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Zhao Y, Dong H, Xia Q, Wang Y, Zhu L, Hu Z, Xia J, Mao Q, Weng Z, Yi J, Feng S, Jiang Y, Liao W, Xin Z. A new strategy for intervertebral disc regeneration: The synergistic potential of mesenchymal stem cells and their extracellular vesicles with hydrogel scaffolds. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116238. [PMID: 38308965 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a disease that severely affects spinal health and is prevalent worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have regenerative potential and have emerged as promising therapeutic tools for treating degenerative discs. However, challenges such as the harsh microenvironment of degenerated intervertebral discs and EVs' limited stability and efficacy have hindered their clinical application. In recent years, hydrogels have attracted much attention in the field of IDD therapy because they can mimic the physiologic microenvironment of the disc and provide a potential solution by providing a suitable growth environment for MSCs and EVs. This review introduced the biological properties of MSCs and their derived EVs, summarized the research on the application of MSCs and EVs in IDD, summarized the current clinical trial studies of MSCs and EVs, and also explored the mechanism of action of MSCs and EVs in intervertebral discs. In addition, plenty of research elaborated on the mechanism of action of different classified hydrogels in tissue engineering, the synergistic effect of MSCs and EVs in promoting intervertebral disc regeneration, and their wide application in treating IDD. Finally, the challenges and problems still faced by hydrogel-loaded MSCs and EVs in the treatment of IDD are summarized, and potential solutions are proposed. This paper outlines the synergistic effects of MSCs and EVs in treating IDD in combination with hydrogels and aims to provide theoretical references for future related studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Huaize Dong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Qiuqiu Xia
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Yanyang Wang
- Department of Cell Engineering Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Lu Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Zongyue Hu
- Department of Pain Rehabilitation, Affiliated Sinopharm Gezhouba Central Hospital, Third Clinical Medical College of Three Gorges University, Yichang 443003, Hubei, China
| | - Jiyue Xia
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Qiming Mao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Zijing Weng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Jiangbi Yi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Shuai Feng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Youhong Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Wenbo Liao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhijun Xin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China; Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR3244, Dynamics of Genetic Information, Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France.
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Li QW, Guo RC, Wu ZM, Shen CL. Potential Use of Extracellular Vesicles in the Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2024; 30:73-84. [PMID: 37930732 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2023.0254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a major cause of low back pain, and several studies have evaluated the efficacy of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the treatment of IVDD. The databases PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched from inception to the end of 2022 to identify studies investigating the therapeutic potential of cell-derived EVs for IVDD treatment. The following outcome measures were utilized: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Pfirrmann grading system, disc height index (DHI), histological grading, and apoptosis rate. A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted, including a total of 13 articles comprising 19 studies involving 218 experimental animals. Comparative analysis between normal cell-derived EVs and placebo revealed significant reductions in MRI grade, increased DHI values, decreased nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis rates, and improved tissue grades. These findings collectively demonstrate the effective inhibition of IVDD through the application of EVs derived from cells. In conclusion, this study provides an updated synthesis of evidence supporting the efficacy of EVs as a promising therapeutic approach for IVDD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Wei Li
- Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ruo-Cheng Guo
- Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zuo-Meng Wu
- Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Cai-Liang Shen
- Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Zhu S, Wang J, Suo M, Huang H, Liu X, Wang J, Li Z. Can extracellular vesicles be considered as a potential frontier in the treatment of intervertebral disc disease? Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102094. [PMID: 37863436 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
As a global public health problem, low back pain (LBP) caused by intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) seriously affects patients' quality of life. In addition, the prevalence of IDD tends to be younger, which brings a huge burden to individuals and society economically. Current treatments do not delay or reverse the progression of IDD. The emergence of biologic therapies has brought new hope for the treatment of IDD. Among them, extracellular vesicles (EVs), as nanoscale bioactive substances that mediate cellular communication, have now produced many surprising results in the research of the treatment of IDD. This article reviews the mechanisms and roles of EVs in delaying IDD and describes the prospects and challenges of EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengxu Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, the People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Liaoning Province, the People's Republic of China
| | - Junlin Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, the People's Republic of China
| | - Moran Suo
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, the People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Liaoning Province, the People's Republic of China
| | - Huagui Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, the People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Liaoning Province, the People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, the People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Liaoning Province, the People's Republic of China
| | - Jinzuo Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, the People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Liaoning Province, the People's Republic of China
| | - Zhonghai Li
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, the People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Liaoning Province, the People's Republic of China.
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Zhao X, Sun Z, Xu B, Duan W, Chang L, Lai K, Ye Z. Degenerated nucleus pulposus cells derived exosome carrying miR-27a-3p aggravates intervertebral disc degeneration by inducing M1 polarization of macrophages. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:317. [PMID: 37667246 PMCID: PMC10478255 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02075-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a major contributor to spinal disorders. Previous studies have indicated that the infiltration of immunocytes, specifically macrophages, plays a crucial role in the advancement of IVDD. Exosomes (exo) are believed to play a significant role in intercellular communication. This study aims to investigate the role of exosomes derived from degenerated nucleus pulposus (dNPc) in the process of macrophages M1 polarization. METHODS Nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue and nucleus pulposus cells (NPc) were collected from patients with intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and idiopathic scoliosis. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to determine the number of M1 macrophages in NP tissue. Subsequently, exosomes derived from degenerated NP cells (dNPc-exo) and non-degenerated NP cells (nNPc-exo) were collected and co-cultured with M0 macrophages, which were induced from THP-1 cells. The M1 phenotype was assessed using western blot, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, and qRT-PCR. RNA-sequencing analysis was conducted to examine the expression levels of microRNAs in the dNPc-exo and nNPc-exo groups, and qRT-PCR was performed to investigate the effect pf different microRNA to induce macrophage polarization. Furthermore, western blot and qRT-PCR were employed to demonstrate the regulatory effect of microRNAs carried by dNPc-exo on downstream target signaling pathways in macrophages. Finally, an animal model of IVDD was utilized to investigate the impact of dNPc-exo on inducing M1 polarization of macrophages and its role in the IVDD process. RESULTS In this study, we observed an increase in the number of M1 macrophages as the intervertebral disc (IVD) degraded. Additionally, we discovered that dNPc releases exosomes (dNPc-exo) could promote the polarization of macrophages towards the M1 phenotype. Notably, through RNA-sequencing analysis of dNPc-exo and nNPc-exo groups, we identified miR-27a-3p as a highly expressed miRNA in the dNPc-exo group, which significantly influences the induction of M1 polarization of macrophages. And then, we discovered that dNPc-exo has the ability to transport miR-27a-3p and target the PPARγ/NFκB/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby influencing the M1 polarization of macrophages. We conducted experiments using rat model of IVDD and observed that the exosomes carrying miR-27a-3p actually induced the M1 polarization of macrophages and exacerbated the degradation of IVD. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our findings highlight the significant role of dNPc-exo in IVDD process and provide a basis for further investigation into the mechanism of IVDD and the potential of exosome-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Western Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Sun
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Western Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Benchi Xu
- Xi'an Medical University, 710021, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Duan
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Western Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Le Chang
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Western Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Kangwei Lai
- Xi'an Medical University, 710021, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhengxu Ye
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Western Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
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Xia Y, Yang R, Hou Y, Wang H, Li Y, Zhu J, Fu C. Application of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes from different sources in intervertebral disc degeneration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1019437. [PMID: 36277386 PMCID: PMC9585200 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1019437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a main cause of lower back pain, leading to psychological and economic burdens to patients. Physical therapy only delays pain in patients but cannot eliminate the cause of IVDD. Surgery is required when the patient cannot tolerate pain or has severe neurological symptoms. Although surgical resection of IVD or decompression of the laminae eliminates the diseased segment, it damages adjacent normal IVD. There is also a risk of re-protrusion after IVD removal. Cell therapy has played a crucial role in the development of regenerative medicine. Cell transplantation promotes regeneration of degenerative tissue. However, owing to the lack of vascular structure in IVD, sufficient nutrients cannot be provided for transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In addition, dead cells release harmful substances that aggravate IVDD. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been extensively studied as an emerging therapeutic approach. EVs generated by paracrine MSCs retain the potential of MSCs and serve as carriers to deliver their contents to target cells to regulate target cell activity. Owing to their double-layered membrane structure, EVs have a low immunogenicity and no immune rejection. Therefore, EVs are considered an emerging therapeutic modality in IVDD. However, they are limited by mass production and low loading rates. In this review, the structure of IVD and advantages of EVs are introduced, and the application of MSC-EVs in IVDD is discussed. The current limitations of EVs and future applications are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanliang Xia
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruohan Yang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yulin Hou
- Department of Cardiology, Guangyuan Central Hospital, Guangyuan, China
| | - Hengyi Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuehong Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianshu Zhu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Changfeng Fu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Changfeng Fu,
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Li Z, Wu Y, Tan G, Xu Z, Xue H. Exosomes and exosomal miRNAs: A new therapy for intervertebral disc degeneration. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:992476. [PMID: 36160436 PMCID: PMC9492865 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.992476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain has been found as a major cause of global disease burden and disability. Intervertebral disc degeneration is recognized as the vital factor causing low back pain. Intervertebral disc degeneration has a complex mechanism and cannot be avoided. Traditional strategies for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration cannot meet the needs of intervertebral disc regeneration, so novel treatment methods are urgently required. Exosomes refer to extracellular vesicles that can be released by most cells, and play major roles in intercellular material transport and information transmission. MicroRNAs have been identified as essential components in exosomes, which can be selectively ingested by exosomes and delivered to receptor cells for the regulation of the physiological activities and functions of receptor cells. Existing studies have progressively focused on the role of exosomes and exosomal microRNAs in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. The focus on this paper is placed on the changes of microenvironment during intervertebral disc degeneration and the biogenesis and mechanism of action of exosomes and exosomal microRNAs. The research results and deficiencies of exosomes and exosomal microRNAs in the regulation of apoptosis, extracellular matrix homeostasis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis in intervertebral disc degeneration are primarily investigated. The aim of this paper is to identify the latest research results, potential applications and challenges of this emerging treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Li
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medcial Unversity, Jinan, China
| | - Guoqing Tan
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhanwang Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Haipeng Xue
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Haipeng Xue,
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Zhao X, Xu B, Duan W, Chang L, Tan R, Sun Z, Ye Z. Insights into Exosome in the Intervertebral Disc: Emerging Role for Disc Homeostasis and Normal Function. Int J Med Sci 2022; 19:1695-1705. [PMID: 36237988 PMCID: PMC9553858 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.75285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is a chronic condition that causes great individual suffering and economic burden. The major contributor of LBP is intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), which is caused by a spectrum of homeostasis alteration, including the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) cells, degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), calcification of cartilaginous endplates (CEP) and so on. Currently, the therapeutic strategy for IDD includes conservative and surgery treatment. Nevertheless, none of them could reverse the progressive destruction of the intervertebral disc. Hence, it is pivotal to pursue a new therapeutic approach. Exosomes, nano-sized substances with diameters of 30-150 nm, can be synthesized and secreted by various types of cells. They play an important role in intercellular communication. Increasing evidence implicates that exosomes could impact the intracellular transcription activities, thereby inhibiting or accelerating the proliferation and apoptosis of cells. Thus, it is a new therapeutic source for IDD. This review chiefly focuses on generalizing and clarifying the roles of exosomes in the onset and deterioration of IDD, and their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Benchi Xu
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Wei Duan
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Le Chang
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Rui Tan
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Sun
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
| | - Zhengxu Ye
- Department of Orthopedic, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Western Changle Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shannxi Provence, P. R. China
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