Comprehensive Analysis of Therapeutic Strategies Using Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in Preclinical Models of Osteoarthritis

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease affecting people and animals, resulting in persistent pain and joint deformities. Its growing prevalence presents considerable difficulties to public health and veterinary care systems worldwide. Despite substantial research, the molecular pathways underlying OA pathogenesis remain poorly understood, limiting the development of effective treatment strategies. Exosomes, or small endosomal membrane microvesicles, have emerged as intriguing vehicles for intercellular communication and medicinal administration in a variety of illnesses, including OA. However, their efficacy and action methods in preclinical OA models require additional exploration. MethodsWe analyzed several databases from 2016 to 2023 for original studies on exosome treatment in preclinical OA models. The inclusion criteria included studies that used exosomes generated from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in both human and animal models of OA. Thematic synthesis and data extraction were used to examine research features, dosage administration techniques, and efficacy results. The quality of included studies was assessed using recognized criteria, and statistical analysis was performed to determine the efficacy of exosome treatment in decreasing Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores. ResultsOur study comprised thirteen peer-reviewed articles that included both human and animal models of OA. Most trials used bone marrow MSC-derived exosomes administered intra-articularly. The analysis of OARSI scores revealed a considerable reduction in joint deterioration following exosome therapy. Source analysis demonstrated that exosome treatment originating from human and animal MSCs was consistently effective. However, an assessment of study quality revealed potential biases and limitations, emphasizing the need for more research to validate these findings and refine therapy options for OA management. O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=141 SRC="FIGDIR/small/24313971v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (42K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@df242corg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1bfd06forg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@d318aorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@2f6655_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG O_FLOATNOGraphical AbstractC_FLOATNO C_FIG