Publishing in the journal Stem Cells International, (1) researchers indicated that Mesenchymal stem cells, from the bone marrow, act as seed cells for helping cartilage grow back in TMJ osteoarthritis. They also help fix the abnormal changes happening in the subchondral bone, which is the jaw bone located under the TMJ cartilage. The study highlights findings that show how chondrocytes, the cells that make cartilage, interact with nearby osteoclasts and osteoblasts, the cells that build and break down bone, to control the bone-remodeling process during the repair done by stem cells.
Another study, in the journal Stem cells international (2) described the possibilities surrounding the use of Mesenchymal stem cells in TMJ cases: “Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease characterized by cartilage degeneration, disrupted subchondral bone remodeling, and synovitis, seriously affecting the quality of life of patients with chronic pain and functional disabilities. Current treatments for Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis are mainly symptomatic therapies without reliable long-term efficacy, due to the limited self-renewal capability of the condyle and the poorly (understood) pathogenesis of Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis. Recently, there has been increased interest in cellular therapies for osteoarthritis and TMJ regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), self-renewing and multipotent progenitor cells, play a promising role in Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis. Derived from a variety of tissues, MSCs exert therapeutic effects through diverse mechanisms, including chondrogenic differentiation; fibrocartilage regeneration; and trophic, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects.”
References
1 Cui D, Li H, Xu X, Ye L, Zhou X, Zheng L, Zhou Y. Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cartilage Regeneration of TMJ Osteoarthritis. Stem Cells International. 2017;2017.
2 Zhao Y, Xie L. An Update on Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Centered Therapies in Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis. Stem Cells Int. 2021 Apr 1;2021:6619527. doi: 10.1155/2021/6619527. PMID: 33868408; PMCID: PMC8035039. 2719
Marc Darrow, M.D., J.D., is one of the world’s most experienced Regenerative Medicine doctors. He has more than 30 Years of expertise in regenerative medicine techniques and has treated thousands of patients. He uses non-surgical therapy to reduce pain in joints, tendons, ligaments, and a variety of other ailments and disorders throughout the body, including back and neck discomfort. He taught at UCLA and received Board Certification in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
