MSCs and Exosomes to Combat Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis affects hundreds of millions of people globally. Factors like aging, genetic predisposition, or trauma have a very bad impact on the cartilage cushioning our joints, causing pain and functional impairment. The first signs of osteoarthritis are joint pain, joint stiffness, and severe cases will manifest as loss of joint function.

Since the hyaline cartilage tissue on the surface of the bone joint has no nerves and blood vessels, the self-repair and regeneration ability of the cartilage is poor, and once damaged, it is difficult to recover by itself. Conventional treatments are not able to deal with the source of the issue, and they only deal with the symptoms without addressing the underlying degeneration.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells can challenge and reverse this joint degeneration

MSCs have the unique ability to renew themselves and transform into different cell types. They also release special signals that help repair tissues and reduce inflammation in joints. These MSCs can transform into a type of cells that make up cartilage named chondrocytes. They also promote tissue regeneration thanks to the combination of growth factors and cytokines

Current treatments for Osteoarthritis range from injections directly into affected joints to mixtures with platelet-rich plasma, aiming not only to relieve symptoms but also to promote genuine tissue regeneration

Main traits of MSCs to fight osteoarthritis

• MSCs are a very important regulator of the immune system. They help control the growth and activity of various immune cells, such as T cells and B cells, and influence the behavior of macrophages, which are important in fighting off infections.
• The ability of MSCs to move to areas of tissue damage or inflammation in the body is perfect to combat arthritis. Once there, they can release growth factors and cytokines, which help repair damaged tissues, targeting specific cells in the joints and promoting healing while reducing inflammation.
• MSCs work through a process called paracrine signaling, where they release signals that help neighboring cells function better, rather than directly turning into the cells needed for tissue repair. This means that MSCs act as coordinators, directing the body's repair response and helping maintain tissue health.

Treatment methods

• Local injection directly into the joint or mixed with PRP aim to enhance healing. This mix creates a supportive environment for tissue repair.
• MSCs in IV have shown significant improvement in joint function and pain relief. The bet results are obtained when combining IV and injections during several weeks or months.
• When the cartilage is too worn out, the patient may find better results obtaining stem cell treatment after the surgery, so these can promote faster healing and recovery.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes offer a very good alternative

When MSCs are injected to treat osteoarthritis, it's not just the cells themselves that make a difference, but also the molecules they secrete. These molecules, called exosomes, are tiny particles found in the culture medium of mesenchymal stem cells. Exosomes act as messengers between cells, carrying various biological materials like RNA, lipids, and proteins. Research suggests that mesenchymal stem cell exosomes can protect cartilage cells, reduce inflammation, and promote cell growth, ultimately helping to alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms.

Using mesenchymal stem cell exosomes offers several advantages over using intact stem cells:

• Exosomes are small, less likely to trigger immune reactions, and eliminate the procedural complexities associated with direct cell injection.
• They play crucial roles in both disease processes and maintaining tissue health, making them promising candidates for various therapeutic approaches.

Prevention is key

Osteoarthritis mainly happens after middle age. Among people aged 40-70, the incidence rate of women is higher than that of men. After the age of 70, the incidence rate of both sexes is equal.

To improve joint health, prevention is crucial. Adopting a lifestyle that includes mindful exercise, proper footwear, and ergonomic habits lays the foundation for strong, healthy knees, for example. By strengthening the muscles around the joints and nurturing cartilage through gentle movement, we can also protect our joints and cartilage from osteoarthritis.