Bioengineers from Columbia University Medical Center have made a breakthrough in the treatment of knee joints. Doctors were able to reconstruct the first meniscus by activating stem cells. Frame made of biodegradable material was printed on 3D-printer, and then treated with human growth factor beta 3 and CTGF, reports the journal Science Translational Medicine.
After processing framework implanted in sheep knee meniscus injuries. Growth factors stimulated the activity of autologous stem cells of animals, and the graft was covered with cartilage. Then dissolved skeleton and cartilage remained. As a result, the body has formed a complete meniscus. Pets perfectly underwent surgery and can now walk without any problems.
According to scientists, they hope that their method in the future will help many people suffering from damaged meniscus.
"Currently, treatment options are very limited damage to the meniscus. Sometimes damaged cartilage tissue sutured. But often, when stapling is not possible, the meniscus has to partially or completely removed. Although such operation relieves pain and inflammation, as a result loses knee pads between the femur and tibia. And because of this greatly increased risk of developing arthritis, "- said study lead author Jeremy Mao.
"Usually, all manipulations are carried out with stem cells outside the body. We managed to get over this hurdle, we were forced to work stem cells already in the body, using their ability to regenerate tissues, "- says Mao.
To date, trauma implants used meniscus, but the body often rejects a foreign body that can cause serious complications.
Action framework has been tested on 11 sheep with various knee injuries. The animals were divided into two groups: one group of carcasses were implanted with growth factors, and one group - no growth factors. In just three months the animals with a skeleton with growth factors well traveled. Scientists hope that successful experiments on animals and help you get to the first stage of clinical trials.
