The rates of osteoarthritis are increasing in lieu of an aging population and the obesity epidemic.
The rates of osteoarthritis are increasing in lieu of an aging population and the obesity epidemic. Providers are facing the challenge of treating these patients with limited conservative modalities. Due to the lack of efficacy in treating symptoms of osteoarthritis, the field of stem cells has seen a renewed interest.
This review will evaluate what an exosome is and their role in the future treatment of osteoarthritis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are found in bone marrow and adipose tissue. The primary effect of MSCs are their effects on the immune response and their paracrine effects.
Paracrine effects are when molecules cause effects on cells surrounding a given area and not secreted into the blood stream like a typical hormone. MSCs will secrete extracellular vesicles that will produce paracrine effects. Extracellular vesicles are small membranous vesicles that are released from a cell.
There are three different subtypes of extracellular vesicles, and they are exosomes, apoptopic body, and microvesicles. Three types of extracellular vesicles For the purpose of this review, we will be looking at the subtype called exosomes. Exosomes are created by the formation of outward directed buds from the plasma membrane of a cell.
Exosomes are membrane-bound vesicles that have been found to carry proteins, lipids, microRNA, and RNA (1,3). They play a role in the transfer of these elements between cells., The exosomes derived from MSC have been found to play a role in inhibiting inflammation from OA. The exosomes have been found to decrease secretion of TNF alpha and IL-1 beta, which are both pro inflammatory cytokines.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to exosomes and osteoarthritis, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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