Investigating the Viability of Cartilage Tissue - Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the Viability of Cartilage Tissue during Storage - Version 1
IRAS ID
221550
Contact name
Rachel A Oldershaw
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 29 days
Research summary
Articular cartilage tissue is located on the ends of bones within moving joints. It is a specialised tissue that absorbs the forces placed upon the underlying bone allowing smooth motion of bones during movement of the joint.
Articular cartilage carries out its role because of its unique structure. The tissue is made up of protein and sugar molecules organised into a ‘mesh-like’ assembly that holds water enabling it to withstand compressive forces. Because articular cartilage has a low number cells and no blood supply there is little capacity for the tissue to repair itself as it wears during ageing or is damaged following trauma to the joint and this results in breakdown of the tissue and loss of function. Degeneration of articular cartilage is a frequent occurrence within the general population and presents clinically as a chronic disease such as osteoarthritis (OA).
There is a significant clinical need to develop strategies to repair or replace the damaged cartilage tissue on the surface of bones. Some success has been achieved in surgically transplanting articular cartilage tissue taken from donors. However the pool of suitable tissue available is small and clinical success is dependent on keeping the graft alive during storage. In addition there is no clear way of determining the viability of the cartilage tissue without destroying it.
The study aims to develop a new test that will enable us to test the viability of cartilage tissue without it being destroyed. We will also investigate how different storage methods can be used to improve the survival of the cartilage tissue, thereby increasing the pool of tissue available for transplant. Osteochondral tissue (articular cartilage tissue with underlying bone) that is removed during total knee replacement surgeries will be cultured in vitro and analysed using a platform of biochemical, biomechanical and molecular assays.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0222
Date of REC Opinion
12 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion