Hepatocyte Growth Factor-Mediated Chondrocyte Proliferation Induced by Adipose-Derived MSCs from Osteoarthritis Patients and Its Synergistic Enhancement by Hyaluronic Acid.

ABSTRACT: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) spontaneously assemble into three-dimensional (3D) spheroids under matrix-deficient conditions such as the synovial cavity, although their functional significance has yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we used concave microwell cultures to promote the spontaneous aggregation of adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) from OA patients, thereby mimicking the intra-articular microenvironment. We analyzed the paracrine factors of ASC aggregates and compared it with that of conventional 2D monolayer cultures. Notably, 3D aggregation significantly increased the secretion of HGF and VEGF, whereas FGF2 levels remained relatively unchanged. These results indicate that the structural characteristics of ASC aggregates enhance the secretion of key paracrine factors involved i

SUBMITTER: Won SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12525082 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature