Ultrasound stimulation increases cartilage synthesis and revert dedifferentiation on human chondrocytes.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-9-2026

Publication Title

Scientific reports

Abstract

Therapeutic ultrasound (US) holds promise as a potential therapy to treat articular cartilage; however, optimized and targeted US protocols are lacking. This study aimed at determining an appropriate set of US protocols for stimulating human chondrocyte activity. Human chondrocytes were exposed to various US parameters, including different central frequencies, power densities, operation modes, pulse parameters, and durations, either daily or every other day over a three-day period. Temperature was monitored during stimulation. Protocols that showed the greatest potential for increasing chondrocyte metabolic activity and proliferation were further investigated and extended to a seven-day application. Cartilage matrix synthesis was analyzed by immunocytochemistry, qPCR, and glycosaminoglycans staining. Chondrocytes exposed to 250 mW/cm

DOI

10.1038/s41598-025-34589-w

ISSN

2045-2322

PubMed ID

41513732

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS