Exosomes in Osteoarthritis: Breakthrough Innovations and Advanced Tissue Engineering for Cartilage Regeneration Since 2020

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• 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)

Background/objectives Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent age-related degenerative joint disease causing cartilage damage, leading to a debilitating lifestyle. However, there are currently no drugs on the market that promote cartilage repair, and advanced cases often require arthroplasty. Increasing evidence suggests that exosomes, the smallest extracellular vesicles (30-150 nm) secreted by all cell types, are involved in the pathological process of OA and play a crucial and complex role in its progression. This review aims to provide in-depth insights into exosome biology, isolation techniques, their role in OA pathophysiology, and their clinical therapeutic potential. Methods We systematically reviewed studies published since 2020 on exosomes in OA, focusing on their biological properties, isolation techniques, pathological roles, and therapeutic applications. Results Exosomes derived from synovial fluid, chondrocytes, synoviocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells regulate key processes in OA progression, including inflammation, apoptosis, extracellular matrix degradation, and regeneration. Various cell-derived exosomes show therapeutic potential for cartilage damage/OA. However, their mechanisms of action have not been fully investigated. Moreover, emerging methodologies, such as utilizing novel materials for exosome delivery, potentially facilitate the development of more effecti

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.