Comparison of Chondrogenesis Induction by TGF-β3, Kartogenin and Avocado/soybean Unsaponifiables Between Laboratory and Animal Models

Cartilage tissue engineering, by using stem cells, scaffolding and appropriate growth factors, seek to produce natural cartilage tissue to replace damaged tissue and solve the problems that exist in the treatment of cartilage damage. This study aims to compare chondrogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells under the influence of the transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-β3), Kartogenin, and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) on the fibrin scaffold in the laboratory and animal models.

In this experimental laboratory study, after extraction of stem cells from human adipose tissue, induction of chondrogenic differentiation was done for 14 days on the fibrin scaffold in laboratory. The cells differentiated in the fibrin scaffold were transplanted subcutaneously under the skin of male rats for two weeks. Then, comparison of histological and immunohistochemical studies was performed in both laboratory and animal models.

A significant increase in the density of Toluidine blue dye accumulation was observed in TGF-β3, Kartogenin and ASU groups in the animal model compared to the laboratory model. Immunohistochemical results for the collagen type X accumulation in the TGF-β3 group showed a significant increase in the animal model compared to the laboratory model. In the Kartogenin and ASU groups, the accumulation of collagen type Χ showed a significant decrease in the animal model compared to the laboratory model.

The implantation of differentiated cartilage cells in laboratory before subcutaneous transfer to the skin can help mature and complete the characteristics of the constructed cartilage.