. Results: No serious adverse events were observed. Both treatment groups receiving ADMSCs showed clinically significant pain and functional improvement at completion of follow-up at 12 months. Radiological analysis using the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Osteoarthritis Knee Score indicated modification of disease progression. Conclusion: Autologous ADMSC therapy appears to be a safe and effective therapy for knee osteoarthritis and may have the potential to prevent disease progression. Trial registration number: ACTRN12614000814673.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / cytology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intra-Articular
  • Male
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee / therapy*
  • Transplantation, Autologous
  • Treatment Outcome