Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes are beneficial to suppressing inflammation and promoting autophagy in intervertebral disc degeneration

Background: Intervertebral disc degenerative diseases is one the main causes of lumbago, and its main pathological mechanism is intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). As shown in previous reports, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-exosomes can slow down or even reverse degenerated nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in IDD. Thus, we attempted to clarify the specific role of MSC-exosomes underlying IDD progression. Materials and methods: In the present study, the harvested particles were identified as MSC-exosomes. MSC-exosomes facilitated activation of autophagy pathway in AGE-treated NP cells. MSC-exosomes repressed inflammatory response in AGE-treated NP cells. Autophagy pathway activation enhanced inflammatory response in AGE-stimulated NP cells. Results: Mesenchymal stem cell-exosomes facilitated autophagy pathway activation and repressed inflammation in IDD rats. Autophagy inhibition exerted a protective role against inflammatory response in IDD rats. Conclusions: In conclusion, MSC-exosomes represses inflammation via activating autophagy pathway, which provides a potential novel insight for seeking therapeutic plans of IDD. (Folia Morphol 2024; 83, 1: 102-112)