Stem Cell Therapy to prevent Osteoarthritis
Scientists have found a stem cell therapy to prevent osteoarthritis after a joint injury. In the stem cell therapy, MSCs (Mesenchymal Stem Cells) were used in mice with joint injuries. These injuries typically result into arthritis.
This scientific finding could result into a therapy that will be used after joint injury. Osteoarthritis means painful and stiff joints.
What are Mesenchymal stem cells?
Mesenchymal stem cells are multi-potent stromal cells that can multiply and transform into a variety of cell types, including: osteoblasts (bone cells), chondrocytes (cartilage cells), and adipocytes (fat cells).
What is Osteoarthritis?
It is a degenerative joint disease. It causes abnormalities like degradation of joints, including articular cartilage and sub-chondral bone.
Symptoms: Joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, locking, and sometimes an effusion.
Causes: Hereditary, developmental, metabolic, and mechanical (like injury)
The disease may kick off processes leading to loss of cartilage. When bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, bone may be exposed and damaged. As a result of decreased movement secondary to pain, regional muscles may atrophy, and ligaments may become more lax.
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Month: Current Affairs - August, 2012