Exploring Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as a Potential Therapy for Comorbid Osteoarthritis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: In recent years, the incidence rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and osteoarthritis (OA) have increased significantly. Currently developed therapeutic approaches (e.g., pharmacotherapy) exhibit limited efficacy in the treatment of T2DM and OA, failing to fully restore joint function and pancreatic islet function. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated substantial potential in repairing cartilage damage, reducing blood glucose levels, and other related aspects. Objective: This review aims to evaluate whether MSC therapy represents a potential therapeutic strategy for T2DM complicated with OA. Summary: This review highlights the association between OA and T2DM and summarizes the applications of MSCs in the treatment of OA and T2DM, the potential mechanisms of MSCs, as well as relevant therapeutic strategies. Conclusion: MSC therapy may exert therapeutic effects in models of T2DM complicated with OA. This approach is expected to serve as an innovative and effective therapeutic method, promoting research on stromal cells and their applications. However, further studies are still required to verify its safety and feasibility.