Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of improving the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for use in treating osteoarthritis (OA), and more specifically to methods of altering levels of certain proteins, phospho-proteins, genes, and/or MSC-secreted cytokines, chemokines, and/or growth factors in order to improve therapeutic efficacy, as well as methods of distinguishing and classifying MSCs as being highly therapeutic or less therapeutic based on levels of certain phospho-proteins and/or MSC-secreted cytokines, chemokines, and/or growth factors and methods of treating a subject having OA with MSCs having improved therapeutic efficacy.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a composition comprising two or more cytokines, and one or more of keratan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, or hyaluronic acid. The composition can simulate a fluid from a patient. The simulated fluid has a viscosity, a storage modulus, and a loss modulus similar to that of patient-derived synovial fluid. A method for making a composition for simulating a fluid from a patient is also disclosed. The method includes creating a mixture comprising two or more cytokines, and one or more of keratan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, or human serum albumin. The method also includes adding a low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to the mixture, adding a high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to the mixture, and incubating the mixture for a predetermined time at a temperature ranging from approximately 0° C. to approximately 10° C.