Chondrogenic Differentiation Could Be Induced by Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Derived Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds Without Exogenous Growth Factor

We previously found that the combination of an autologous bone mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular matrix (aBMSC-dECM) scaffold with bone marrow stimulation could enhance hyaline cartilage regeneration. We suspected that chondrogenic differentiation could be induced by the aBMSC-dECM scaffold. This study aimed to investigate whether aBMSC-dECM scaffolds could promote chondrogenic differentiation without exogenous growth factors. BMSCs were seeded on aBMSC-dECM scaffolds and cultured in vitro with or without transforming growth factor-β3 (E(+) or E(-) group). Atelocollagen scaffolds were used as controls (C(+) or C(-) group). The chondrogenic differentiation was evaluated by histological, biochemical, and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. After 3 weeks, cartilage-like tissue with a homogeneous structure, a high cartilaginous matrix content (proteoglycan and type II collagen), and high expression levels of cartilage-associated genes (COL2A1, ACAN, and SOX9) were observed in the E(+), E(-), and C(+) groups. In addition, BMSCs in each scaffold (E group or C group) were preconditioned with chondrogenic media in vitro for 1 week, and then implanted in the backs of nude mice for 3 weeks. Three weeks later, cartilage matrix formation (proteoglycan and type II collagen) was achieved only in the E group, confirmed by safranin O staining and immunohistochemical staining for type II collagen. Taken together, these results indicate that aBMSC-dECM scaffolds could induce chondrogenic differentiation. Thus, they could be successful candidate scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering.