Journal of Aging Science

Abstract

The Role of Growth Factors in Articular Cartilage Repair: A Systematic Review

Yu Zhang*, Zishu Cai, Chengqiang Y, Youcai Wu, Yufu Ou and Jianxun Wei

Natural degeneration or trauma can lead to structural and functional damage to articular cartilage. Because cartilage lacks blood supply and innervation, the metabolic activity of its cells is low, and post injury self-repair is difficult. Notably, growth factors have been found to greatly affect articular cartilage repair. English-language studies published from August 2000 to August 2019 were searched in the PubMed and SCI databases. The relevant literature was reviewed, and basic research and clinical applications of growth factors in articular cartilage repair were analysed and summarized. Growth factors significantly promote stem cell proliferation and differentiation and induce their functions. Various growth factors synergistically promote chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells to promote cartilage regeneration and repair articular cartilage damage. Traditional growth factors that promote articular cartilage repair include bone morphogenetic proteins, cartilage-derived morphogenetic proteins, transforming growth factor β, fibroblast growth factors and insulin-like growth factors. Recent studies have shown that kartogenin, platelet-rich plasma, platelet-rich fibrin, mechano-growth factor, etc. can effectively induce chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells and chondrocyte phenotype maintenance; synthetic compounds, e.g., dexamethasone and some inorganic particles, also promote chondrogenic differentiation. Different hydrogel types and stem cells from different sources differentially support chondrogenesis and require different growth factors to induce chondrogenic differentiation. Novel growth factors were found to promote articular cartilage repair. As no in vivo experimental studies have yet addressed dexamethasone and inorganic particles, their reparative effect and safety require further study. The synergism and antagonism between different growth factors and optimal concentration ratios, as well as differences in their in vivo and in vitro roles, also warrant in-depth study.

Published Date: 2022-05-30; Received Date: 2022-04-27