1 Welcome to Biomedical Research and Therapy, Phuc Van Pham
On behalf of the Laboratory of Stem Cell Research and Application (SCL) and the Biomedical Research and Therapy’ editorial team, we would like to extend a warm welcome to you. Biomedical Research and Therapy is the official journal of SCL. Biomedical Research and Therapy is a new journal, peer-reviewed, a highly visible, open access forum, rapid speed publication with new ideas and advanced studies in biomedical science. The mission of this journal is to deliver significant, well-documented studies to biomedical researchers and doctors. Biomedical Research and Therapy focuses on basic, translational and clinical research into molecular therapeutics and cellular therapies, including animal models and clinical trials. Subject areas suitable for publication include, but are not limited to the following fields: gene editing, gene correction, immunotherapy, cell/stem cell therapy, targeting therapy, gene therapy, stem cell gene therapy, gene transfer, gene silencing, gene expression control, DNA vaccine, biochemistry/biophysics, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, immunology, molecular biology, protein science, structural biology, translational medicine, clinical trials.
2 Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis treatment using autologous adipose derived stem cells and platelet-rich plasma: a clinical study, Khanh Hong-Thien Bui, Triet Dinh Duong, Nhan Thanh Nguyen, Thanh Duc Nguyen, Vien Tuong Le, Viet Thanh Mai, Nhan Lu-Chinh Phan, Dung Minh Le, Ngoc Kim Phan, Phuc Van Pham
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases, and it affects 12% of the population around the world. Although the disease is chronic, it significantly reduces the patient’s quality of life. At present, stem cell therapy is considered to be an efficient approach for treating this condition. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show the most potential for stem cell therapy of osteoarthritis. In fact, MSCs can differentiate into certain mesodermal tissues such as cartilage and bone. Therefore, in the present study, we applied adipose tissue-derived MSCs to osteoarthritis treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficiency of autologous adipose tissue-derived MSC transplantation in patients with confirmed osteoarthritis at grade II and III. Adipose tissue was isolated from the belly, and used for extraction of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). The SVF was mixed with activated platelet-rich plasma before injection. The clinical efficiencies were evaluated by the pain score (VAS), Lysholm score, and MRI findings. We performed the procedure in 21 cases from 2012 to 2013. All 21 patients showed improved joint function after 8.5 months. The pain score decreased from 7.6±0.5 before injection to 3.5±0.7 at 3 months and 1.5±0.5 at 6 months after injection. The Lysholm score increased from 61±11 before injection to 82±8.1 after injection. Significant improvements were noted in MRI findings, with increased thickness of the cartilage layer. Moreover, there were no side-effects or complications related to microorganism infection, graft rejection, or tumorigenesis. These results provide a new opportunity for osteoarthritis treatment. Level of evidence: IV.