@article{WeissenbergerWagenbrennerSchoteetal.2022, author = {Weißenberger, Manuel and Wagenbrenner, Mike and Schote, Fritz and Horas, Konstantin and Sch{\"a}fer, Thomas and Rudert, Maximilian and Barthel, Thomas and Heinz, Tizian and Reppenhagen, Stephan}, title = {The 3-triangle method preserves the posterior tibial slope during high tibial valgus osteotomy: first preliminary data using a mathematical model}, series = {Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics}, volume = {9}, journal = {Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics}, issn = {2197-1153}, doi = {10.1186/s40634-022-00466-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-300806}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Purpose Despite much improved preoperative planning techniques accurate intraoperative assessment of the high tibial valgus osteotomy (HTO) remains challenging and often results in coronal over- and under-corrections as well as unintended changes of the posterior tibial slope. Noyes et al. reported a novel method for accurate intraoperative coronal and sagittal alignment correction based on a three-dimensional mathematical model. This is the first study examining preliminary data via the proposed Noyes approach for accurate intraoperative coronal and sagittal alignment correction during HTO. Methods From 2016 to 2020 a total of 24 patients (27 knees) underwent HTO applying the proposed Noyes method (Noyes-Group). Radiographic data was analyzed retrospectively and matched to patients that underwent HTO using the conventional method, i.e., gradual medial opening using a bone spreader under fluoroscopic control (Conventional-Group). All operative procedures were performed by an experienced surgeon at a single orthopaedic university center. Results From the preoperative to the postoperative visit no statistically significant changes of the posterior tibial slope were noted in the Noyes-Group compared to a significant increase in the Conventional-Group (p = 0.01). Regarding the axial alignment no significant differences between both groups were observed pre- and postoperatively. The number of over- and under-corrections did not differ significantly between both groups. Linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation of the postoperative medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) with the position of the weightbearing line on the tibial plateau. Conclusion The 3-triangle method by Noyes seems to be a promising approach for preservation of the posterior tibial slope during HTO.}, language = {en} } @article{WeberBeckKlugetal.2023, author = {Weber, Patrick and Beck, Melina and Klug, Michael and Klug, Andreas and Klug, Alexander and Glowalla, Claudio and Gollwitzer, Hans}, title = {Survival of patient-specific unicondylar knee replacement}, series = {Journal of Personalized Medicine}, volume = {13}, journal = {Journal of Personalized Medicine}, number = {4}, issn = {2075-4426}, doi = {10.3390/jpm13040665}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-313650}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in isolated medial or lateral osteoarthritis leads to good clinical results. However, revision rates are higher in comparison to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). One reason is suboptimal fitting of conventional off-the-shelf prostheses, and major overhang of the tibial component over the bone has been reported in up to 20\% of cases. In this retrospective study, a total of 537 patient-specific UKAs (507 medial prostheses and 30 lateral prostheses) that had been implanted in 3 centers over a period of 10 years were analyzed for survival, with a minimal follow-up of 1 year (range 12 to 129 months). Furthermore, fitting of the UKAs was analyzed on postoperative X-rays, and tibial overhang was quantified. A total of 512 prostheses were available for follow-up (95.3\%). Overall survival rate (medial and lateral) of the prostheses after 5 years was 96\%. The 30 lateral UKAs showed a survival rate of 100\% at 5 years. The tibial overhang of the prosthesis was smaller than 1 mm in 99\% of cases. In comparison to the reported results in the literature, our data suggest that the patient-specific implant design used in this study is associated with an excellent midterm survival rate, particularly in the lateral knee compartment, and confirms excellent fitting.}, language = {en} } @article{WagenbrennerPokerHeinzetal.2022, author = {Wagenbrenner, Mike and Poker, Konrad and Heinz, Tizian and Herrmann, Marietta and Horas, Konstantin and Ebert, Regina and Mayer-Wagner, Susanne and Holzapfel, Boris M. and Rudert, Maximilian and Steinert, Andre F. and Weißenberger, Manuel}, title = {Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) isolated from various tissues of the human arthritic knee joint possess similar multipotent differentiation potential}, series = {Applied Sciences}, volume = {12}, journal = {Applied Sciences}, number = {4}, issn = {2076-3417}, doi = {10.3390/app12042239}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-262334}, year = {2022}, abstract = {(1) Background: The mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) of different tissue origins are applied in cell-based chondrogenic regeneration. However, there is a lack of comparability determining the most suitable cell source for the tissue engineering (TE) of cartilage. The purpose of this study was to compare the in vitro chondrogenic potential of MSC-like cells from different tissue sources (bone marrow, meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament, synovial membrane, and the infrapatellar fat pad removed during total knee arthroplasty (TKA)) and define which cell source is best suited for cartilage regeneration. (2) Methods: MSC-like cells were isolated from five donors and expanded using adherent monolayer cultures. Differentiation was induced by culture media containing specific growth factors. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 was used as the growth factor for chondrogenic differentiation. Osteogenesis and adipogenesis were induced in monolayer cultures for 27 days, while pellet cell cultures were used for chondrogenesis for 21 days. Control cultures were maintained under the same conditions. After, the differentiation period samples were analyzed, using histological and immunohistochemical staining, as well as molecularbiological analysis by RT-PCR, to assess the expression of specific marker genes. (3) Results: Plastic-adherent growth and in vitro trilineage differentiation capacity of all isolated cells were proven. Flow cytometry revealed the clear co-expression of surface markers CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105 on all isolated cells. Adipogenesis was validated through the formation of lipid droplets, while osteogenesis was proven by the formation of calcium deposits within differentiated cell cultures. The formation of proteoglycans was observed during chondrogenesis in pellet cultures, with immunohistochemical staining revealing an increased relative gene expression of collagen type II. RT-PCR proved an elevated expression of specific marker genes after successful differentiation, with no significant differences regarding different cell source of native tissue. (4) Conclusions: Irrespective of the cell source of native tissue, all MSC-like cells showed multipotent differentiation potential in vitro. The multipotent differentiation capacity did not differ significantly, and chondrogenic differentiation was proven in all pellet cultures. Therefore, cell suitability for cell-based cartilage therapies and tissue engineering is given for various tissue origins that are routinely removed during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study might provide essential information for the clinical tool of cell harvesting, leading to more flexibility in cell availability.}, language = {en} } @article{WagenbrennerMayerWagnerRudertetal.2021, author = {Wagenbrenner, Mike and Mayer-Wagner, Susanne and Rudert, Maximilian and Holzapfel, Boris Michael and Weissenberger, Manuel}, title = {Combinations of hydrogels and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for cartilage tissue engineering — a review of the literature}, series = {Gels}, volume = {7}, journal = {Gels}, number = {4}, issn = {2310-2861}, doi = {10.3390/gels7040217}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-250177}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Cartilage offers limited regenerative capacity. Cell-based approaches have emerged as a promising alternative in the treatment of cartilage defects and osteoarthritis. Due to their easy accessibility, abundancy, and chondrogenic potential mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) offer an attractive cell source. MSCs are often combined with natural or synthetic hydrogels providing tunable biocompatibility, biodegradability, and enhanced cell functionality. In this review, we focused on the different advantages and disadvantages of various natural, synthetic, and modified hydrogels. We examined the different combinations of MSC-subpopulations and hydrogels used for cartilage engineering in preclinical and clinical studies and reviewed the effects of added growth factors or gene transfer on chondrogenesis in MSC-laden hydrogels. The aim of this review is to add to the understanding of the disadvantages and advantages of various combinations of MSC-subpopulations, growth factors, gene transfers, and hydrogels in cartilage engineering.}, language = {en} } @article{WagenbrennerHeinzHorasetal.2020, author = {Wagenbrenner, Mike and Heinz, Tizian and Horas, Konstantin and Jakuscheit, Axel and Arnholdt, Joerg and Mayer-Wagner, Susanne and Rudert, Maximilian and Holzapfel, Boris M. and Weißenberger, Manuel}, title = {Impact of Tranexamic Acid on Chondrocytes and Osteogenically Differentiated Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (hMSCs) In Vitro}, series = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, volume = {9}, journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, number = {12}, issn = {2077-0383}, doi = {10.3390/jcm9123880}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-219410}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The topical application of tranexamic acid (TXA) helps to prevent post-operative blood loss in total joint replacements. Despite these findings, the effects on articular and periarticular tissues remain unclear. Therefore, this in vitro study examined the effects of varying exposure times and concentrations of TXA on proliferation rates, gene expression and differentiation capacity of chondrocytes and human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs), which underwent osteogenic differentiation. Chondrocytes and hMSCs were isolated and multiplied in monolayer cell cultures. Osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs was induced for 21 days using a differentiation medium containing specific growth factors. Cell proliferation was analyzed using ATP assays. Effects of TXA on cell morphology were examined via light microscopy and histological staining, while expression levels of tissue-specific genes were measured using semiquantitative RT-PCR. After treatment with 50 mg/mL of TXA, a decrease in cell proliferation rates was observed. Furthermore, treatment with concentrations of 20 mg/mL of TXA for at least 48 h led to a visible detachment of chondrocytes. TXA treatment with 50 mg/mL for at least 24 h led to a decrease in the expression of specific marker genes in chondrocytes and osteogenically differentiated hMSCs. No significant effects were observed for concentrations beyond 20 mg/mL of TXA combined with exposure times of less than 24 h. This might therefore represent a safe limit for topical application in vivo. Further research regarding in vivo conditions and effects on hMSC functionality are necessary to fully determine the effects of TXA on articular and periarticular tissues.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Ruppert2002, author = {Ruppert, Andreas}, title = {Die B-Lymphozyten-Aktivierung in der osteoarthrotischen Synovialmembran - ein Beitrag zum molekularpathogenetischen Verst{\"a}ndnis der Osteoarthrose}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-5161}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2002}, abstract = {Die Synovialmembran zeigt bei Osteoarthrose, einer prim{\"a}r degenerativen Erkrankung, ein sekund{\"a}res entz{\"u}ndliches Geschehen. Histopathologisch existiert das entz{\"u}ndliche Infiltrat in zwei unterschiedlichen Mustern, die jedoch eine sekund{\"a}re, durch Knorpelalteration bedingte Synovialitis gemeinsam haben: (1) Detritus Synovialitis und (2) lympho-plasmazellul{\"a}re Synovialitis, beide mit leicht ausgepr{\"a}gter entz{\"u}ndlicher Infiltration durch Lymphozyten und Plasmazellen. Ziel dieser Studie war es, ein genaueres Verst{\"a}ndnis von der B-Zell-Aktivierung in der Synovialmembran der OA zu eruieren. Denn es ist immer noch ungekl{\"a}rt, ob die B-Lymphozyten im synovialen Infiltrat Antigen-aktiviert sind, als solche m{\"o}glicherweise schon einwandern, oder ob sie auch lokal expandieren (im Sinne einer antigenabh{\"a}ngigen Affinit{\"a}tsmaturation), wie bei der RA. Bei dieser ist inzwischen eine lokale Affinit{\"a}tsmaturation in synovialen Keimzentren bewiesen. Dazu wurden IgVH-Gene der synovialen B-Lymphozyten analysiert und immunhistochemische F{\"a}rbungen durchgef{\"u}hrt, da bis dato noch wenige morphologische, als auch molekularbiologische Daten {\"u}ber die synovialen B-Zellen bzw. Plasmazellen in der OA vorliegen. Ein Fokus wurde auf die Antigen-Aktivierung der synovialen B-Lymphozyten (charakterisiert durch hohe R/S-Ratios) gerichtet. Um der Herkunft des Entz{\"u}ndungsgeschehens nachzugehen, wurde die Histologie verschiedener Differenzierungsstufen von B-Lymphozyten im entz{\"u}ndlichen Infiltrat von nicht-follikul{\"a}ren und follikel{\"a}hnlichen B-Zell-Ansammlugen analysiert. Durch CD27/CD20- und CD27/Syndekan-Doppelf{\"a}rbungen konnte die bevorzugte Lokalisation von Memory-und Plasma-Zellen identifiziert werden. Diese gab n{\"a}here Hinweise auf den Ort der Antigen-Aktivierung bei Osteoarthrose. Die Resultate der hohen R/S-Ratios (17/24 Klonen), gerade in den CDR-Regionen, stehen im Einklang mit der g{\"a}ngigen Meinung, dass die CDR-Regionen mehr mutieren als die FR-Regionen, da in diesen eher ein konstantes Antik{\"o}rpermerkmal erhalten wird, wohingegen die CDR´s auf eine Affinit{\"a}tsanpassung (durch h{\"o}here Mutationsraten) ausgerichtet sind. Die Mutationsrate weist auf eine stattgefundene Antigenaktivierung dieser B-Lymphozyten hin. Aus den histologischen Schnittbildern mit den oben genannten Doppelf{\"a}rbungen war v.a. perivaskul{\"a}r ein Vorkommen von vielen CD27+/CD20+ Memory-B-Zellen (PMZ/IaM), sowie Plasmazellen zu erkennen, dahingegen relativ betrachtet wenige CD27-CD20+ B-Lymphozyten. Dies deutet darauf hin, dass bei der OA vermehrt bereits aktivierte Memory-Zellen ins Synovialgewebe einwandern. Allerdings zeigte sich eine unerwartete Anh{\"a}ufung von Follikel{\"a}hnlichen Formationen ohne Keimzentrumscharakter, die Anlaß zu weiteren {\"U}berlegungen geben. Die Diskussion findet im Rahmen des generellen Pathogenese-Konzepts der OA statt, mit besonderem Augenmerk auf die unterschiedlichen Entz{\"u}ndungstypen und -muster, sowie die dominierenden Zelltypen in der osteoarthrotischen Synovialmembran. Da in dem Entz{\"u}ndungsinfiltrat der osteoarthrotischen Synovialmembran keine Keimzentren zu finden sind, nur Follikel{\"a}hnliche Formationen, muss von einer Antigen-Aktivierung und Affinit{\"a}tsreifung außerhalb des Gelenkes ausgegangen werden. Bei nahezu allen morphologischen Betrachtungen der osteoarthrotischen Synovia fiel eine deutlich hohe Anzahl von CD27+/CD20+ Memory-B-Lymphozyten perivaskul{\"a}r auf. Daher kann davon ausgegangen werden, dass wir es beim arthrotischen Entz{\"u}ndungsinfiltrat mit einer Sekund{\"a}r-Antwort zu tun haben, die auf Antigene reagiert, an die sich das Immunsystem „erinnert" und bereits aktivierte B-Zellen einwandern. Zusammenfassend legt die Datenlage nahe, dass man offensichtlich von einer immunologischen Bekanntheit es k{\"o}rpereigenen Immunsystems mit freigesetzten Antigenen in der OA spechen kann. Hierdurch wurde ein Beitrag zum immunpathogenetischen Verst{\"a}ndnis der sekund{\"a}ren Begleitsynovialitis dahingehend gefunden, dass die geringer ausgepr{\"a}gte Entz{\"u}ndung in der Arthrose -im Gegensatz zur RA- ein Ausdruck der Reaktivit{\"a}t auf „dem Immunsystem in Erinnerung gebliebener" Antigene ist. Der Vergleich der potentiellen Antigene bei den Krankheitsbildern RA und OA weist einige Gemeinsamkeiten auf, wodurch sich die Frage einer genetischen Pr{\"a}disposition f{\"u}r das Ausmaß des Entz{\"u}ndungsgrades in den Gelenken ergibt.}, language = {de} } @article{NiedermairLukasLietal.2020, author = {Niedermair, Tanja and Lukas, Christoph and Li, Shushan and St{\"o}ckl, Sabine and Craiovan, Benjamin and Brochhausen, Christoph and Federlin, Marianne and Herrmann, Marietta and Gr{\"a}ssel, Susanne}, title = {Influence of Extracellular Vesicles Isolated From Osteoblasts of Patients With Cox-Arthrosis and/or Osteoporosis on Metabolism and Osteogenic Differentiation of BMSCs}, series = {Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology}, volume = {8}, journal = {Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology}, issn = {2296-4185}, doi = {10.3389/fbioe.2020.615520}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-219902}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background: Studies with extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, isolated from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) indicate benefits for the treatment of musculoskeletal pathologies as osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP). However, little is known about intercellular effects of EVs derived from pathologically altered cells that might influence the outcome by counteracting effects from "healthy" MSC derived EVs. We hypothesize, that EVs isolated from osteoblasts of patients with hip OA (coxarthrosis/CA), osteoporosis (OP), or a combination of both (CA/OP) might negatively affect metabolism and osteogenic differentiation of bone-marrow derived (B)MSCs. Methods: Osteoblasts, isolated from bone explants of CA, OP, and CA/OP patients, were compared regarding growth, viability, and osteogenic differentiation capacity. Structural features of bone explants were analyzed via μCT. EVs were isolated from supernatant of na{\"i}ve BMSCs and CA, OP, and CA/OP osteoblasts (osteogenic culture for 35 days). BMSC cultures were stimulated with EVs and subsequently, cell metabolism, osteogenic marker gene expression, and osteogenic differentiation were analyzed. Results: Trabecular bone structure was different between the three groups with lowest number and highest separation in the CA/OP group. Viability and Alizarin red staining increased over culture time in CA/OP osteoblasts whereas growth of osteoblasts was comparable. Alizarin red staining was by trend higher in CA compared to OP osteoblasts after 35 days and ALP activity was higher after 28 and 35 days. Stimulation of BMSC cultures with CA, OP, and CA/OP EVs did not affect proliferation but increased caspase 3/7-activity compared to unstimulated BMSCs. BMSC viability was reduced after stimulation with CA and CA/OP EVs compared to unstimulated BMSCs or stimulation with OP EVs. ALP gene expression and activity were reduced in BMSCs after stimulation with CA, OP, and CA/OP EVs. Stimulation of BMSCs with CA EVs reduced Alizarin Red staining by trend. Conclusion: Stimulation of BMSCs with EVs isolated from CA, OP, and CA/OP osteoblasts had mostly catabolic effects on cell metabolism and osteogenic differentiation irrespective of donor pathology and reflect the impact of tissue microenvironment on cell metabolism. These catabolic effects are important for understanding differences in effects of EVs on target tissues/cells when harnessing them as therapeutic drugs.}, language = {en} } @article{MuelekSeefriedGenestetal.2017, author = {M{\"u}lek, Melanie and Seefried, Lothar and Genest, Franca and H{\"o}gger, Petra}, title = {Distribution of constituents and metabolites of maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol\(^{®}\)) into serum, blood cells, and synovial fluid of patients with severe osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial}, series = {Nutrients}, volume = {9}, journal = {Nutrients}, number = {5}, doi = {10.3390/nu9050443}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-159862}, pages = {443}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The present randomized controlled study aimed to investigate the in vivo distribution of constituents or metabolites of the standardized maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol\(^{®}\). Thirty-three patients with severe osteoarthritis scheduled for a knee arthroplasty were randomized to receive either 200 mg per day Pycnogenol\(^{®}\) (P+) or no treatment (Co) over three weeks before surgery. Serum, blood cells, and synovial fluid samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (LC-ESI/MS/MS). Considerable interindividual differences were observed indicating pronounced variability of the polyphenol pharmacokinetics. Notably, the highest polyphenol concentrations were not detected in serum. Catechin and taxifolin primarily resided within the blood cells while the microbial catechin metabolite δ-(3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-γ-valerolactone, ferulic, and caffeic acid were mainly present in synovial fluid samples. Taxifolin was detected in serum and synovial fluid exclusively in the P+ group. Likewise, no ferulic acid was found in serum samples of the Co group. Calculating ratios of analyte distribution in individual patients revealed a simultaneous presence of some polyphenols in serum, blood cells, and/or synovial fluid only in the P+ group. This is the first evidence that polyphenols distribute into the synovial fluid of patients with osteoarthritis which supports rationalizing the results of clinical efficacy studies.}, language = {en} } @article{LiStoecklLukasetal.2020, author = {Li, Shushan and St{\"o}ckl, Sabine and Lukas, Christoph and G{\"o}tz, Julia and Herrmann, Marietta and Federlin, Marianne and Gr{\"a}ssel, Susanne}, title = {hBMSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Attenuate IL-1β-Induced Catabolic Effects on OA-Chondrocytes by Regulating Pro-inflammatory Signaling Pathways}, series = {Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology}, volume = {8}, journal = {Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology}, issn = {2296-4185}, doi = {10.3389/fbioe.2020.603598}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-219749}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background: Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs) provide a promising therapeutic approach in the cell-based therapy of osteoarthritis (OA). However, several disadvantages evolved recently, including immune responses of the host and regulatory hurdles, making it necessary to search for alternative treatment options. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by multiple cell types and tissues into the extracellular microenvironment, acting as message carriers during intercellular communication. Here, we investigate putative protective effects of hBMSC-derived EVs as a cell-free approach, on IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes obtained from OA-patients. Methods: EVs were harvested from the cell culture supernatant of hBMSCs by a sequential ultracentrifugation process. Western blot, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) were performed to characterize the purified particles as EVs. Intracellular incorporation of EVs, derived from PHK26-labeled hBMSCs, was tested by adding the labeled EVs to human OA chondrocytes (OA-CH), followed by fluorescence microscopy. Chondrocytes were pre-stimulated with IL-1β for 24 h, followed by EVs treatment for 24 h. Subsequently, proliferation, apoptosis, and migration (wound healing) were analyzed via BrdU assay, caspase 3/7 assay, and scratch assay, respectively. With qRT-PCR, the relative expression level of anabolic and catabolic genes was determined. Furthermore, immunofluorescence microscopy and western blot were performed to evaluate the protein expression and phosphorylation levels of Erk1/2, PI3K/Akt, p38, TAK1, and NF-κB as components of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in OA-CH. Results: EVs from hBMSCs (hBMSC-EVs) promote proliferation and reduce apoptosis of OA-CH and IL-1β-stimulated OA-CH. Moreover, hBMSC-EVs attenuate IL-1β-induced reduction of chondrocyte migration. Furthermore, hBMSC-EVs increase gene expression of PRG4, BCL2, and ACAN (aggrecan) and decrease gene expression of MMP13, ALPL, and IL1ß in OA-CH. Notably, COL2A1, SOX9, BCL2, ACAN, and COMP gene expression levels were significantly increased in IL-1β+ EV groups compared with those IL-1β groups without EVs, whereas the gene expression levels of COLX, IL1B, MMP13, and ALPL were significantly decreased in IL-1β+ EV groups compared to IL-1β groups without EVs. In addition, the phosphorylation status of Erk1/2, PI3K/Akt, p38, TAK1, and NF-κB signaling molecules, induced by IL-1β, is prevented by hBMSC- EVs. Conclusion: EVs derived from hBMSCs alleviated IL-1β-induced catabolic effects on OA-CH via promoting proliferation and migration and reducing apoptosis, probably via downregulation of IL-1ß-activated pro-inflammatory Erk1/2, PI3K/Akt, p38, TAK1, and NF-κB signaling pathways. EVs released from BMSCs may be considered as promising cell-free intervention strategy in cartilage regenerative medicine, avoiding several adverse effects of cell-based regenerative approaches.}, language = {en} } @article{JessbergerHoeggerGenestetal.2017, author = {Jessberger, Steffen and H{\"o}gger, Petra and Genest, Franca and Salter, Donald M. and Seefried, Lothar}, title = {Cellular pharmacodynamic effects of Pycnogenol\(^{®}\) in patients with severe osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled pilot study}, series = {BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine}, volume = {17}, journal = {BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine}, number = {537}, doi = {10.1186/s12906-017-2044-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-159532}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: The standardized maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol\(^{®}\)) has previously shown symptom alleviating effects in patients suffering from moderate forms of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The cellular mechanisms for this positive impact are so far unknown. The purpose of the present randomized pilot controlled study was to span the knowledge gap between the reported clinical effects of Pycnogenol\(^{®}\) and its in vivo mechanism of action in OA patients. Methods: Thirty three patients with severe OA scheduled for a knee arthroplasty either received 100 mg of Pycnogenol\(^{®}\) twice daily or no treatment (control group) three weeks before surgery. Cartilage, synovial fluid and serum samples were collected during surgical intervention. Relative gene expression of cartilage homeostasis markers were analyzed in the patients' chondrocytes. Inflammatory and cartilage metabolism mediators were investigated in serum and synovial fluid samples. Results: The oral intake of Pycnogenol\(^{®}\) downregulated the gene expression of various cartilage degradation markers in the patients' chondrocytes, the decrease of MMP3, MMP13 and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL1B were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, protein concentrations of ADAMTS-5 in serum were reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) after three weeks intake of the pine bark extract. Conclusions: This is the first report about positive cellular effects of a dietary supplement on key catabolic and inflammatory markers in patients with severe OA. The results provide a rational basis for understanding previously reported clinical effects of Pycnogenol\(^{®}\) on symptom scores of patients suffering from OA.}, language = {en} }