Editorial Commentary: Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Mobilization Using Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor for Articular Cartilage Injuries: Wake Them Up and Make Them Come to You!

Abstract

Articular cartilage injuries constitute a prevalent musculoskeletal problem in the general population. Restorative cartilage procedures are specifically challenging, as recapitulating hyaline cartilage can be difficult, thus compromising clinical outcomes. Progenitor cells for the treatment of articular cartilage injuries constitute a promising therapeutic method that has been increasing exponentially. Progenitor cells can be obtained from many different human tissues, such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, and muscle, as well as from peripheral blood after mobilizing stem cells from bone marrow with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor simulation. The minimally invasiveness, low complication rate, and efficacy of peripheral blood stem cells has gained significant attention and rapidly has become a promising source of progenitor cell delivery in the past decade.