Application of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disabling disease characterized by progressive degeneration of articular cartilage. The condition is characterized by an imbalance in the inflammatory response, the degradation of the extracellular matrix, the apoptosis of chondrocytes, and the disorder of the immune microenvironment. The present clinical efficacy of the treatment is unsatisfactory due to the limited self-healing ability of the articular cartilage. In recent years, there has been a growing body of research focusing on the therapeutic potential of exosomes (Exos) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The findings of these studies have demonstrated the significant potential of MSC-derived exosomes as a promising cell-free therapeutic strategy. 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. Furthermore, the application of MSC-Exos in the treatment of osteoarthritis were also discussed. The review will provide a valuable reference for future research directions in this field.