Stem Cell Res Ther
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Treatment of knee osteoarthritis with intra-articular injection of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, phase IIb clinical trial.
Human adipose-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells (haMPCs) are stem cells with multiple differentiation potential and immunomodulatory function. Re-Join® comprises in vitro expanded haMPCs from adipose tissue of patients combined with cell suspension solution. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Re-Join® in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ Significant improvements in joint function, pain, quality of life, and cartilage regeneration were observed in Re-Join®-treated knee OA patients with good tolerance in a period of 12 months.
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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and vascular health. Peripheral blood-derived CD34+ progenitor cells have been used as biomarker for CVD risk and may play a similar role in OSA and CVD risk assessment. Although there are some controversial results in the literature, OSA patients may have a reduction in the number and function of CD34+ cells. The damages promoted by OSA in CD34+ cells may lead to an increase in endothelial oxidative stress and endothelial inflammation which may lead to a reduced endothelial repair capacity. In this study, we explored the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on peripheral blood-derived CD34+ cells and arterial stiffness (another predictor of endothelial health and CVD risk) in OSA patients. ⋯ Our findings suggest that 3-month CPAP intervention does not show statistical significant increase in CD34+ cell number and function, in mostly moderate to severe OSA subjects; however, it did demonstrate a positive trend. CPAP therapy, did help improve arterial stiffness parameter.