Cell Therapies in Tendon, Ligament, and Musculoskeletal System Repair

Background: Tendon and ligament injuries are common among athletes and the general population, leading to significant complications and prolonged recovery periods. These injuries often result in inadequate healing due to the limited vascularity of tendons, which restricts their reconstructive capacity. Current treatment options, including surgical interventions and conservative management, frequently fail to provide satisfactory outcomes, resulting in high rates of re-injury and chronic pain. Recent advancements in regenerative medicine, particularly through cell therapy, hold promise for enhancing tendon repair and regeneration. Methods: This review combines recent studies on the application of cell therapy for tendon and ligament repair, focusing on various types of stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs). It examines the mechanisms of action, efficacy in clinical settings, and potential for future applications. Additionally, this review discusses the integration of tissue engineering principles with cell therapy to optimize healing processes. Results: Recent findings indicate that MSCs enhance tendon repair through multiple mechanisms; they reduce inflammation, promote neovascularization, and stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation. MSCs can differentiate into tenocytes under specific conditions, assisting in the reconstruction of tendon tissues. Furthermore, they secrete bioactive molecules that facilitate tissue repair by promoting collagen production and extracellular matrix remodeling. Studies have shown that MSCs derived from various sources—such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord—are effective in improving tendon healing outcomes when administered via various delivery methods, including injections and engineered scaffolds. Moreover, the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has emerged as a novel approach, providing an unlimited source of tenocyte-like cells applicable for therapeutic uses. Conclusion: Cell therapy represents a transformative approach for treating tendon and ligament injuries. By harnessing the regenerative potential of stem cells, particularly MSCs and TDSCs, clinicians can significantly improve healing outcomes and reduce recovery times for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions. Ongoing research to address current limitations in clinical applications, optimize delivery methods, and enhance the efficacy of these therapies is essential. Keywords: Cell therapy, tendon repair, ligament repair, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs).

کلیدواژه ها:

Cell therapy ، tendon repair ، ligament repair ، mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) ، tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs)