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Aim: Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐based therapy is being explored in treating osteoarthritis (OA). Human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC‐MSCs) are least reported. In this study, we investigated the effects of single intra‐articular injections of hUC‐MSCs on a rat OA model. Method: hUC‐MSCs were isolated from the Wharton's jelly of the human umbilical cord and identified. Eighteen Sprague‐Dawley rats were used for the OA model. All rats were divided into 3 groups: hyaluronic acid (HA)+MSCs (n = 6), HA (n = 6), and control group (n = 6). One by 106 hUC‐MSCs in 100 μL HA, 100 μL HA or 100 μL saline were injected into the knee joint 4 weeks post‐surgery as a single dose. Cartilage degeneration was evaluated at 6 and 12 weeks after treatment with macroscopic examination, micro‐computed tomography analysis, behavioral analysis, and histology. Results: At 6 weeks, the HA + MSCs group had a significantly better International Cartilage Repair Society score in the femoral condyle compared to the HA and control groups. Histological analysis also showed more proteoglycan and less cartilage loss, with lower modified Mankin score in the HA + MSCs group. However, at 12 weeks there were no significant differences between groups from macroscopic examination and histological analysis. Subchondral bone sclerosis of the medial femoral condyle and behavioral tests showed no significant differences between groups at 6 and 12 weeks. Conclusion: These findings indicate that single injection of hUC‐MSCs can have temporary effects on decelerating the progression of cartilage degeneration in OA rats, but may not inhibit OA progression in the long‐term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: Aim: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of morbidity and incapacity in the elderly. This study evaluates serum levels of the chemokines CCL2, CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL10 in 16 patients with primary OA of the knees, and investigates how treatment with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for 4 months affects these chemokine levels. Method: Thirteen elderly patients received a placebo. Healthy control groups consisted of 10 elderly individuals (age > 60 years) with no clinical or radiological evidence of OA (CT‐O), and 10 young adult individuals, (CT‐Y group, age < 40 years). Results: The CT‐Y group presented lower levels of all chemokines studied, in comparison to the other groups. HCQ treatment did not alter the serum levels of CCL2 (P = 0.80), CXCL8 (P = 0.76), CXCL9 (P = 0.95) and CXCL10 (P = 0.74) in OA patients. Conclusion: Hydroxychloroquine treatment did not alter the serum levels of CCL2, CXCL8, CXCL9 or CXCL10 in patients with OA of the knees, although increased serum levels correlated with aging for all subjects, including controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...