Department of Orthopaedics, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
Research Article
The Role of Growth Factors in Articular Cartilage Repair: A Systematic Review
Author(s): 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. Tra.. View more»