Protective Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles on Inner Ear Sensorineural Cells Affected...

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Ototoxicity Research
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) show therapeutic potential for diseases, including sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).
• EVs can stimulate tissue regeneration, mirroring the effects of their parent cells.
• Investigating EV protective effects against ototoxic drug damage in inner ear cells is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize extracellular vesicles (EVs) from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
• To evaluate the protective capacity of MSC-derived EVs against cisplatin-induced damage in cultured inner ear cells (HEI-OC1).
• To assess the impact of EVs on cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and apoptosis.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and characterization of MSC-derived EVs using nanoparticle tracking analysis, TEM, BCA assay, and Dot Blot.
• Treatment of HEI-OC1 cells with EVs, alone or followed by cisplatin exposure.
• Assessment of EV uptake, ROS levels, cell viability (Alamar Blue), and apoptosis (Annexin V/PI staining).

Main Results:

• Isolated EVs exhibited characteristic morphology and size (mean 184.4 nm).
• EVs were successfully internalized by HEI-OC1 cells.
• EVs significantly reduced ROS production, enhanced cell viability, and modulated apoptosis in cisplatin-treated cells.

Conclusions:

• Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) demonstrate significant protective effects against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in vitro.
• EVs mitigate cellular damage by reducing oxidative stress and promoting cell survival.
• These findings support the potential of MSC-derived EVs as a therapeutic strategy for sensorineural hearing loss.