Infrapatellar Fat Pad-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells as an Alternative Cell Source for Cell-based Osteoarthritis Treatment: A Systematic Review on Preclinical and Clinical Evidence

Introduction: There is still no definitive treatment to either inhibit the degradation process or restore the damaged cartilage in osteoarthritis (OA). Various cell sources have been studied and in vitro studies showed that infrapatellar fat pad-derived mesenchymal stem cells (IFPDMSCs) exhibit higher chondrogenic potential than other adipose-derived cells. Still, very few in vivo studies on IFPDMSCs for cartilage healing in OA have been reported. Aims: This systematic review will analyze the therapeutic potential of IFPDMSCs for cartilage healing in osteoarthritis from preclinical and clinical studies. Design, Methods, and Data Source: Using the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library database up to November 30, 2020, a systematic review according to PRISMA reporting guideline was conducted on IFPDMSCs application to treat osteoarthritis in vivo studies. Inclusion criteria were in vivo preclinical and clinical studies from January 2010 to November 2020 involving the OA model or cases using IFPDMSCs to promote healing. Results: In vivo studies are scarce. Only four studies are included: two animals and two clinical studies. All included studies demonstrate favourable results of IFPDMSCs in osteoarthritis, but there is heterogeneity in outcome measurement among all studies. Conclusion: The in vitro and currently limited in vivo studies showed that infrapatellar fat pad-derived mesenchymal stem cells offer an alternative cell source with promising chondrogenic healing potential. Impact: More preclinical and clinical in vivo studies should be encouraged to explore and support the efficacy of IFPDMSCs in cell-based OA treatment to prove the promising result as those of the in vitro studies.