Effect of Autologous Adipose Tissue-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AT-MSCs) Therapy in Cartilage Regeneration Among Individuals With Primary Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent chronic joint disorder worldwide and is associated with significant pain and disability. Incidence and prevalence of osteoarthritis rise with increasing age. The prevalence of OA knee in Bangladesh seems to be higher due to poor working conditions, heavy physical labor, and occupational injuries which increase in the future. This will ultimately create a higher clinical and socioeconomic burden on the population and national economy. The course of the disease varies but is often progressive. OA of the knee is one of the common self-reported musculoskeletal pain conditions causing patients to visit the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) department, at BSMMU. The primary objectives of knee OA treatment focus on pain reduction, and joint mobility improvement, as well as the reduction of disease progression and preserving patients' independence and quality of life. Current treatments aim at alleviating these symptoms by several different methods: Non-pharmacological treatments, Pharmacological treatments, and Invasive interventions. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapies for knee osteoarthritis are being investigated in various corners of the world. Both positive and negative findings were observed in that research. Although, the effectiveness of MSCs in KOA is not yet well known. Some studies found MSCs effective, and safe in KOA, and it has the potential to regenerate/heal degraded joint cartilage. MSCs can differentiate into cartilage tissue. Furthermore, MSCs have been shown to have paracrine anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects by producing different growth factors and cytokines. This therapeutics option is under investigation to date. The objective of this trial is to find the effectiveness, safety, and dose difference of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (AT-MSCs) therapy for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

But in fact, there is no published data about the effectiveness of autologous adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells injection on pain, joint functioning, and femoral cartilage thickness in the management of knee osteoarthritis in Bangladesh. Henceforth, this trial will generate new knowledge about the effectiveness, safety, and appropriate dose of AT-MSCs for KOA. So this research will be helpful to generate evidence-based information for an effective treatment option for the management of KOA.