Stanford scientists find way to regrow knee cartilage in mice

Stanford University scientists have discovered a method to restore damaged knee cartilage by blocking a protein that becomes more abundant as bodies age, Science Daily Exercise reported. The approach was tested in older mice and on human tissue samples taken from knee replacement patients. [1][2][4]

In older mice, blocking the specific protein restored naturally lost cartilage in the joints, according to Science Daily Exercise. The experimental treatment also helped prevent the development of osteoarthritis in mice that had suffered severe knee injuries similar to human anterior cruciate ligament tears. [1]

The research team also tested the treatment on human cartilage taken from patients undergoing knee replacement surgery, Science Daily Exercise reported. After exposure to the protein inhibitor, the human tissue samples began producing new, functional joint cartilage. [1]

Stanford University is a private research institution located in Stanford, California, Stanford University background details show. The new research offers potential implications for addressing joint degradation without relying entirely on joint replacement procedures in the future. [1][4]