Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes protect trabecular meshwork from oxidative stress

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Cell Biology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Oxidative stress is a key factor in trabecular meshwork dysfunction, potentially leading to glaucoma.
• Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes show therapeutic potential in various conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosomes on trabecular meshwork (TM) cells under oxidative stress.
• To identify candidate genes involved in the protective mechanism of BMSC-exosomes in TM cells.

Main Methods:

• TM cells were pretreated with BMSC-derived exosomes before exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress.
• Cell viability (CCK-8 assay), intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) production (flow cytometry), inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression (RT-PCR, ELISA) were assessed.
• RNA and miRNA sequencing were performed to identify differentially expressed genes.

Main Results:

• BMSC-exosome pretreatment significantly improved TM cell survival and reduced iROS production under oxidative stress.
• Exosomes inhibited inflammatory cytokine expression and increased MMP expression in stressed TM cells.
• Differential expression analysis revealed significant changes in miRNA, lncRNA, and mRNA profiles, identifying potential candidate genes like DIO2 and HMOX1.

Conclusions:

• BMSC-derived exosomes exert protective effects on TM cells against oxidative stress.
• These exosomes modulate cellular responses, including inflammation and matrix remodeling, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for oxidative stress-related ocular conditions.