# Effect of TGF-β1 transfected dental pulp derived mesenchymal stem cells on ın vivo cartilage regeneration

## TL;DR

This study shows that TGF-β1-transfected dental pulp stem cells improve cartilage regeneration in rabbit knees compared to unmodified cells.

## Contribution

The novel approach of using TGF-β1-transfected dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells for cartilage repair is demonstrated.

## Key findings

- TGF-β1-transfected DP-MSCs showed enhanced hyaline cartilage formation compared to unmodified DP-MSCs.
- The TGF-β1+DP-MSC group exhibited more organized tissue architecture and improved cartilage regeneration.
- Histological analysis confirmed increased chondrogenic potential in the TGF-β1-transfected group.

## Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of TGF-β1-transfected dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells (DP-MSCs) on the regeneration of osteochondral defects in rabbit knee joints.

A total of 32 New Zealand white rabbits (3-4 months old, 2-3 kg) were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 per group). Osteochondral defects were surgically created in the distal femoral articular cartilage of three experimental groups, while the control group remained untreated. Group 2 received an intra-articular injection of 0.5 ml sterile saline. Group 3 was administered 0.5 ml of saline containing 3×106 DP-MSCs. Group 4 received 3×106 TGF-β1-transfected DP-MSCs suspended in 0.5 ml of saline. After six weeks, animals were euthanized, and femoral joints were harvested. Tissue sections (5 μm) were analyzed histologically using hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and Toluidine blue staining, as well as immunohistochemical methods.

Histological analysis revealed increased fibrous cartilage in the DP-MSC group compared to the saline group, with some irregular hyaline cartilage regions and dispersed chondrocytes. The TGF-β1+DP-MSC group demonstrated a more significant improvement, characterized by enhanced hyaline cartilage formation and a more organized tissue architecture.

TGF-β1 transfection enhances the chondrogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells by stimulating reparative cellular mechanisms and promoting the formation of hyaline cartilage, thereby facilitating more effective tissue regeneration. These findings suggest that this strategy holds considerable potential for clinical application in cartilage repair and regeneration.