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Stem Cell and Regenerative Injections
What stem-cell and bone-marrow-derived injections claim to do for joints and tendons, what the evidence actually shows, and the safety and regulatory caveats.
What it is¶
Stem cell injections are a type of regenerative treatment. The idea is to use the body's own repair cells to help damaged tissue heal. The most studied cells are called mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These are found in bone marrow and fat, and they can turn into other tissue types such as bone or cartilage.
This is a growing area of research in orthopaedics and trauma care [1]. It is considered for problems like wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis), tendon injuries, and fractures that have failed to heal. Some related treatments use platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is a concentrate made from your own blood. Others use exosomes, which are tiny particles released by stem cells. Exosomes may work without needing to take cells from your body, so they avoid some drawbacks of stem cell therapy, such as pain at the collection site [2].
Researchers think these treatments work in a few ways. The cells may calm inflammation, encourage repair, and support new tissue growth [3]. Some approaches combine treatments, for example PRP with fat-derived stem cells, which showed better results for osteoarthritis in research settings [4].
It is important to know where the science stands. There is not enough evidence yet to recommend stem cell injections as a routine treatment [5]. More needs to be learned about how these cells behave before they can be used widely [3]. Some studies are promising. For example, one study of knee osteoarthritis with joint lining inflammation (synovitis) found improvement, especially in people with moderate to severe pain [6]. But much of this work is early stage.
If your doctor discusses this option with you, it will be in that context: an evolving treatment, offered within government health regulations [7], and only where the evidence supports it for your specific condition.
Does it work?¶
The honest answer is that it depends on the condition, and the evidence is still developing. For knee wear-and-tear arthritis, some trials found improvement in pain, especially in people who started with moderate to severe pain [1]. But there is a catch. A review of these trials found that many reported results in a way that made the treatment look better than it was [2] [3]. That makes it hard to know how well the treatment truly works.
For tendon and ligament problems, the picture is mixed. When stem cell treatment was added to keyhole surgery for rotator cuff tears, the repaired tendon looked better on scans than with surgery alone [4]. For knee ligament reconstruction, adding a bone marrow concentrate appeared safe, and people did well for up to 2 years afterwards [5]. But the same study found the added cells made no difference to how well the new ligament healed into bone [5]. In other words, safe, but no clear added benefit so far.
There are also things researchers still do not know. Different ways of preparing and delivering the cells can change the result [6]. Some cell-based treatments cannot yet be compared fairly against each other, because the studies that exist point in different directions [7]. Newer options, such as exosomes, are early in testing [8].
So where does that leave you? Stem cell injections are not a proven, routine treatment for most orthopaedic problems [9]. They may help some people with some conditions. If your doctor discusses this option with you, they should be clear about which parts of the evidence are strong and which are not.
What are the risks?¶
The honest answer is that researchers are still working out the full risk picture. Most studies so far have been small, and some reported their results in a way that made the treatment look better than it was [1] [2]. That makes it harder to get a clear read on how often problems happen.
What researchers have looked at so far is mostly about safety signals rather than counted harms. When a bone marrow concentrate was added to knee ligament reconstruction surgery, the study reported it appeared to be safe [3]. For a treatment made from the signalling particles of fat-derived stem cells, early work found it may be well tolerated [4]. But those findings come with a caveat. The same research noted that more studies are needed before we know the real benefits [4].
There are also open questions about how the treatment is prepared and delivered. The way cells are handled, from the moment they are collected to the moment they are put back in your body, can change the result [5]. In one animal study, a bone marrow concentrate applied on its own, without a carrier material to hold it in place, did not help tendon heal to bone [6]. That matters because it suggests the technique and the setting are part of whether the treatment works as intended, not just the cells themselves.
One more thing worth knowing. Because these treatments are still being studied, they should only be offered within government health regulations, with the choice guided by the specific condition being treated [7]. If your doctor raises this option, ask what is known about safety for your particular problem, and what is not.
Is it right for you?¶
These injections are considered for wear-and-tear arthritis, and for some tendon, ligament and fracture healing problems [1]. Research has looked at them most in knee arthritis, including people with joint lining inflammation [2]. They have also been studied alongside knee ligament reconstruction surgery [3].
You may be someone they suit if you have moderate to severe arthritis pain, because that is the group where improvement showed up most clearly [2]. They may also be considered when a fracture has failed to heal in the usual way [4].
They are probably not right for you if you expect a proven, routine treatment. The evidence does not yet support that [5]. Some newer options, such as exosomes, are still early in testing [6]. And one study found the added cells made no difference to how well a new knee ligament healed into bone [3], so added treatment does not always add benefit.
Compared with the main alternatives, such as standard surgery or established non-surgical care, these injections sit in a different space. They are still being studied, so they are offered within government health regulations and guided by your specific condition [7].
The risks have their own section above, so read that before deciding.
This should be a shared decision with your doctor. Ask which parts of the evidence are strong for your condition, and which are not. If the answer is unclear, a well-established treatment may serve you better.
The bottom line¶
Stem cell injections are still being studied, not routine care. They may be worth considering for wear-and-tear arthritis, especially if your pain is moderate to severe [1]. Some newer options, such as exosomes, are early in testing [2]. Go in with a realistic expectation: they may help some people with some conditions, and the way results have been reported in trials makes it hard to know how well they truly work [3] [4]. The single most important caveat is this. If your doctor discusses this option, it should be within government health regulations and guided by your specific condition [5]. If the evidence for your problem is unclear, a well-established treatment may serve you better.
References
- Mesenchymal stem cells injections in traumatology and orthopaedics: common practice or still a promising area with many uncertainties?. *BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders*. 2025. 10.1186/s12891-025-09123-8
- The Role of Exosomes in Upper-Extremity Tissue Regeneration. *The Journal of Hand Surgery*. 2024. 10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.11.016
- Biological considerations of mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells. *Injury*. 2008. 10.1016/s0020-1383(08)70012-3
- Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with platelet-rich plasma are superior options for the treatment of osteoarthritis. *Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research*. 2025. 10.1186/s13018-024-05396-2
- Cochrane in CORR ®: Stem Cell Injections for Osteoarthritis of the Knee. *Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research*. 2025. 10.1097/corr.0000000000003593
- Intra-articular injection of umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells is safe and effective for moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis with synovitis: a double‑blinded and randomized controlled trial. *BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders*. 2025. 10.1186/s12891-025-09440-y
- Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells in orthopaedics and traumatology in daily practice. *EFORT Open Reviews*. 2026. 10.1530/eor-2026-0056
- Evaluation of Spin in Clinical Trials of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. *The American Journal of Sports Medicine*. 2025. 10.1177/03635465241274155
- Analysis of
- Combined arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with mesenchymal stem cell augmentation shows similar functional outcomes but a higher structural integrity rate compared with isolated repair: a meta-analysis of comparative studies. *JSES International*. 2025. 10.1016/j.jseint.2025.03.017
- Augmenting an Allograft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With a Collagen Matrix and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Injection Appears Safe and Produces Favorable Clinical Outcomes at 2‐Year Follow‐Up. *Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation*. 2025. 10.1016/j.asmr.2025.101209
- Mesenchymal stem cell tissue engineering: Techniques for isolation, expansion and application. *Injury*. 2007. 10.1016/s0020-1383(08)70006-8
- Progress in the clinical use of bone marrow aspirate concentrate for knee osteoarthritis: an expert opinion. *Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research*. 2025. 10.1186/s13018-025-06509-1
- Impact of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their secretome on osteoarthritis in a rat model. *BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders*. 2025. 10.1186/s12891-025-08642-8
- Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Combined With an Appropriate Carrier Effectively Promotes Bone-Tendon Interface Healing in a Rabbit Model of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tear. *The American Journal of Sports Medicine*. 2025. 10.1177/03635465241313124
- Degenerative osteoarthritis a reversible chronic disease. *Regenerative Therapy*. 2020. 10.1016/j.reth.2020.07.007
- Evaluation of mesenchymal stem cells’ bone repair capacity via osteogenic lineage differentiation in experimental nonunion fractures. *BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders*. 2026. 10.1186/s12891-026-10114-6
Evidence & references
This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.
Overview¶
- There is insufficient evidence to recommend stem cell injections in clinical practice at this time [1].
- Stem cell injections should continue to be studied in rigorous trials [1].
- Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injections represent a growing area of research in traumatology and orthopaedics [2].
- More knowledge regarding the biological properties of MSCs and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is required before using these cells as a routinely applied therapy in the clinical setting [3].
- The intervention schedule is significantly correlated with the therapeutic efficacy of stem cells for posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) [4].
- The best effects of stem cell treatment for PTOA are observed on days 7 and 14 after anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) [4].
- Exosomes offer a promising cell-free alternative to mesenchymal stem cell therapies for upper-extremity tissue regeneration [5].
- Exosomes overcome limitations such as donor-site morbidity and tumorigenesis associated with mesenchymal stem cell therapies [5].
- A better understanding of exosome mechanisms and standardized isolation methods is required before clinical application [5].
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used in clinical practice in orthopaedics and traumatology in accordance with government health regulations [6].
- The application of MSCs should be guided by the pathophysiology of the target disease [6].
- The application of MSCs should follow regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and effective use [6].
- Interventions employing platelet-rich plasma (PRP), MSCs, and exosomes are considered in the context of degenerative osteoarthritis as a reversible chronic disease [7].
- The outcome of MSC tissue engineering approaches is influenced by the methodologies and materials used during the cycle from the isolation of MSCs to their re-implantation [10].
- Cells with the characteristics of stromal stem cells were isolated from irrigation fluid, which is normally discarded [22].
How It Works¶
- Exosomes overcome limitations of mesenchymal stem cell therapies such as donor-site morbidity and tumorigenesis [5].
- Repeated intra-articular injections of PRP and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) alleviated inflammation and pain in rats with surgically induced osteoarthritis [8].
- Repeated intra-articular injections of PRP and ADSCs promoted tissue repair in rats with surgically induced osteoarthritis [8].
- Repeated intra-articular injections of PRP and ADSCs modulated immune responses in rats with surgically induced osteoarthritis [8].
- Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) from diverse tissue sources are used in the treatment of osteoarthritis [9].
- Endogenous MSCs can be pharmacologically mobilized into peripheral blood [11].
- Endogenous MSCs can be recruited to the site of rotator cuff repair via local delivery of MCP-1 [11].
- Osteogenically pre-differentiated adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) demonstrated enhanced bone regenerative capacity compared with undifferentiated ASCs in experimental nonunion fractures [12].
- Local delivery of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) embedded within an injectable collagen scaffold enhanced tendon regeneration in a rat model of collagenase-induced tendinopathy [13].
- Mesenchymal stem cell-derived miR-125b-1-3p-abundant exosomes alleviate osteoarthritis by modulating the KDM6B-H3K27me3-FOXM1 axis [17].
- Local application of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) without appropriate carriers could not enhance bone-tendon interface healing in a rabbit model of chronic rotator cuff tear [18].
What the Evidence Shows¶
- Stem cell injections for osteoarthritis of the knee should continue to be studied in rigorous trials [1].
- More knowledge regarding the biological properties of MSCs and endothelial progenitor cells is required before using these cells as a routinely applied therapy in the clinical setting [3].
- The best effects of stem cell treatment for PTOA were observed on days 7 and 14 after anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) in a rat model [4].
- Mesenchymal stem cells have been used in clinical practice in orthopaedics and traumatology in accordance with government health regulations [6].
- The application of mesenchymal stem cells should be guided by the pathophysiology of the target disease [6].
- The application of mesenchymal stem cells should follow regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and effective use [6].
- Interventions employing platelet-rich plasma (PRP), mesenchymal stem cells, and exosomes are considered in the context of degenerative osteoarthritis as a reversible chronic disease [7].
- Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) from diverse tissue sources are being researched for the treatment of osteoarthritis [9].
- The outcome of mesenchymal stem cell tissue engineering approaches is influenced by the methodologies and materials used during the cycle from isolation to re-implantation [10].
- Endogenous mesenchymal stem cells can be pharmacologically mobilized into peripheral blood [11].
- Endogenous mesenchymal stem cells can be recruited to the site of rotator cuff repair via local delivery of MCP-1 [11].
- Osteogenically pre-differentiated adipose-derived stem cells demonstrated enhanced bone regenerative capacity compared with undifferentiated adipose-derived stem cells in experimental nonunion fractures [12].
- Local delivery of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) embedded within an injectable collagen scaffold enhanced tendon regeneration in a rat model of collagenase-induced tendinopathy [13].
- Spin bias was present in most mesenchymal stem cell-related trials for knee osteoarthritis [14].
- Spin bias was more frequent among trials that utilized adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells [14].
- The superiority of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) over other orthobiologic treatments cannot be assessed given the conflicting results presently available [15].
- Treatment with umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) was shown to be a viable therapeutic option for knee osteoarthritis combined with synovitis [16].
- Treatment with UC-MSCs showed clinical improvement at the end of follow-up for knee osteoarthritis combined with synovitis [16].
- Clinical improvement with UC-MSCs was especially observed in patients with moderate to severe pain [16].
- Arthroscopic surgical repair combined with mesenchymal stem cell augmentation reported better structural outcomes compared to isolated surgical repair for rotator cuff tears [19].
Practical Considerations¶
- The best effects for stem cell treatment of PTOA are observed on days 7 and 14 after anterior cruciate ligament transection [4].
- Interventions employing platelet-rich plasma (PRP), mesenchymal stem cells, and exosomes are considered for degenerative osteoarthritis [7].
- Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes from diverse tissue sources are being researched for the treatment of osteoarthritis [9].
- Spin bias was present in most mesenchymal stromal cell-related trials for knee osteoarthritis [14].
- Spin bias had a higher frequency among trials that utilized adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells [14].
- Treatment with umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) is a viable therapeutic option for knee osteoarthritis combined with synovitis [16].
- UC-MSC treatment showed clinical improvement at the end of follow-up for knee osteoarthritis combined with synovitis [16].
- UC-MSC treatment showed clinical improvement especially in patients with moderate to severe pain [16].
- Certain local anesthetics, corticosteroids, and anticoagulants should be avoided when possible to preserve mesenchymal stem cell viability for BMAC procedures [21].
Key Evidence¶
- [L1] There is insufficient evidence to recommend stem cell injections in clinical practice at this time, but they should continue to be studied in rigorous trials. [1] (10.1097/corr.0000000000003593)
- [L2] MSC injections represent a growing area of research in traumatology and orthopaedics. [2] (10.1186/s12891-025-09123-8)
- [L5] Even though MSCs and EPCs constitute a powerful candidate cell type for regenerative medicine, more knowledge in terms of their biological properties is required before using these cells as a routinely applied therapy in the clinical setting. [3] (10.1016/s0020-1383(08)70012-3)
- [L5] The intervention schedule is significantly correlated with the therapeutic efficacy of stem cells for PTOA, with the best effects observed on days 7 and 14 after ACLT. [4] (10.1177/03635465251326499)
- [L5] Exosomes offer a promising cell-free alternative to mesenchymal stem cell therapies for upper-extremity tissue regeneration by overcoming limitations such as donor-site morbidity and tumorigenesis, though a better understanding of their mechanisms and standardized isolation methods is required before clinical application. [5] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.11.016)
- [L5] Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used in clinical practice in orthopaedics and traumatology in accordance with government health regulations, but their application should be guided by the pathophysiology of the target disease and follow regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and effective use. [6] (10.1530/eor-2026-0056)
- [L5] Interventions employing PRP, MSCs and exosomes are considered in this article. [7] (10.1016/j.reth.2020.07.007)
- [L5] Repeated intra-articular injections of PRP and ADSCs alleviated inflammation and pain, promoted tissue repair, and modulated immune responses in rats with surgically induced OA. [8] (10.1186/s13018-024-05396-2)
- [L5] This article provides a synopsis of the research progress and mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) from diverse tissue sources in the treatment of osteoarthritis. [9] (10.1186/s13018-026-06907-z)
- [L5] The outcome of these approaches is influenced by the methodologies and materials used during the cycle from the isolation of MSCs to their re-implantation. [10] (10.1016/s0020-1383(08)70006-8)
- [L5] Endogenous MSCs can be pharmacologically mobilized into peripheral blood and recruited to the site of rotator cuff repair via local delivery of MCP-1. [11] (10.1177/03635465251341439)
- [Paper] Osteogenically pre-differentiated ASCs demonstrated enhanced bone regenerative capacity compared with undifferentiated ASCs. [12] (10.1186/s12891-026-10114-6)
- [L5] Local delivery of MSC-EVs embedded within an injectable collagen scaffold enhanced tendon regeneration in a rat model of collagenase-induced tendinopathy. [13] (10.1177/03635465261421555)
- [L2] Spin bias was present in most MSC-related trials for knee osteoarthritis, with a higher frequency among those that utilized adipose-derived MSCs. [14] (10.1177/03635465241274155)
- [L2] However, the superiority of BMAC over other orthobiologic treatments cannot be assessed given the conflicting results presently available. [15] (10.1186/s13018-025-06509-1)
- [L1] Treatment with UC-MSCs was shown to be a viable therapeutic option for KOA combined with synovitis, showing clinical improvement at the end of follow-up, especially in those with moderate to severe pain. [16] (10.1186/s12891-025-09440-y)
- [L5] These findings provide a theoretical rationale and identify promising therapeutic targets for the development of exosome-based therapeutic strategies against OA. [17] (10.1186/s13018-026-06765-9)
- [L5] Local application of BMAC without appropriate carriers could not enhance bone-tendon interface healing. [18] (10.1177/03635465241313124)
- [L1] Arthroscopic surgical repair combined with MSC augmentation reported better structural outcomes compared to isolated surgical repair for RCT. [19] (10.1016/j.jseint.2025.03.017)
- [Paper] These findings demonstrate that certain local anesthetics, corticosteroids, and anticoagulants should be avoided when possible to preserve MSC cell viability for BMAC procedures. [21] (10.1177/2325967126s00427)
- [Paper] Even in the irrigation fluid, which is normally discarded, cells with the characteristics of stromal stem cells were isolated. [22] (10.1016/s0020-1383(15)30051-6)
References¶
[1] Cochrane in CORR ®: Stem Cell Injections for Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000003593
[2] Mesenchymal stem cells injections in traumatology and orthopaedics: common practice or still a promising area with many uncertainties?. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-025-09123-8
[3] Biological considerations of mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells. Injury. 2008. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(08)70012-3
[4] Days 7 to 14 May Represent an Optimal Window for Stem Cell–Based Treatment in a Rat Model of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection–Induced Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/03635465251326499
[5] The Role of Exosomes in Upper-Extremity Tissue Regeneration. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.11.016
[6] Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells in orthopaedics and traumatology in daily practice. EFORT Open Reviews. 2026. DOI: 10.1530/eor-2026-0056
[7] Degenerative osteoarthritis a reversible chronic disease. Regenerative Therapy. 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2020.07.007
[8] Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with platelet-rich plasma are superior options for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-05396-2
[9] Application of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in osteoarthritis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-026-06907-z
[10] Mesenchymal stem cell tissue engineering: Techniques for isolation, expansion and application. Injury. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(08)70006-8
[11] Pharmacologic Mobilization and Chemokine-Directed Recruitment of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to the Surgically Repaired Rotator Cuff. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/03635465251341439
[12] Evaluation of mesenchymal stem cells’ bone repair capacity via osteogenic lineage differentiation in experimental nonunion fractures. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-026-10114-6
[13] Regenerative Effect of Injectable Collagen Loaded With Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Derived Extracellular Vesicles in a Collagenase-Induced Tendinopathy Rat Model. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/03635465261421555
[14] Evaluation of Spin in Clinical Trials of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/03635465241274155
[15] Progress in the clinical use of bone marrow aspirate concentrate for knee osteoarthritis: an expert opinion. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-025-06509-1
[16] Intra-articular injection of umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells is safe and effective for moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis with synovitis: a double‑blinded and randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-025-09440-y
[17] Mesenchymal stem cell-derived miR-125b-1-3p-abundant exosomes alleviate osteoarthritis by modulating the KDM6B-H3K27me3-FOXM1 axis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-026-06765-9
[18] Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Combined With an Appropriate Carrier Effectively Promotes Bone-Tendon Interface Healing in a Rabbit Model of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tear. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/03635465241313124
[19] Combined arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with mesenchymal stem cell augmentation shows similar functional outcomes but a higher structural integrity rate compared with isolated repair: a meta-analysis of comparative studies. JSES International. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2025.03.017
[21] Poster 123. Characterization of Human Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and the Effect of Commonly Used Clinical Drugs on Their Viability and Proliferation. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/2325967126s00427
[22] RIA fractions contain mesenchymal stroma cells with high osteogenic potency. Injury. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(15)30051-6