Stem Cells International
Volume 2022 (2022), Article ID 2454168, 23 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/2454168

Review Article

Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Cartilage Regeneration Applications

E. Russo,¹ M. Caprnda,² P. Kruzliak,³ P. G. Conaldi,⁴ C. V. Borlongan,⁵ and G. La Rocca¹

¹Section of Histology and Embryology, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Italy
²1st Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and University Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia
³2nd Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
⁴Department of Research, IRCCS ISMETT—Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies, Palermo, Italy
⁵Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA

Correspondence should be addressed to G. La Rocca; giampylr@hotmail.com

Received 18 June 2021; Revised 13 October 2021; Accepted 23 November 2021; Published 6 January 2022

Academic Editor: Andrea Ballini

Copyright © 2022 E. Russo et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

Chondropathies are increasing worldwide, but effective treatments are currently lacking. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSCs) transplantation represents a promising approach to counteract the degenerative and inflammatory environment characterizing those pathologies, such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Umbilical cord- (UC-) MSCs gained increasing interest due to their multilineage differentiation potential, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties as well as higher proliferation rates, abundant supply along with no risks for the donor compared to adult MSCs. In addition, UC-MSCs are physiologically adapted to survive in an ischemic and nutrient-poor environment as well as to produce an extracellular matrix (ECM) similar to that of the cartilage. All these characteristics make UC-MSCs a pivotal source for a stem cell-based treatment of chondropathies. In this review, the regenerative potential of UC-MSCs for the treatment of cartilage diseases will be discussed focusing on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.

1. Introduction

Chondropathies are a group of cartilage diseases that deviate from or interrupt the normal structure and function of cartilage, including osteoarthritis (OA), achondroplasia, spinal disc herniation (SDH), relapsing polychondritis, cartilage tumor (CT), and chondrocalcinosis [1]. There are over 100 types of arthritis. The most common forms are OA (degenerative joint disease) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA, autoimmune form of arthritis). OA is the most well-known chondropathy in the world, affecting the health of 343 million of people, while RA affects 14 million of people [2]. OA is a multifactorial and complex degenerative joint disease characterized by age-related “wear and tear,” chondrocytes’ poor response to growth factors, altered biomechanical properties of articular cartilage, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation [3]. The degenerative lesions in cartilage are secondary to inflammation associated with hyperplasia and chondrocyte apoptosis [4]. Increasing age is linked to a reduction in subchondral blood vessels resulting in cartilage-related physiological and biochemical anomalies [5]. This pathological process results in secondary joint fibrosis, stiffness, pain, and decreased function, leading to a poor quality of life. Risk factors for chondropathies include trauma, genetics, age, sex, obesity, and degenerative pathology. The biological mechanisms of chondropathies remain largely unknown, and there is no effective way to treat the cartilage damage because of its nature.

Cartilage is a supportive connective tissue, and it has a dense and highly organized extracellular matrix (ECM) embedding chondrocytes [6]. Three types of cartilage tissue are present throughout the body at various sites: hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilaginous. Hyaline cartilage is the predominant form of cartilage and is present on the articular surfaces of synovial joints. Type II collagen is the main component in healthy articular cartilage. Other collagens of cartilage ECM are types III, VI, IX, X, XI, XII, and XIV. The main proteoglycan present in cartilage is aggrecan, but other proteoglycans found in cartilage include the syndecans, glypican, decorin, biglycan, fibromodulin, lumican, epiphycan, and perlecan. The chondrocytes are contained in cavities called lacunae embedded in the network of collagen fibrils and proteoglycans [6].

Cartilage has a decreased ability to self-repair because is avascular, resulting in a poor replicative capacity of chondrocytes. The lack of vascularity, along with the dense packing of ECM components, hinders the transport of drugs in the tissue, thus, challenging the treatments of cartilage diseases. In addition, cartilage also lacks nerve cells or endings and, therefore, cannot directly generate pain that is the main symptom of a chondropathy [7]. Therefore, symptoms usually occur only after the significant structural destruction of the cartilage ECM (with the damage affecting other tissues of the whole joint that do contain nociceptors), thus, making treatments difficult.

Current treatment of articular cartilage defects includes pharmacological management of pain, weight reduction, and exercises as well as intra-articular treatments with corticosteroid or hyaluronan and hylan derivatives injections [8]. Surgical options consist in bone marrow stimulation procedures such as subchondral drilling, microfracture, and abrasion arthroplasty, allowing endogenous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to migrate into the lesion [9]. However, no treatment or procedure represents a cure for cartilaginous defects.

MSC-based therapy is beginning to show great potential in cartilage regeneration through several mechanisms including homing, angiogenesis, differentiation, and response to inflammatory condition. The most widely studied sources of MSCs are bone marrow (BM) and adipose tissue (AT). However, umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) compared to AT- and BM-MSCs have many advantages such as higher proliferation rates, greater expansion ability, higher purity, and abundant supply along with no risks for the donor, since the UC is usually discarded after birth [10]. In Table 1 are listed the advantages and disadvantages of the different populations of stem/stromal cells used so far for cartilage regeneration purposes. UC-MSCs can be isolated from different regions of the UC stromal tissue called Wharton’s Jelly (WJ), and three different populations of UC-MSCs have been obtained: perivascular (PV-MSCs), intermediate WJ (WJ-MSCs), and subamniotic stromal region or cord lining (CL-MSCs) [11]. Notably, ECM components in WJ share several features with cartilage ECM. To this regard, UC-MSCs express aggrecan, type II collagen, and SOX-9 [12]. In addition, UC-MSCs express growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines at similar levels to those of cartilage [12]. Finally, since UC relies on only two arteries and one vein to supply oxygen and nutrients, without any capillary circulation, UC-MSCs are physiologically adapted to survive in a relatively hypoxic environment leading to the potential advantage to survive in cartilage. These results reinforce the concept of UC-MSCs as one of the best candidates for MSC-based therapy for cartilage regeneration.

Table 1: Comparative analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of different stem cell populations used for cartilage regeneration.

Source
Advantages
Disadvantages
Ref.

ESCs
Pluripotent
Chondrocytes differentiation capacity
Synthesis of cartilage ECM
Difficulty of controlling ESCs differentiation
Ethical concerns
Risk of immune rejection
Risk of teratoma formation
[99]

iPSCs
Pluripotent
Chondrocytes differentiation capacity
Synthesis of cartilage ECM
No ethical concerns
Complex and expensive iPSC generation procedures
Risk of immune rejection
Risk of teratoma formation
[100]

BM-MSCS
Multipotent
Chondrocytes differentiation capacity
Synthesis of cartilage ECM
No ethical concerns
Low immunogenicity
Invasive isolation procedure with risk of infection
Low isolation yield (about 1 in 1 × 10⁵ cells in the BM)
Donor age affects initial yield of isolation and the proliferative and differentiation properties
Sign of senescence from passage 4
[101]

AT-MSCs
Multipotent
Chondrocytes differentiation capacity
Synthesis of cartilage ECM
No ethical concerns
Low immunogenicity
Isolation yield 500 times more than BM-MSCs
Invasive isolation procedure with risk of infection
Heterogeneity of AT-MSCs extracted from different body sites
Sign of senescence from passage 8
[101]

UC-MSCs
Pluripotent without teratoma formation risk
Chondrocytes differentiation capacity
Synthesis of cartilage ECM
No ethical concerns
Low immunogenicity
No risk for the donor
High isolation yield (about 1 × 10⁴ cells from 1 cm of cord)
No sign of senescence or abnormality over 16 passages
300 fold expansions reached within 6-7 passages
Limited knowledge about the UC-MSCs populations
[102]

IPFSCs
Multipotent
High chondrogenic potential
Limited source of tissue (7.5 million cells from 5 g of tissue)
[103]

SD-MSCs
Multipotent
Higher chondrogenic potential than BM-MSCs
Higher colony-forming potential and proliferation rate than BM- and AT-MSCs
Limited source of tissue (knee: 10.5 ± 8.1 × 10³ cells/mg; hip: 3.1 ± 2.2 × 10³ cells/mg)
[104]

AT-MSCs: adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); BM-MSCs: bone marrow-derived MSCs; ESCs: embryonic stem cells; IPFSCs: infrapatellar fat pad-derived stem cells; iPSCs: induced pluripotent stem cells; UC-MSCs: umbilical cord-derived MSCs; SD-MSCs: synovium-derived MSCs.

2. Regeneration Mechanisms of UC-MSCs for Cartilage Diseases

There are two main concepts for UC-MSCs’ contribution to cartilage repair: preventing the degradation of cartilage, through the secretion of bioactive factors, and/or the differentiative potential of UC-MSCs to become chondrocytes. Several in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that UC-MSCs can play crucial roles in cartilage repair and regeneration by several mechanisms including (i) migration and homing, (ii) adaptation to cartilage hypoxic and nutrient-poor environment, (iii) chondrogenesis differentiation potential and promotion of survival, proliferation and differentiation of endogenous MSCs, (iv) synthesis and prevention of cartilage ECM degradation, and (v) anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

2.1. Homing and Migration

MSCs exhibit certain capabilities of the homing of local mature leukocytes to inflammatory sites, such as rolling and adhesion [13]. Migration and homing ability into injured sites are considered as the primary steps for tissue repair in regenerative medicine. Different molecules mediate cell retention or mobilization such as adhesion molecules (E and P-selectin), integrins (particularly α4β1), stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), and its receptor CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) [13]. In addition, other factors play a key role in damaged joints homing such as CXCR1 and CXCR2, CC chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) through its receptor CCR2, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (Flt-1), platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFR-α, CD140a), PDGFR-β (CD140b), and their respective ligands IL-8, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α), placenta growth factor (PlGF), and PDGF [14]. In Table 2, we reported different proteins involved in homing and migration of UC-MSCs in comparison with those expressed by BM- and AT-MSCs. In particular, BM- and AT-MSCs show similar expression pattern. On the other hand, based on the quantitative data reported in literature, UC-MSCs express higher levels of different proteins than BM- and AT-MSCs such as HGF, IL-8, IL-1RA, IGF-1, ICAM-1, bFGF, MCP-1, MIP-1β, PDGF-AA, PDGF-AB, PDGF-R, CXCR4, CCR2, VEGF-A, and VEGF-1. Interestingly, unlike cells from BM- and AT-MSCs, UC-MSCs express integrin α4 and MIP-1β suggesting their strong ability in homing and migration. In addition, UC-MSCs show less hematopoietic effects than BM- and AT-MSCs (low levels of SDF-1 and VCAM-1).

Table 2: Expression analysis of different markers involved in homing and migration.

Marker
UC-MSCs
BM-MSCs
AT-MSCs
Ref.

Secreted factors

COX-2
↑
↓
↓
[45]

bFGF (FGF-2)
↑↑
↓
↑
[45]

HGF
↑↑
↓
↓↓
[45, 105]

IGF-1
↑
↓
↓
[54]

IL-1α
↑↑
↓
ND
[54]

IL-1𝛽
↑↑
↓
↑
[54, 105, 106]

IL-6
↑
↓
↓
[105]

↔
↔
↔
[45]

IL-8
↑
↓
↓
[105]

IL-1RA
↑
↓
↓
[105]

MCP-1 (CCL2)
↑
↓
↓
[45, 105]

↔
↔
↔
[45]

MIP-1α (CCL3)
↓
↑
+
[107, 108]

MIP-1𝛽 (CCL4)
+
-
-
[105]

OPN
↓
↑
↓
[109]

PDGF-AA
↑
↓
↓
[105, 107]

PDGF-AB
↑
↓
-
[107, 110]

PDGF-BB
-
↓
-
[105]

PGE2
↓
↓
↓
[106]

PlGF
↓
↓↓
↑
[105]

SDF-1
↑
↑
↓
[111, 112]

SDF-1α
↔
↔
↔
[45]

TGF-𝛽1
↔
↔
↔
[105]

TGF-𝛽2
↑
↓
↓
[105]

VEGF-A
↑
↓
↓
[45]

VEGF-D
↑
↓
↓
[105, 107]

MMPs and TIMPS

MMP-1
↑
↓
↑↑
[105]

MMP-2
↔
↑
↔
[113]

MMP-3
↓
↓
↑
[105]

MMP-7
↓
↑
-
[105]

MMP-8
-
↑
-
[105]

MMP-13
-
-
+
[105]

TIMP-1
↔
↔
↔
[113]

TIMP-2
↔
↔
↔
[113]

Adhesion molecules and receptors

CCR2
↑
↓
↓
[54]

CXCR4
↑
↓
↓
[114]

Flt-1 (VEGFR1)
↑
↓
ND
[54]

ICAM-1
↑↑
↓
↑
[45]

Integrin α4
↑↑
↓
-
[54]

PDGF-Ra
↔
↔

[107]

PDGF-Rb
↑
↓
↓
[107]

VCAM-1
↓
↑
↓
[45]

Immunoregulatory molecules

B7-H3 (CD276)
+
+
+
[71]

CD200
↑
↓
↓↓
[54, 115]

Galectin 1
↑
↑
↓
[113]

HLA-ABC
↔
↔
↔
[54, 116]

HLA-DR
↔
↔
↔
[54, 116]

HLA-G
↑
↓
↓
[54, 116]

HLA-E
↑
↓
↓
[54, 117]

HLA-F
↑
↓
-
[54, 117]

IDO
↔
↔
↔
[45]

↑↑
↑
ND
[118]

IP-10
↑
↓
↓
[105]

LIF
↑
↓
↓
[54, 113]

PD-L1 (B7-H1)
↑
↓
+
[54, 119]

PD-L2 (B7-DC/CD273)
↑
↓
+
[54, 119]

RANTES (CCL5)
↑
↓
↓
[105]

TLR-1
↔
↔
↔
[106]

TLR-2
↔
↔
↔
[106]

TLR-3
↔
↔
↔
[106]

TLR-4
-
↔
↔
[106]

TLR-5
↔
↔
↔
[106]

TLR-6
↔
↔
↔
[106]

TLR-9
↔
↔
↔
[106]

Expression: ↑: higher; ↑↑: significantly higher; ↓: lower; ↓↓: significantly lower; ↔: similar; +: qualitatively expressed, but not quantified; -: not expressed; ND: not detected.

Increased levels of SDF-1, MCP-1, IL-8, MIP-1 α, PlGF, and PDGF were found in synovial fluid of OA and RA patients [14]. Shen et al. demonstrated that UC-MSCs secrete growth factors and chemokines which may contribute to a chemoattractive environment such as SDF-1, MCP-1, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular cell adhesion protein-1 (VCAM-1), IL-8, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [15]. In addition, UC-MSCs express CXCR4, CCR2, and c-met receptors. Therefore, UC-MSCs are able to migrate in vitro and in vivo via the SDF-1/CXCR4 and MCP-1/CCR2 axes, and the secreted factors may induce the recruitment of cells from the surrounding tissues and promote regeneration of injured tissue [15]. To this regard, the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis has been shown to play a key role in endogenous and transplanted stem cell homing in the injured site promoting the regeneration of different tissues including cartilage [16, 17].

Another key player in cell adhesion is integrin α4β1 (very late antigen-4, VLA-4). It has been demonstrated a crucial link between the CXCR4/SDF-1 homing axis and the VLA-4/VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, CD106) adhesion axis [18]. In particular, SDF-1 (through CXCR4) increases VLA-4 adhesion to VCAM-1. VLA-4 is an integrin dimer composed of α4 (CD49d) and β1 (CD29) [19]. Although MSCs lack the expression of selectins, they express integrin β1. Interestingly, in contrast to BM-MSCs, UC-MSCs express integrin α4, VCAM-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1; CD54) supporting their stronger potential in homing [20].

One more ligand of integrin β1 is osteopontin (OPN), an osteogenic marker with several biological functions including migration, adhesion, and survival of MSCs [21]. On the other hand, OPN is also involved in regulation and propagation of inflammatory responses of macrophages, T-cells, and dendritic cells [22]. Notably, OPN is involved in different inflammatory pathologies including RA and OA pathogenesis [23, 24]. In a study of Schneider et al., UC-MSCs showed similar osteogenic and migration abilities compared to BM-MSCs with the lesser expression of OPN and the major expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1 and -2 [25].

Moreover, extensive evidence found that growth factors play an important role in homing and migration of MSCs, as seen for basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), VEGF, HGF, IGF-1, PDGF, and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) [26]. In particular, UC-MSCs are able to migrate in vitro and in vivo, in response to chemotactic factors such as EGF, FGF-2, HGF, IGF-1, PDGF-BB, TGF-β, and VEGF, along with SDF-1, MCP-1, and VCAM-1 [15].

2.2. Capacity of Adaptation to Cartilage Hypoxic Environment

Because of the lack of vascularization, the physiological oxygen tension (physioxia) within human articular cartilage ranges between 2 and 5% [27]. Therefore, any MSC candidate for stem cell therapy of cartilage diseases should be able to adapt to a hypoxic environment with limited nutrient supply while maintaining its regenerative properties. Oxygen tension ranges from 1%-7% in bone marrow and from 10%-15% in adipose tissue [28, 29]. Regarding perinatal tissues such as the UC, oxygen tension within the mammalian female reproductive tract is low, between 1.5% and 8%, and lasts throughout the fetal development with dissolved oxygen in the fetal circulation rarely exceeding 5% [30]. Moreover, the UC is supplied by only two arteries and one vein and lacking in capillaries or lymphatics suggesting that UC-MSCs are physiologically adapted to survive in a hypoxic environment. It has been shown that low oxygen tension increases UC-MSC proliferation potential and matrix production and enhanced chondrogenic marker expression in UC-MSCs [31, 32]. This increased chondrogenic differentiation can lead to hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and HIF-2α increased expression, NOTCH signaling activation, and the subsequent Sox-9 induction [33]. In addition, the UC-MSCs cultured under hypoxic conditions showed increased expression of energy metabolism-associated genes including GLUT-1, LDH, and PDK1 suggesting a switching of cell metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to anaerobic glycolysis [32]. The yield of lactate production from glucose, however, is significantly lower in UC-MSCs than it has been reported in BM- and AT-MSCs in both hypoxic and normoxic conditions [32]. This finding could be explained by our recent study [34]. We demonstrated that all the three UC-MSC populations (PV-, WJ-, and CL-MSCs) exhibit low levels of mitochondrial and glycolytic activities. Moreover, PV-, WJ-, and CL-MSCs showed comparable mitochondrial respiration parameters in both normal and oxygen and glucose deprivation followed by reperfusion (OGD/R) conditions maintaining their proliferation capacity. Interestingly, PV-MSCs showed the highest oxygen consumption rate and OGD/R affected their metabolism but not their viability suggesting a superior mitochondrial activity compared to the other UC-MSC populations. While CL-MSCs were the cells least affected suggesting their robust survival in ischemic environment. These evidences taken together suggest that UC-MSCs may be a pivotal source for stem cell-based therapy of ischemic pathologies including chondropathies, brain, heart, and lung diseases [35–38]. Further investigations are needed to better understand whether these slight but significant differences among the three UC-MSCs are due to the specific region’s composition of different number of healthy mitochondria or improved adaptation of mitochondria to ischemic conditions.

2.3. Promotion of Survival, Proliferation, and Differentiation

MSCs secrete growth factors that are involved in several biological processes such as homing and migration as well as promotion of survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Some of growth factors with a key role in cartilage repair are bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), epidermal growth factor (EGF), HGF, IGF, PDGF, VEGF, FGF, and TGF families and UC-MSCs are a rich source of them [39].

EGF is one of the ligands of EGF receptor (EGFR) that plays a key role in joint homeostasis. In particular, EGFR stimulates chondrocyte proliferation and survival as well as maintenance of cartilage in adulthood. On one hand, EGFR signaling promotes the lubrication of the articular surface by increasing the boundary lubricants Prg4 and HA from superficial chondrocytes [40]. On the other hand, EGFR signaling also can play a catabolic action by inhibiting the expression of the chondrogenic master transcription factor Sox9, thereby suppressing the synthesis of cartilage matrix proteins, such as type II collagen (Col II) and aggrecan, as well as by stimulating the expression of MMPs involved in cartilage degradation, such as MMP-13 [41]. Interestingly, Zhang et al. recently showed the UC-MSCs release EGFR ligands TGF-α and EGF attenuating OA progression via EGFR signaling pathway of cartilage superficial layer cells [42]. In addition, UC-MSCs inhibited the apoptosis of chondrocytes, increased the expression of chondrogenesis-related genes (Col-2, Sox9), and reduced the expression of cartilage catabolism-related genes (MMP-13, ADAMTS-5) in vitro and in vivo [42].

HGF is a multifunctional growth factor that affects cell survival and proliferation, matrix metabolism, inflammatory response, and neurotrophic action playing an important role in normal bone and cartilage turnover [43]. In particular, HGF and VEGF can reduce tissue injury, inhibit fibrotic remodeling and apoptosis, promote angiogenesis, stimulate stem cell recruitment and proliferation, and reduce oxidative stress [44]. A recent comparative study showed that the secretion of HGF was three times higher in UC-MSCs compared to AT-MSCs and around nine times higher than in BM-MSCs [45]. In contrast, UC-MSCs secreted the lower levels of VEGF-A. This is probably due to the fact that VEGF-A and HGF signaling pathways reciprocally modulate each other [46].

IGF1 has been implicated in promotion of chondrogenesis and accumulation of cartilage-specific ECM molecules [47]. In addition, the synergy between TGF-β3 and IGF-1 promotes intervertebral disc regeneration [48]. WJ contains large amounts of IGF-I and IGF-I-binding proteins BP-3 and BP-1 suggesting a key role in stimulation of UC-MSCs to produce collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in UC matrix as well as influencing the chondrogenic differentiation of these cells [49, 50].

TGF-β superfamily consists of about 30–35 different proteins including TGF-β proteins (TGF-β1-β2-β3), Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs), and Growth Differentiation Factors (GDFs) involved in chondrogenic differentiation and production of cartilage extracellular matrix as well as stimulation of cartilage repair [51]. TGF-β1, -β2, and -β3 play key roles in regulation of chondrocyte differentiation from early to terminal stages, including condensation, proliferation, terminal differentiation, and ECM synthesis as well as maintenance of articular chondrocytes [52]. All the three isoforms are expressed in mesenchymal condensations and secreted by UC-MSCs [53–55]. BMPs play important roles in bone and cartilage formation, including various aspects of embryonic development, such as skeletogenesis, and hematopoietic and epithelial cell differentiation [56]. Moreover, BMPs can induce protection against cartilage damage caused by inflammation or trauma, as well as stimulation of regenerative processes. BMPs are classified into subfamilies, including BMP subfamily (from BMP1 to BMP15), the osteogenic protein (OP) subfamily (OP1, OP2, and OP3 also known as BMP7, BMP8, and BMP8b, respectively), the GDF subfamily (GDF1, GDF2/BMP9, GDF3, GDF5/BMP14, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7/BMP12, GDF8, GDF9, GDF10, and GDF11/BMP11), and the cartilage-derived morphogenetic proteins (CDMP1/BMP14 and CDMP2/BMP13) [56]. BMP2, 4, 6, 7, and 9 have been reported to induce in vitro chondrogenesis of human MSCs [57]. UC-MSCs have been demonstrated to secrete BMP2 in vitro and to induce the increase of endogenous BMP4, 5, and 7 levels in vivo [58–60]. In addition, UC-MSCs induce overexpression of GDF5/BMP14/CDMP1, promoting chondrogenic differentiation in cocultures with fibroblast-like synoviocytes, thus, suggesting their potential in cartilage repair [61]. Moreover, UC-MSCs respond to BMP6 via decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) signaling (SMAD 1/4/5, BMPR1A, and BMPR2 receptors) enhancing osteogenic differentiation [62]. In particular, BMP-2 stimulates osteogenesis as well as matrix synthesis, promoting cartilage repair (by upregulation of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1, TIMP-1) and reversing chondrocyte dedifferentiation [63]. BMP-7 promotes cartilage matrix synthesis by acting synergistically with other anabolic growth factors and also inhibits catabolic factors, such as matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), MMP-13, IL-1, Il-6, and IL-8 [64].

2.4. Cartilage Extracellular Matrix Repair

UC-MSCs can increase the ECM synthesis and inhibit the cartilage ECM destruction supporting the tissue repair. UC stromal tissue shares a number of features with cartilage ECM: UC-MSCs are able to synthetize aggrecan, type II collagen, and express SOX-9 transcription factor [12]. The deposition of ECM molecules and regulation of MMPs and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are the main mechanisms involved in cartilage ECM synthesis. MSCs secrete high levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, which inhibit MMP-9 and MMP-2, respectively, thus, suppressing cartilage ECM resorption [65]. UC-MSCs secrete MMP-2, -8, -9, and -13 as well as TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 suggesting a balance between protection of ECM and antifibrotic activity (Table 2) [66–68]. In addition, UC-MSCs secrete growth factors such as HGF, IGF-1, and TGF-β superfamily members that stimulate cartilage ECM synthesis. In particular, HGF has been involved in inhibition of the fibrosis and apoptosis of chondrocytes and increase ECM synthesis [65]. IGF-I and IGF-I-BP-3 and -BP-1 stimulate UC-MSCs to produce collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) [49]. BMP-2 increases TIMP-1 expression while BMP-7 inhibits MMP-1 and MMP-13 suppressing the ECM degradation [63, 64].

2.5. Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Properties

The microenvironment of damaged articular cartilage is particularly challenging, due to hypoxia, insufficient blood supply, and concurrent inflammation. The latter contributes to the degeneration of the joints because it hampers the proliferation of chondrocytes and the deposition of cartilage matrix, resulting in low efficiency of repair. Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of UC-MSCs have been widely described (Table 2) [69]. In particular, UC-MSCs express MHC class I (HLA-ABC) at low levels and lack MHC class II (HLA-DR, -DP, and -DQ). Moreover, they express other molecules belonging to noncanonical type I MHC such as HLA-G, HLA-E, and HLA-F [70–72]. Interestingly, HLA-G interacts with Ig-like transcript (ILT) receptors (ILT-2, ILT-3, and ILT-4), which are expressed by T and B lymphocytes, as well as natural killer (NK) cells and mononuclear phagocytes [69]. Through this interaction, HLA-G displays relevant immune functions which physiologically contribute to maternal-fetal immunotolerance. In addition, UC-MSCs lack CD40/CD40L, CD80, CD86, and B7 costimulatory antigens implicated in the activation of T and B cell responses and express coinhibitory molecules including B7-H3/CD276, CD73, Indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO-1), Galectin-1 (Gal-1), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) [73]. WJ-MSCs showed an immunosuppressive function by inhibiting the proliferative response of T helper cells (Th/CD4+) Type 1 (Th1) and Th17 and increasing Th2 and regulatory T cells (Tregs) [74]. UC-MSCs have been shown to be able to suppress the proliferation of both CD4 and CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (Tc) and to decrease proinflammatory IFN-γ in activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) [54, 75]. Moreover, secreted factors such as HGF and TGF-β1 may function as mediators for T cell suppression [76, 77]. UC-MSCs are also able to inhibit B-cells and natural killer (NK) cell proliferation as well as regulate monocyte/macrophage system by reducing the infiltration of macrophages in injured tissues and shifting macrophages toward a M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype [78, 79].

In the synovia of OA patients, various immune cells have been identified including M1 macrophages, T cells Th1, Th17 and Tc, and B cells, leading to chronic inflammation, exacerbation of arthritis, and tissue damage [80]. UC-MSCs have been shown to reduce synovial inflammatory cells infiltration, such as CD4+ T cells and macrophages, as well as significantly decrease the expression of interleukin- (IL-) 1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), while increasing anti-inflammatory factors TNF-α-induced protein 6 (TSG-6) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) in rat OA models induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) [81, 82]. In another study of MIA-induced OA in rabbits, UC-MSCs showed a prominent cartilage protective effect due to upregulation of growth factors FGF-2, TGF-β1, and IGF-1, secretion of ECM molecules (collagen type-I alpha-1 chain, collagen type-II alpha-1 chain, and aggrecan), reduction of the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines Tnf-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17, and increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β1, IL-10, and IL-1RA [83]. Interestingly, our group and others showed that UC-MSCs keep their hypoimmunogenic and immunomodulatory properties even when they had undergone in vitro chondrocyte differentiation [50, 84].

RA is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by chronic proliferation of synovial cells and progressive joint damage [85]. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play an important role in thickening of the synovium determining arthritis and cartilage degradation as well as inflammation and degradation of the joints. UC-MSCs inhibit Cadherin 11 expression in RA FLS by secreting IL-10. This event precludes the ability of FLS from RA patients to migrate and erode cartilage of other joints, thereby improving arthritis [86].

3. Preclinical and Clinical Studies of UC-MSCs for the Treatment of Cartilaginous Diseases

Thanks to their chondrogenic potential and immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as their ability to promote endogenous repair mechanisms, UC-MSCs have been regarded as potential therapeutic agents against cartilage degradation. In particular, early evidences that emerged from in vitro studies on cell cultures (summarized in Table 3) have been confirmed in several in vivo animal models (listed in Table 4) and in recent clinical trials (reported in Table 5).

Table 3: In vitro studies of UC-MSCs or their secretome.

Study type
Source
Aim
Culture system
Results
Ref.

Chondrogenic differentiation
Human UC-MSCs
UC- and AT-MSC comparison
Cultured in CM supplemented with TGFβ3 and BMP-6
A more fibrous than hyaline cartilage phenotype in UC-MSCs compared to AT-MSCs
Hildner et al., 2010 [87]

Human WJ-MSCs
Differentiation into NP-like cells
Coculture with NPCs
Increased expression of aggrecan, collagen II, and SRY-type HMG box-9 genes
Ruan et al., 2012 [88]

Human UC-MSCs
Differentiation into NP-like cells
Cultured in a laminin-rich pseudo-3D culture system
GAGs, collagen II, laminin α5, and laminin receptors (integrin α3 and β4) expression
Chon et al., 2013 [89]

Human WJ-MSCs
Immunomodulatory properties test
Cultured in CM
Differentiated WJ-MSCs maintain their immune privilege
La Rocca et al., 2013 [50]

Human UC-MSCs
Elastic cartilage differentiation
Seeded on PLGA nanofiber scaffolds with CM and CTGF
Increase of GAG/DNA ratio, collagen II, elastin mRNA and protein. No difference in collagen X or fibrillin mRNA
Caballero et al., 2013 [90]

Human UC-MSCs
Tissue-engineered (TE) elastic cartilage from UC-MSCs and human cartilage comparison
Seeded onto PLGA nanofiber scaffolds with CM supplemented with CTGF
TE elastic cartilage from UC-MSCs expresses embryonic fibrillin III and similar levels of elastin, fibrillin I, collagens I and X when compared to native cartilage.
Pappa et al., 2014 [120]

Human and porcine UC-MSCs
Effects of periodic vibratory stimulus on UC-MSC differentiation
Cultured in chondrogenic or osteogenic medium and exposed to 1 or 100 Hz frequency vibrations
1 Hz stimulation resulted in a cartilage phenotype while 100 Hz stimulation resulted in a bone phenotype for both human and porcine UC-MSCs
Cashion et al. 2014 [121]

Human UC-MSCs
UC-, BM-, and AT-MSC chondrogenesis comparison
Cultured in CM
Slightly differences in chondrogenesis between the MSCs. BM-MSCs showed the best chondrogenic potential
Danišovič et al., 2016 [92]

Human UC-MSCs
Effect of mechanical compression on UC-MSC chondrogenesis
Seeded in PVA-PCL scaffold with CM and subjected to dynamic compression
Increase in chondrogenic differentiation
Remya et al., 2016 [122]

Human WJ-MSCs
Simulation of the articular cartilage microenvironment
Coculture of WJ-MSCs and primary ACs in ACECM- oriented scaffold
Chondrogenic differentiation of WJ-MSCs without any inducer, hyaline cartilage phenotype, and improved cytoactivity of ACs
Zhang et al., 2019a [96]

Human UC-MSCs
Interactions between ACs and UC-MSCs.
Coculture with direct cell-cell contact
Enhanced differentiation of UC-MSCs and reduced dedifferentiation of chondrocytes
Li et al., 2019 [97]

WJ-MSCs
Immunomodulatory properties test
Chondrogenic differentiation in Alg/HA scaffold
Differentiated WJ-MSCs inhibit T cell alloproliferation and maintain paracrine activity and functional immunomodulation
Voisin et al., 2020 [84]

Cartilage tissue engineering
Human UC-MSCs
PGA and PLLA scaffolds comparison
Seeded on nonwoven PGA or PLLA scaffolds in CM
Similar chondrogenic potential of UC-MSCs in PLLA and PGA scaffolds.
Zhao et al., 2010 [123]

Human WJ-MSCs
WJ- and BM-MSCs chondrogenesis comparison
Seeded in PCL/Coll nanofibrous scaffolds in CM
Enhanced cell attachment, proliferation, and chondrogenesis of WJ-MSCs over BM-MSCs
Fong et al., 2012 [124]

Human UC-MSCs
Chondrogenic differentiation
Embedded in collagen hydrogel scaffold with CM
Increased expressions of collagen II, aggrecan, COMP, and sox9
Chen et al., 2013 [125]

Human UC-MSCs
Chondrogenic differentiation in PVA-PCL scaffolds
Seeded in PVA-PCL scaffolds with individual TGFβ1, TGFβ3, IGF, BMP2 and their combination with BMP2
SOX9, collagen II and aggrecan expression. The combination TGF-β3 and BMP-2 was the more effective for chondrogenesis
Nirmal et al., 2013 [126]

Human WJ-MSCs
Fabrication of a nonscaffold tissue-engineered cartilage
Pellet culture combined with RCCS
RCCS formed larger and condenser cartilage-like tissue enriched of GAGs and collagen II than pellet culture
Liu et al., 2014 [12]

Human WJ-MSCs
WJ- and BM-MSCs chondrogenesis in agarose hydrogel
Encapsulation of WJ-MSCs or BM-MSCs aggregates in agarose hydrogels
Both BM-MSCs and WJ-MSCs did better in matrix biosynthesis and chondrogenesis when in aggregates than in free cell suspension
Sridharan et al., 2015 [127]

Human UC-MSCs
Chondrogenic differentiation in SF/HA scaffold
Seeded in different ratios of SF/HA with CM
Expression of collagen II, aggrecan, and Sox9. SF80 and SF70 scaffolds are the best for chondrogenesis
Jaipaew et al., 2016 [128]

Human WJ-MSCs
Chondrogenesis of WJ-MSCs in PLLA-collagen nanofibers scaffold
Seeded on PLLA-collagen nanofibers scaffold with CM
PLLA-collagen nanofibers scaffold promotes the chondrogenic differentiation of WJ-MSCs
Wang et al., 2017 [129]

Human WJ-MSCs
Chondrogenesis of WJ-MSCs in hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels
Seeded in hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels with CM
Increase of GAGs, collagen II and aggrecan,
Aleksander-Konert et al., 2016 [130]

Human UC-MSC- ECM
Effect of decellularized UC-MSC-ECM on ACs
ACs seeded in culture plates coated with UC-MSC-ECM
Promotion of the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes
Zhang et al., 2019b [131]

Fibrocartilage tissue engineering
Human UC-MSCs
UC- and BM-MSCs chondrogenesis comparison
Seeded onto PGA scaffolds in chondrogenic medium
More GAGs, collagen I, and aggrecan and less collagen II in UC-MSCs than BM-MSCs
Wang et al., 2009a [132]

Human UC-MSCs
Best density for UC-MSCs chondrogenesis
Seeded on nonwoven PGA scaffold in CM
More collagen I and II, aggrecan, GAGs, and mechanical integrity in high-density groups
Wang et al., 2009b [133]

Osteochondral tissue engineering
Human UC-MSCs
Chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation
Seeded between chondrogenic and osteogenic PLLA constructs
Both chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of UC-MSCs in the respective sides of constructs
Wang et al., 2011 [134]

Human UC-MSCs
Chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation
Seeded in osteogenic scaffold and in Collagen I and III- or HA-based chondrogenic scaffolds in normoxic or hypoxic (8% O2) conditions.
Both chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of UC-MSCs. Hypoxia improved the expression of these chondrogenic markers
Marmotti et al., 2017 [31]

Orthopaedic tissue engineering
Human UC-MSCs
Multilineage differentiation
Cultured in adipogenic, osteogenic, chondrogenic, or myogenic medium
Multilineage differentiation potential toward bone, fat, cartilage, and muscle
Marmotti et al., 2012 [91]

IVD degeneration
Human UC-MSCs
UC- and D-NP-MSCs comparison
Cultured with CM
D-NPMSCs expressed lower expression levels of CD29 and CD105, reduced proliferation capability and differentiation potentials
Wu et al., 2017 [93]

Human WJ-MSCs
Interactions between WJ-MSCs and degenerative NPCs
Coculture with or without direct cell-cell contact
NP-like cell differentiation of WJ-MSCs and biological status of degenerative NPCs restoration. The direct cell-cell contact yielded more favorable gene expressions
Han et al., 2018 [98]

Human UC-MSCs secretome
UC-MSC-conditioned medium (CM) effect on damaged NP-MSCs
Treatment of high glucose-induced degradation of NP-MSCs with UC-MSCs-CM
Reduction of apoptosis and ECM degradation via the p38 MAPK pathway
Qi 2019 et al., 2019 [135]

Human UC-MSCs-ECM
Effect of UC-MCS-ECM on IVD cells
IVD cells seeded on decellularized UC-MSCs-ECM
UC-MSCs-ECM improved the degenerated phenotype of human IVD cells affecting the expression of Sox2, Sox 9 and TRPS1
Penolazzi et al., 2020 [136]

OA
Human UC-MSCs secretome
Comparison of articular cartilage (AC), Hoffa’s fat pad (HFP), synovial membrane (SM), and UC-MSC secretomes
Secretome analysis by mass spectrometry and effect on AC chondrogenesis and immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects on PBMCs and macrophages
UC-MSCs-CM displayed superior anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and trophic effects compared to adult MSCs
Islam et al., 2019 [95]

RA
Human UC-MSCs
UC-MSCs effect on FLS
Coculture
Increase of FLS apoptosis, collagen II, and aggrecan; decrease of IL-1β, IL-6 and CCL-2
Zeng et al., 2016 [61]

TMJ disorders
Human UC-MSCs
UC-MSCs and TMJ condylar chondrocytes comparison
Seeded in PGA scaffolds in CM
More collagen I and II, GAGs, and cellular density in UC-MSCs than TMJ construct
Bailey et al., 2007 [94]

AC: articular cartilage cells; ACECM: acellular cartilage extracellular matrix; Alg/HA: alginate enriched in hyaluronic acid; CTGF: connective tissue growth factor; CM: chondrogenic medium; D-NP-MSCs: NP stem/progenitor cells isolated from degenerated IVD; ECM: extracellular matrix; FLS: fibroblast-like synoviocytes; GAGs: glycosaminoglycans; n.a.: not applicable; IVD: intervertebral disc; NP: nucleus pulpous; NPCs: nucleus pulposus cells; OA: osteoarthritis; PCL/Coll: polycaprolactone/collagen; PGA: polyglycolic acid; PLGA: poly L-lactide/D-lactide/glycolide; PLLA: poly-L-lactic acid; PMEF: pulsed electromagnetic field; PVA-PCL: polyvinyl alcohol-polycaprolactone; RA: rheumatoid arthritis; RCCS: rotary cell-culture system; SF/HA: silk fibroin/hyaluronic acid; TMJ: temporomandibular joint.

Table 4: In vivo studies of cartilage repair with UC-MSCs or their secretome.

Pathology
Source
Host
Study design
Results
Ref.

IVD degeneration
Human UC-MSCs
Rabbit
UC-MSCs injected into degenerated IVD
Increase in cellularity and a relative preservation of architecture
Leckie et al., 2013 [137]

Human UC-MSCs
Rabbit
UC-MSCs or UC-MSC-derived CPCs injected into degenerated IVD
Improvement in the histology, cellularity, ECM proteins, water, and GAGs contents and higher expression of NP specific markers SOX9, ACAN, COL2, FOXF1, and KRT19 with CPCs
Beeravolu et al., 2018 [138]

Human UC-MSCs
Rabbit
UC-MSC-derived NPCs injected into degenerated IVD
Improvement in the histology, cellularity, sulfated GAGs, and water contents of the NP. Expression of SOX9, ACAN, COL2, FOXF1, KRT19, PAX6, CA12, and COMP
Perez-Cruet et al., 2019 [139]

Human UC-MSCs
Rat
UC-MSCs or UC-MSC-derived CPCs injected into degenerated IVD
Expression of chondrogenic markers and downregulation of pain and inflammatory genes. Differentiation of transplanted UC-MSCs and CPCs in functional NPCs. Better survival, homing, and distribution in IVD with CPCs.
Ekram et al., 2021 [140]

OA
Equine UC-MSCs
Rabbit
Early (day 3) or delayed (day 15) intra-articular injection of 3,5.10⁶ UC-MSCs
Early IA injection of UC-MSCs exerted better anti-inflammatory and anticatabolic effects (reduction of MMPs -1, -3, -13, and TNF-a)
Saulnier et al., 2015 [141]

AM/UC particulate
Rat
Intra-articular injection of 50 or 100 μg/μL AM/UC particulate decellularized
Attenuation of cartilage destruction, significant increase in cartilage thickness and volume, significant decrease in total lesion area with high dose at 4 weeks postinjection
Raines et al., 2017 [142]

Human UC-MSCs
Mouse
Intra-articular injection of UC-MSCs
Regeneration and repair of cartilage, recovery from movement impairment, amelioration of cartilage apoptosis via caspase 3 pathway
Chang et al., 2018 [143]

CanineUC-MSCs
Dog
Intra-articular injection of UC-MSCs on days 1 and 3
Repair of cartilage and patella, improvement of the healing of the surrounding tissue, reduction of joint effusion and inflammation (reduction of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-7 blood levels)
Zhang et al., 2018 [144]

Canine UC-MSCs
Dog
Intra-articular injection of UC-MSCs
Improvement of clinical signs related to OA in treated dogs
Kim et al., 2019 [145]

Human UC-MSCs
Rabbit
Intra-articular injection of , or UC-MSCs
Chondrogenesis induction, upregulation of the expression of growth factors, ECM markers, and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Medium dose exerted the best effects
Kim et al., 2019 [83]

Human UC-MSCs
Rat
Intra-articular injection of UC-MSCs overexpressing miR-140-5p
UC-MSCs overexpressing miR-140-5p significantly enhanced articular cartilage self-repairing in comparison to normal UC-MSCs
Geng et al., 2019 [146]

Human UC-MSCs
Minipig
Intra-articular injection of a UC-MSCs (5 × 10⁶ cells) and HA composite (4%)
Significant gross and histological improvements in hyaline cartilage regeneration
Wu et al., 2019 [147]

Equine UC-MSCs
Horse
1 or 2 intra-articular injections (at 1-month interval) of UC-MSCs
improvement of lameness and total clinical score. No apparent clinical benefit of repeated intra-articular administration
Magri et al., 2019 [148]

Human UC-MSCs
Mouse
Intra-articular injection of UC-MSCs at 3 or 6 weeks
Significantly reduction of the loss of joint space and no evidence of an inflammatory response
Perry et al., 2020 [149]

Human UC-MSCs
Rat
Single (day 1) or three (on days 1, 7 and 14) intra-articular injections of 2.5 x 10⁵ UC-MSCs
Amelioration of cartilage erosion, alleviation of inflammatory cells infiltration and hyperplasia of the synovium by repeated injections. Increase number of SFCs on the articular cartilage surface
Tong et al., 2020 [81]

Human UC-MSCs
Rat
Intra-articular injection of UC-MSCs in 100 μL HA
Temporary effects that decelerate the progression of cartilage degeneration, but may not inhibit OA progression in the long-term.
Xing et al., 2020 [150]

Human UC-MSCs
Mouse
Intra-articular injection of low-dose UC-MSCs or UC-MSC-loaded GMs ( cells) or high-dose UC-MSCs (3 × 10⁵ cells)
UC-MSC-GMs promoted cartilage regeneration and inhibited macrophage-mediated synovitis better than low-dose and similar to high-dose UC-MSCs
Zhang et al., 2021 [42]

Human UC-MSCs
Rat
intra-articular injection of UC-MSCs once a week for 3 weeks
UC-MSCs prevent cartilage degradation, restore the proliferation of chondrocytes, and inhibit the inflammatory response
Zhang et al., 2021 [82]

Human UC-MSCs
Rabbit
Intra-articular injection of UC-MSCs with GO granular lubricant
UC-MSCs loaded with the GO granular lubricant reduce the inflammatory level and improve the level of biochemical environment in the joint
Wang et al., 2021 [151]

RA
Human UC-MSCs
Mouse
Intraperitoneal injection of UC-MSCs each day for 5 days
Reduction of the severity of RA, reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1) and increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), Th1/Th2 type responses shifting and Tregs induction
Liu et al., 2010 [152]

Human UC-MSCs
Mouse
Intra-articular injection of UC-MSCs and/or 100 μg/mL TNF-α inhibitor
Inhibition of TNF-α decreases cartilage destruction by suppressing the immunogenicity of UC-MSCs
Wu et al., 2012 [153]

Human UC-MSCs
Rat
Tail vein injection of UC-MSCs
Markedly increased percentage of Tregs and antithrombin levels, decrease of IL-1, IL-17, TNF-α, VEGF, and tissue factor levels
Gu et al., 2015 [154]

Human UC-MSCs
Mouse
Tail vein injection of UC-MSCs or BM-MSCs or SHED
UC-MSCs exert the best therapeutic effect in reducing bone resorption, joint destruction, and inflammatory factor expression
Zhang et al. 2019 [155]

Human UC-MSCs
Rat
Intravenous injection of UC-MSCs
Improvement arthritis, delay of radiological progression, and inhibition of synovial hyperplasia by downregulation of RORγt and upregulation of Foxp3 expression, inhibition of IL-17 and promotion of TGF-β expression, inhibition of proliferation and promotion of apoptosis in T lymphocytes and increased Tregs ratio
Ma et al., 2019 [156]

Human UC-MSCs
Rat
Intraperitoneal injection of UC-MSCs
Slow down the progression of disease activity and reversal of arthritic processes along with triggering of joint tissue repair mechanisms
Vohra et al., 2020 [157]

Human UC-MSC-sEVs
Rat
ND
Ameliorate arthritis and inhibit synovial hyperplasia in a dose-dependent manner by inhibiting T lymphocyte proliferation and promoting their apoptosis, decreasing Th17 cell proportion and increasing that of Tregs, decreasing serum IL-17, and enhanced IL-10 and TGF-β expression, decreasing RORγt and increased FOXP3 expression
Xu et al., 2021 [158]

Cartilage defects
Human WJ- ECM
Rabbit
rabbit chondrocytes seeded in decellularized WJ-ECM scaffold inserted into the cartilage defects
All defects were filled completely with repaired tissue, and most of which were hyaline cartilage compared to WJ-ECM alone in which the defects filled partially with repaired tissue
Zhao et al., 2018 [159]

Human WJ-MSCs
Goat
WJ-MSCs seeded in ACECM-oriented scaffold implanted into the articular cartilage defect
The WJ-MSCs-ACECM scaffold complex achieved better quality repair and regeneration of hyaline cartilage compared to microfracture (predominant clinical treatment strategy for damaged cartilage)
Zhang et al., 2018 [160]

Human WJ-MSCs
Goat
WJ-MSCs and pACs mixed in 3 ratios: 100:0, 0:100 and 50:50 and seeded into ACECM-oriented scaffolds implanted into the articular cartilage defect
50:50 ratio was more similar to native cartilage and better integrated with the surrounding tissue, more abundant cartilage-specific content and significantly higher mechanical strength, no significant joint effusion or bone marrow edema signal. WJ-MSCs possessed low immunogenicity and escaped destruction by the immune system
Zhang et al., 2020 [161]

Human UC-MSCs-Exosomes
Rabbit
Intra-articular injection of of 2D or 3D culture in hollow-fiber bioreactor of UC-MSCs exosomes
Enhanced gross appearance and attenuated cartilage defect; 3D-cultured exosomes showed a superior therapeutic effect
Yan et al., 2020 [162]

Human UC-MSCs
Rat
WJ/CS composite scaffold loaded with UC-MSCs implanted into the articular cartilage defect
The composite scaffold loaded with UC-MSCs repaired cartilage defects better than did the WJ scaffold loaded with UC-MSCs. Both the scaffold and UC-MSCs showed low immunogenicity
Li et al., 2021 [163]

Osteochondral defects
Rabbit UC-MSCs
Rabbit
PLGA scaffold with a continuous gradient transition between TGF-β1 and BMP-2 seeded with UC-MSCs implanted into articular osteochondral defect
Beneficial effect for bone and cartilage regeneration
Domer et al., 2012 [164]

Human WJ-MSCs
Rabbit
undifferentiated or chondrogenically induced WJ-MSCs seeded in ECM of swine cartilage-derived scaffolds
Tissues repair observed over 16 months, with a hyaline-like neocartilage layer and regenerated subchondral bone. No immune rejection.
WJ-MSCs were superior to those differentiated
Liu et al., 2017 [165]

Human WJ-MSCs exosomes
Rat and Rabbit
Rat: 25 μg/mL of WJ-MSC exosomes injected in joint cavity (5 times, every 7 days)
Rabbit: ACECM scaffold implanted into osteochondral defect with 25 μg/mL of WJ-MSCs exosomes injected in joint cavity, 5 times every 7 days
WJ-MSC exosomes enhance the effect of the ACECM scaffold and promote osteochondral regeneration, regulate the microenvironment of the articular cavity promoting the polarization of macrophages toward the M2 phenotype and inhibiting the inflammatory response. WJ-MSC exosomes contain many miRNAs that can promote the regeneration of hyaline cartilage
Jiang et al., 2021 [166]

ACECM: acellular cartilage extracellular matrix; AM/UC: amniotic membrane/ umbilical cord; CPCs: chondroprogenitor cells; GMs: gelatin microcryogels; GO: graphene oxide; HA: hyaluronic acid; IVD: intervertebral disc; NP: nucleus pulposus; NPCs: NP-like cells; OA: osteoarthritis; pAC: primary cartilage cells; PLGA: poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid); RA: rheumatoid arthritis; sEVs: small extracellular vesicles; SFC: cartilage superficial; SHED: stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth layer cells; WJ/CS: Wharton’s jelly and chondroitin sulfate.

Table 5: Clinical trials of cartilage repair with UC-MSCs or their secretome.

Pathology
Source
Study design
Delivery mode
Patients (N°)
Results
Ref.

OA
Human UC-MSCs
Randomized, double-blind, controlled phase I/II
Intra-articular injection of UC-MSCs once or twice vs. HA injection
29
Double injection group showed significant amelioration of pain and disability at 6 and 12 months of follow-up compared to HA group. No severe adverse events were reported.
Matas et al., 2019 [167]

Human UC-MSCs
Open-label, single arm, phase I/II
Injection of UC-MSCs in
29
Significant reduction of the pain and greatest improvement in knee function after 6th-month follow-up.
Dilogo et al., 2020 [168]

AM/UC particulate
Single-center, investigator-initiated, retrospective study
Inta-articular injection of 100 mg of AM/UC particulate
42
Significant clinical improvement of pain and function in patients with moderate to severe knee OA, with the potential to delay total knee replacement for up to 12 months
Mead et al., 2020 [169]

RA
Human UC-MSCs
Prospective phase I/II study
Intravenous injection of UC-MSCs
64
Lower levels of serological markers ESR, CRP, RF at 1 and 3 years and anti-CCP at 3 years after treatment. Decrease of health and joint function indexes 1 and 3 years after treatment.
Wang et al., 2019 [170]

Human UC-MSCs
Phase I/II study
Intravenous drip of UC-MSCs and intravenous injection of 24 mg of cervus and cucumis peptides
119
Significant reduction of serological markers ESR, CRP, RF, and anti-CCP and improvement of health index and joint function index 1 year after treatment
Qi et al., 2020 [171]

Human UC-MSCs
Randomized, controlled phase 1/2
Intravenous infusion of cells/kg of body weight with or without a single intramuscular infusion of 1 million IU of IFN-γ
63
Efficacy and ACR20 response rates attained in 53.3% patients with UC-MSCs alone and in 93.3% patients with UC-MSCs combined with IFN-γ at 3-month follow-up. No new or unexpected safety issues in 1-year follow-up
He et al., 2020 [172]

ACR20: American College of Rheumatology 20; AM/UC: amniotic membrane/umbilical cord; CCP: cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody; CRP: C-reactive protein; ESR: the erythrocyte sedimentation rate; HA: hyaluronic acid; OA: osteoarthritis; RA: rheumatoid arthritis; RF: rheumatoid factor.

Preliminary in vitro studies investigated the chondrogenic potential of UC-MSCs, demonstrating their ability to achieve both hyaline, fibrous, and elastic cartilage phenotypes as well as nucleus pulposus-like cell differentiation capacity [87–90]. In addition, also the osteogenic, adipogenic, and myogenic differentiation potential have been reported suggesting UC-MSCs could be a pivotal stem cells source for tissue engineering applications in orthopaedics [91]. Comparative studies reported slightly differences in chondrogenesis between the UC-, BM-, and AT-MSCs. In particular, according to Danišovič et al., BM-MSCs showed the best chondrogenic potential while Hildner and coworkers showed that differentiated UC-MSCs present a more fibrous than hyaline cartilage phenotype compared to AT-MSCs suggesting their role in regeneration of fibrocartilage-like meniscus [87, 92]. Moreover, the results of Wu and coworkers indicate that, although nucleus pulposus stem/progenitor cells (D-NP-MSCs) isolated from degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD) shared the MSCs characteristics with UC-MSCs, the latter showed better proliferation capacity and differentiation potential, suggesting that UC-MSCs as a suitable source for regenerative therapy of IVD degeneration [93]. Furthermore, UC-MSCs may be an attractive alternative to condylar cartilage cells for temporomandibular joint tissue engineering applications [94]. Interestingly, UC-MSCs displayed superior anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and trophic effects compared to adult MSCs including articular cartilage (AC), Hoffa’s fat pad (HFP), synovial membrane (SM), and maintain their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties after differentiation [50, 84, 95]. Moreover, coculture experiments of UC-MSCs and articular cartilage cells (ACs), fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), and nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) showed their suitability for the treatment of arthritis, synovitis, and IVD degeneration [61, 96–98]. Finally, there are several cartilage tissue engineering studies that demonstrated the osteochondral differentiation capacity of UC-MSCs in different scaffold constituted by acellular cartilage extracellular matrix (ACECM), alginate enriched in hyaluronic acid (Alg/HA), polycaprolactone/collagen (PCL/Coll), polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly L-lactide/D-lactide/glycolide (PLGA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), polyvinyl alcohol-polycaprolactone (PVA-PCL), and silk fibroin/hyaluronic acid (SF/HA).

In vivo studies in different animal models from mice to horses confirmed in vitro studies showing the feasibility of using UC-MSCs for the treatment of IVD degeneration, OA, RA, and cartilage defects repair. UC-MSC transplantation promotes chondrogenesis and improves the histology, cellularity, and ECM proteins content along with reduction of inflammation in a preclinical model of IVD degeneration. In the same way, UC-MSCs induce regeneration and repair of cartilage reducing its destruction, promote recovery from movement impairment, and reduce joint effusion and inflammation slowing down the progression of OA animal models. In addition, preclinical studies on RA treatment showed that UC-MSCs exerted the best therapeutic effect in reducing bone resorption, joint destruction, and inflammatory factor expression compared to BM-MSCs. Interestingly, several evidences support the regenerative potential of UC-MSCs in cartilage and osteochondral defects repair.

Following the promising in vitro and in vivo results, clinical applications have been attempted using UC-MSCs for the treatment of OA and RA (Table 5). In summary, clinical trials for the treatment of OA showed significant amelioration of pain and disability at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. No severe adverse events were reported. The main outcomes for RA patients treated with UC-MSCs were significant reduction of RA serological markers and improvement of health index and joint function index 1 year after treatment. No new or unexpected safety issues in 1-year follow-up. Despite the promising results of clinical trials, further basic and translational research investigations are needed to better understand the best stem cell candidate, scaffold materials, and/or best cellular derivatives which can be suitable for the different types of cartilage regeneration. In parallel, there is the need to increase the knowledge about underlying regenerative mechanisms. Finally, more research is needed to convert preclinical evidences obtained in animal models, to human-based clinical applications for cartilage regeneration. Consensus is still lacking in key points such as the methods to obtain the cell source, the use of scaffolds as well as bioactive molecules in parallel to the administration of stromal cells. As shown in the human studies reviewed so far, the achievement of amelioration of some parameters and confirmation of the safety of the overall procedure still needs more data generated on the interaction of the transplanted cells with the host tissue, their proper differentiation in vivo, as well as the long-term achievements of this cellular replacement strategy.

4. Conclusions

In conclusion, UC-MSCs represent a promising candidate for the therapy of chondropathies, as highlighted by the encouraging results emerged from in vitro and in vivo investigations and from the available results from clinical trials. UC-MSCs are characterized by several potential advantages such as a frank multilineage differentiation potential, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as MSCs the ability to constitutively produce molecules that are involved in cartilage matrix biogenesis and in the trophic and reparative functions. In addition, UC-MSCs are able to migrate, home, and survive in an ischemic and nutrient-poor environment like cartilage as well as to produce an extracellular matrix (ECM) similar to that and induce endogenous repair mechanisms. We believe that these results warrant the need for further researches that can better define the criteria leading to the adoption of UC-MSCs in the stem cell-based therapy of cartilage diseases, as well as characterizing the mechanism of repair and increase the knowledge on the biomechanical properties of the regenerated cartilage tissue in vivo.

Conflicts of Interest

Prof. Giampiero La Rocca is member of the Scientific board of Auxocell Laboratories, Inc. The other authors report no conflicts.

Acknowledgments

GLR is a recipient of a PRIN 2017 fund by the Italian Ministry of University.

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