Comparative Effects of Exosomes and Ectosomes Isolated From Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Achilles Tendinopathy in a Rat Model.

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-EVs) have gained momentum as a treatment for tendinopathy. Multiple studies have demonstrated significant differences in cargo composition between the 2 subtypes of MSC-EVs (ie, exosomes and ectosomes), which may result in different therapeutic effects. However, the effects of the 2 EV subtypes on tendinopathy have not yet been compared. To compare the effects of adipose stem cell-derived exosomes (ASC-Exos) and ectosomes (ASC-Ectos) on Achilles tendinopathy. Controlled laboratory study. Rats were administered collagenase injections to generate a model of Achilles tendinopathy. A week later, 36 rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups. In each group, Achilles tendons were injected with equal volumes of ASC-Exos, ASC-Ectos, or saline (12 legs/group). The healing outcomes were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging, histology, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, and biomechanical testing at 3 and 5 weeks after collagenase injection. At 3 and 5 weeks, the ASC-Exo group had better histological scores ( P = .0036 and P = .0276, respectively), a lower fibril density ( P < .0001 and P = .0310, respectively), and a larger collagen diameter ( P = .0052 and P < .0001, respectively) than the ASC-Ecto group. At 5 weeks, the expression of collagen type 1 and CD206 in the ASC-Exo group was significantly highe

Evidence level

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

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