Clinical study on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with intra-articular injection of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells combined with platelet rich plasma

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study systematically evaluated the safety and efficacy of intra-articular injections of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This involved establishing standardized protocols for hUC-MSC and PRP preparation to ensure cellular and plasma quality as well as determining the optimal therapeutic dosage and frequency. Furthermore, we assessed the therapy’s capacity to alleviate pain, restore joint function, and promote cartilage repair as well as its impact on patient-reported quality of life. Pre- and post-treatment outcomes were compared to define the clinical advantages and ideal application scenarios for hUC-MSC/PRP combination therapy, providing a robust scientific foundation for its integration into evidence-based KOA management.

METHODS: After screening, 22 participants were stratified into an MSC monotherapy group or a combination therapy group (MSCs + PRP). Longitudinal evaluations of safety and efficacy were performed before treatment and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after intervention, including physical exams, knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and validated clinical metrics (Visual Analog Scale [VAS], Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC], Lequesne Index, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS]). Intergroup outcomes were compared.

RESULTS: Participants receiving combination therapy (MSCs + PRP) exhibited statistically significant improvements in VAS scores compared with those receiving MSC monotherapy after treatment (P < 0.05), indicating superior efficacy in pain reduction. Combination therapy was more effective than MSC monotherapy at enhancing joint function and improving knee-related quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS: The combination of MSCs and PRP was associated with significantly greater improvements across all evaluation metrics, indicating superior efficacy in promoting cartilage repair, reducing inflammation, and enhancing patient quality of life. These findings provide robust clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of intra-articular injections of umbilical cord MSCs combined with PRP for knee arthritis, supporting its potential as a novel therapeutic approach in clinical practice.

Am J Transl Med 2025. 9(1): 34-41