Researchers have identified a type of stem cell which can be transformed into cartilage cells known as chondrocytes. If the scientists succeed in creating new chondrocytes in sufficient numbers, it would be possible to achieve a real therapeutic effect for osteoarthritis patients.
Scientists from Cardiff University also plan to conduct a pilot clinical trial involving about 20 patients. The work was presented to the UK National Stem Cell Network Annual Science Meeting. The British-developed technique, which uses a patient's own stem cells to replace lost cartilage, is already being tried out on goats.
Lead researcher Professor Charlie Archer told BBC news, "There are limitations in trying to transplant a patient's existing cartilage cells but, by culturing it from a resident stem cell, we believe we can overcome this limitation."
"This research could have real benefits for arthritis sufferers and especially younger active patients with cartilage lesions that can progress to whole scale osteoarthritis," he added.
Current treatment is mainly restricted to alleviating the pain and inflammation associated with the disease. Under the new treatment, stem cells are programmed to become cartilage-producing cells called chondrocytes. They are then grown in the laboratory until they number in their millions.
They are then implanted into damaged joints after multiplying and transformed into chondrocytes. These would then begin to produce a lot of fresh new cartilage.
Stem cells offer a potential way to repair cartilage damaged by osteoarthritis, a disease that occurs when changes in the make-up of the body's cartilage causes joints to fail to work properly say scientists.
