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Icariin-Loaded Milk-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Protective Effect on Inflammatory Bone Defects via HIF-1α
Ming Dong1, Xinxin Yu1, Shuo Liu1
1School of Stomatology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China.
Pharmaceutics
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Icariin-loaded milk extracellular vesicles (ICA-MEVs) effectively repair inflammatory bone defects by promoting osteoblast activity and inhibiting inflammation. This novel therapy enhances bone regeneration via the LIM1-HIF-1α pathway, offering new treatment strategies for bone defects.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Icariin (ICA) shows potential for treating inflammatory bone destruction.
- Milk-derived extracellular vesicles (MEVs) are safe and effective drug carriers.
- Inflammatory bone defects require innovative therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop ICA-loaded MEVs (ICA-MEVs) for repairing inflammatory bone defects.
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying ICA-MEV mediated bone repair.
- To evaluate ICA-MEVs efficacy in an inflammatory microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of ICA-MEVs embedded in GelMA hydrogel.
- In vivo evaluation of bone defect repair using micro-CT, HE, Masson staining, and immunohistochemistry.
- In vitro studies on osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and inflammatory response.
Main Results:
- ICA-MEVs significantly promoted inflammatory bone defect repair.
- Upregulation of osteogenic factors (BMP-2, OCN, Runx-2) and downregulation of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α).
- ICA-MEVs enhanced osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, mediated by LIM1-induced HIF-1α activation.
Conclusions:
- ICA-MEVs effectively promote osteoblast proliferation and differentiation while inhibiting inflammation.
- The mechanism involves upregulation of HIF-1α via LIM1-mediated transcriptional activation.
- ICA-MEVs represent a promising therapeutic approach for inflammatory bone repair, warranting further investigation into immunogenicity and long-term effects.
