Roles of Exosomes from Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Treating Osteoarthritis

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (EVs) with a diameter of 50-150 nm that play important roles in cell-to-cell communication through transportation of proteins, microRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs. Some components, such as miRNAs, have been proven to be involved in inflammation regulation. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disease resulting in articular cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone deficiency. Complicated relationships between the breakdown of extracellular matrix and inflammation make it difficult to recover thoroughly. Current studies reported that exosomes secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can change disease evolution and protect the cartilage matrix in OA. In addition, exosomes obtained from human adipose derived stem cells downregulate inflammation and oxidative stress, which might mediate antisenescence in OA. The goal of this review is to describe and summarize the role of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes in OA, focusing on their potential mechanism and possible therapeutic strategies.