Cell-based therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases

A limited number of tissues can spontaneously regenerate following injury, and even fewer can regenerate to a state comparable to mature, healthy adult tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were first described in the 1960s-1970s by Friedenstein et al as a small population of bone marrow cells with osteogenic potential and abilities to differentiate into chondrocytes. In 1991, Arnold Caplan coined the term “mesenchymal cells” after identifying these cells as a theoretical precursor to bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, marrow stroma, adipocyte, dermis, muscle, and connective tissues. MSCs are derived from periosteum, fat, and muscle. Another attractive property of MSCs is their immunoregulatory and regenerative properties, which result from crosstalk with their microenvironment and components of the innate immune system. Collectively, these properties make MSCs potentially attractive for various therapeutic purposes. MSCs offer potential in sports medicine, aiding in muscle recovery, meniscal tears, and tendon and ligament injuries. In joint disease, MSCs have the potential for chondrogenesis and reversing the effects of osteoarthritis. MSCs have also demonstrated potential application to the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.