Exosomes: a new strategy for mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in the treatment of osteoarthritis / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSCs-released exosomes are expected to become a new means for osteoarthritis, the concrete molecular mechanisms remain unclear yet. OBJECTIVE: To understand the effect and mechanism of exosomes in the MSC treatment of osteoarthritis based on the main pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and characteristics of MSCs. METHODS: Domestic and foreign articles concerning MSCs and MSCs-released exosomes for the osteoarthritis treatment published from 2006 to 2016 were retrieved and analyzed. The keywords used were "exosomes, mesenchymal stem cells, osteoarthritis" in Chinese and English, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Osteoarthritis is a refractory disease associated with age and strain, and MSCs therapy has been obtained a good effect. Cartilage differentiation, microenvironment improvement, paracrine and exosomes mechanism of MSCs have also been reported. Exosomes play an important role in mediating intercellular signal transduction and biological responses by transferring a variety of biologically active proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and other molecules. The changes are not only related to the osteoarthritis pathogenesis, but also involved in MSCs induced regeneration and repair of bone and joint tissues. Exosomes secreted by MSCs can improve bone and joint tissue regeneration through membrane exchange and transport of active molecules. This will provide a new insight into the osteoarthritis treatment.