Non-enzymatic glycation decreases compressive properties of stem cell pellets undergoing chondrogenic differentiation

Non-enzymatic glycation has long been associated with cartilage diseases such as osteoarthritis. As a potential therapeutic source, stem cells must survive and differentiate into chondrocytes in the presence of glycating factors. In this work, glycoaldehyde was shown to suppress the compressive properties of stem cell pellets undergoing chondrogenic differentiation, while pre-incubation with aminoguanidine recovered their mechanical properties. These results demonstrate possible consequences of glycation on cartilage repair and underline the importance of developing strategies to overcome negative effects of diseased tissue glycation.