18.2.1 - Articular cartilage-derived progenitors from healthy and osteoarthritic human cartilage show potential for cartilage repair treatment
- M. Rikkers (Utrecht, NL)
- M. Rikkers (Utrecht, NL)
- J. Korpershoek (Utrecht, NL)
- S. Van Der Leij (Utrecht, NL)
- R. Levato (Utrecht, NL)
- J. Malda (Utrecht, NL)
- L. Vonk (Utrecht, NL)
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to isolate, characterize, and compare articular cartilage-derived progenitor cells (ACPCs) from healthy and osteoarthritic human cartilage, and to demonstrate the potential to use these ACPCs in addition to primary chondrocytes for one-stage procedures to treat cartilage defects.
Methods and Materials
Cells were isolated from full-thickness healthy (n=6, age 46-49, mean age 48) and osteoarthritic (n=6, age 41-82, mean age 62) human cartilage. Subsequently, ACPCs were isolated from the total cell population by clonal growth after a differential fibronectin adhesion assay. Healthy and osteoarthritic ACPCs were characterized by multilineage differentiation and flow cytometry analysis to assess surface marker expression. Next, ACPCs were cocultured with osteoarthritic chondrocytes in 3D pellet cultures in a range of cell-cell ratios. Pellets were harvested after 28 days and assessed for cartilage-like matrix production using quantitative biochemical analyses for glycosaminoglycans and collagen. (Immuno)histochemistry was performed to visualize proteoglycan and collagen production.
Results
Healthy and osteoarthritic ACPCs were successfully differentiated into the adipogenic and chondrogenic lineage, but failed to produce calcified matrix when exposed to osteogenic induction media. Adipogenic differentiation was more successful in osteoarthritic ACPCs, whereas chondrogenic differentiation was more distinct in healthy ACPCs. Both ACPC populations met the criteria for cell surface marker expression to identify mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as shown by flow cytometry. Cartilage-like matrix production was observed in ACPC pellet cultures, as well as pellets consisting of a coculture of ACPCs and chondrocytes (figure 1).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study provides further insight into the progenitor cell population in both healthy and osteoarthritic human articular cartilage, which shows similarities to MSCs. Furthermore, ACPCs show potential for use complementary to osteoarthritic chondrocytes in one-stage cartilage repair treatments, as a potential alternative to MSCs.