Mesenchymal stem cells from minced umbilical cord fragments may represent a valuable cell population for cartilage and bone tissue engineering A promising approach for cartilage and bone repair is the use of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC)-based tissue engineering. Through a simple and efficient protocol based on mincing the umbilical cord, a consistent number of multipotent UC-MSCs can be obtained. The aim of this in-vitro study is to investigate the pluripotency of UC-MSCs and, in particular, the chondrogenic and osteogenic potential of UC-MSCs grown in tridimensional scaffold, in order to identify a potential clinical relevance for patients who might benefit from MSCs-therapy.Summary Statement
Introduction
Hypoxia enhances chondrocyte phenotype of cells migrating from cartilage fragments, thus supporting the use of chondral fragment as a potential cell source for one-stage cartilage repair Minced cartilage fragments are a viable cell source for one stage cartilage repair, as shown in both in preclinical and clinical studies. However, the joint microenvironment, in which the repair process takes place, is hypoxic and no evidences are present in literature regarding the behaviour of cartilage fragments in a hypoxic environment. Aim of the study is to verify if hypoxia could influence chondrocyte outgrowth from cartilage fragments into a Hyaluronic-Acid/fibrin scaffold and evaluate its effects on migrating chondrocyte behaviour, compared to normoxic condition. This could be significant in the perspective of a wide clinical application of human chondral fragments for single stage repair.Summary Statement
Introduction
