Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Oriented PLGA/ACECM Composite Scaffolds Enhance Structure-Specific Regeneration of Hyaline Cartilage in a Rabbit Model

Figure 9

A potential cartilage regeneration mechanism in the MSC-loaded scaffold group. MSCs can differentiate directly into chondrocytes or may secrete growth factors (e.g., insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)), rescuing injured tissue. MSCs may also transfer mitochondria via tunneling nanotubes or microvesicles or secrete specific exosomes or microvesicles, influencing surrounding cells.