Mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of tendon disorders

Abstract

Tendon disorders are associated with increased mor-bidity and a reduction in the quality of life, especially in people of working age. Recently, a new approach, cell-based therapy, offers promising potential to treat tendon injuries. Mesenchymal stem cells are the most suitable candidates for such therapies due to their ca-pacity to differentiate into cells of mesodermal origin, their paracrine properties and their potential use in autologous transplantation. This review summarizes experimental as well as clinical data focusing on the use of mesenchymal stem cells to treat tendinopha-ties.