The Research Progress of Exosomes in Osteoarthritis, With Particular Emphasis on the Mediating Roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs

A novel cell source for therapy of knee osteoarthritis using atelocollagen microsphere-adhered adipose-derived stem cells: Impact of synovial fluid exposure on cell activity

Introduction

Administration of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into the joint cavity has been shown to alleviate the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (OA) by releasing exosomes and anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, the therapeutic effect of these cells is limited by their rapid disappearance after administration. Thus, it is necessary to prolong cell survival in the joint cavity. This study aimed to investigate the potential application of ADSCs adhered to atelocollagen microspheres (AMSs) for cell therapy of knee OA.

Methods

ADSCs were cultured for 2, 4, and 7 days in AMS suspension or adherent culture dishes. The supernatants were analyzed for IL-10 and exosome secretion via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Nanosight. The effect of AMS was compared with that of adherent-cultured ADSCs (2D-cultured ADSCs) using transcriptome analysis. Moreover, the solubility of AMS and viability of ADSCs were evaluated using synovial fluid (SF) from patients with knee OA.

Results

Compared with 2D-cultured ADSCs, AMS-cultured ADSCs exhibited a significant increase in secretion of exosomes and IL-10, and the expression of several genes involved in extracellular matrix and immune regulation were altered. Furthermore, when AMS-cultured ADSCs were cultured in SF from knee OA patients to mimic the intra-articular environment, the SF dissolved the AMSs and released viable ADSCs. In addition, AMS-cultured ADSCs showed significantly higher long-term cell viability than 2D-cultured ADSCs.

Conclusion

Increased survival of AMS-adhered ADSCs was observed in the intra-articular environment, and AMSs were found to gradually dissipate. These results suggest that AMS-adhered ADSCs are promising source for cell therapy of knee OA.

Current Non-Surgical Curative Regenerative Therapies for Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disease affecting middle-aged and elderly individuals, with knee pain as a common complaint. Standard therapy approaches generally attempt to alleviate pain and inflammation, using various pharmacological and non-pharmacological options. However, the efficacy of these therapies in long-term tissue repair remains debated. As an alternative, regenerative medicine offers a promising strategy, with decreased adverse event rates and increasing evidence of safety and efficacy. This review will outline current advances in regenerative medicine for knee OA, emphasizing outpatient clinic-based therapies that use orthobiological and non-biological products. Different strategies based on orthobiologics are discussed as potential regenerative options for the management of knee OA. Cell-free therapies including platelet-rich plasma, autologous anti-inflammatories, exosomes, human placenta extract, and mitochondrial transplantation are discussed, focusing on their potential for cartilage regeneration. Additionally, cell-based therapies with regenerative properties including bone marrow aspirate concentrate, adipose stromal vascular fraction, microfat, nanofat, stem cell therapy, and genetically modified cells as part of orthobiologics, are being investigated. Also, this study is looking into non-biological approaches such as using gold-induced cytokines, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and ozone therapy. The mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and clinical applications of each therapy are being explored, providing insights into their role in the management of knee OA.

Exosomes in Osteoarthritis: A Review on Their Isolation Techniques and Therapeutic Potential

Background

Exosomes are the smallest extracellular vesicles (30-150 nm) secreted by all cell types, including synovial fluid. However, because biological fluids are complex, heterogeneous, and contain contaminants, their isolation is difficult and time-consuming. Furthermore, the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA) involves exosomes carrying complex components that cause macrophages to release chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines. This narrative review aims to provide in-depth insights into exosome biology, isolation techniques, role in OA pathophysiology, and potential role in future OA therapeutics.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies involving exosomes in the osteoarthritis using keywords "Exosomes" and "Osteoarthritis". Relevant articles in the last 15 years involving both human and animal models were included. Studies involving exosomes in other inflammatory diseases were excluded.

Results

Despite some progress, conventional techniques for isolating exosomes remain laborious and difficult, requiring intricate and time-consuming procedures across various body fluids and sample origins. Moreover, exosomes are involved in various physiological processes associated with OA, like cartilage calcification, degradation of osteoarthritic joints, and inflammation.

Conclusion

The process of achieving standardization, integration, and high throughput of exosome isolation equipment is challenging and time-consuming. The integration of various methodologies can be employed to effectively address specific issues by leveraging their complementary benefits. Exosomes have the potential to effectively repair damaged cartilage OA, reduce inflammation, and maintain a balance between the formation and breakdown of cartilage matrix, therefore showing promise as a therapeutic option for OA.

Nanomaterials-assisted gene editing and synthetic biology for optimizing the treatment of pulmonary diseases

The use of nanomaterials in gene editing and synthetic biology has emerged as a pivotal strategy in the pursuit of refined treatment methodologies for pulmonary disorders. This review discusses the utilization of nanomaterial-assisted gene editing tools and synthetic biology techniques to promote the development of more precise and efficient treatments for pulmonary diseases. First, we briefly outline the characterization of the respiratory system and succinctly describe the principal applications of diverse nanomaterials in lung ailment treatment. Second, we elaborate on gene-editing tools, their configurations, and assorted delivery methods, while delving into the present state of nanomaterial-facilitated gene-editing interventions for a spectrum of pulmonary diseases. Subsequently, we briefly expound on synthetic biology and its deployment in biomedicine, focusing on research advances in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary conditions against the backdrop of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Finally, we summarize the extant lacunae in current research and delineate prospects for advancement in this domain. This holistic approach augments the development of pioneering solutions in lung disease treatment, thereby endowing patients with more efficacious and personalized therapeutic alternatives.

Exosome miR-4738-3p-mediated regulation of COL1A2 through the NF-κB and inflammation signaling pathway alleviates osteoarthritis low-grade inflammation symptoms

This study aimed to elucidate the roles of microRNA (miR)-4738-3p and the collagen type I alpha 2 chain (COL1A2) gene in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) through bioinformatics analysis and cellular assays. The GSE55235 dataset was analyzed using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) method to identify gene modules associated with OA. Key overlapping genes were identified from these modules and the GSE55235-differential expressed genes (DEGs). The expression levels of selected genes were determined in C28/I2 cells using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The interaction between miR-4738-3p and COL1A2 was examined in the context of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) induction. Exosome characterization was achieved through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), western blotting (WB), and other analyses. The study also investigated the functional relevance of miR-4738-3p in OA pathology through various molecular and cellular assays. Our findings revealed that the green module exhibited a strong correlation with the OA phenotype in the GSE55235 dataset, with COL1A2 emerging as a hub gene and miR-4738-3p as its key downstream target. IL-1β induction suggested that COL1A2 is involved in inflammation and apoptosis, while miR-4738-3p appeared to play an antagonistic role. The analysis of exosomes underscored the significance of miR-4738-3p in cellular communication, with an enhanced level of exo-miR-4738-3p antagonizing IL-1β-induced inflammation and promoting cell survival. Conversely, a reduction in exo-miR-4738-3p led to increased cell damage. This study established a clear regulatory relationship between miR-4738-3p and COL1A2, with the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway playing a central role in this regulation. The miR-4738-3p significantly influences the OA-associated inflammation, primarily through modulation of COL1A2 and the NF-κB pathway. Therefore, targeting miR-4738-3p offers a potential therapeutic approach for OA, with exosome miR-4738-3p presenting a promising strategy.

LncRNA-mediated cartilage homeostasis in osteoarthritis: a narrative review

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease of cartilage that affects the quality of life and has increased in morbidity and mortality in recent years. Cartilage homeostasis and dysregulation are thought to be important mechanisms involved in the development of OA. Many studies suggest that lncRNAs are involved in cartilage homeostasis in OA and that lncRNAs can be used to diagnose or treat OA. Among the existing therapeutic regimens, lncRNAs are involved in drug-and nondrug-mediated therapeutic mechanisms and are expected to improve the mechanism of adverse effects or drug resistance. Moreover, targeted lncRNA therapy may also prevent or treat OA. The purpose of this review is to summarize the links between lncRNAs and cartilage homeostasis in OA. In addition, we review the potential applications of lncRNAs at multiple levels of adjuvant and targeted therapies. This review highlights that targeting lncRNAs may be a novel therapeutic strategy for improving and modulating cartilage homeostasis in OA patients.

Prospect of Exosome in Ligament Healing: A Systematical Review

Aim

The relationship between ligaments and bone is a complex and heterogeneous junction involving bone, mineralized fibro cartilage, non-mineralized fibro cartilage and ligaments. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can be used in vivo to control inflammation and aid in tissue repair, according to studies. This review focused on using exosomes as an alternative to MSC, as a cell-free therapy for modulating the remodelling process.

Methods

To conduct a systematic review of the literature, the phrases "exosome" and "ligament" or "tendon" and "extracellular vesicle" and "stem cells" were used as the search keywords in PubMed (MEDLINE), OVID, the Cochrane Library, and Science Direct. From the literature, 73 studies in all were found. Six studies were included in this systematic review after full-text evaluation.

Results

Six included studies covered a range of MSC types, isolation techniques, animal models, and interventions. Biomechanical results consistently indicated the beneficial impact of conditioned media, vesicles, and exosomes on treating tendons and ligaments. Noteworthy findings were the reduction of inflammation by iMSC-IEVs, chondrocyte protection by iPSC-EVs (extracellular vesicles generated by inflammation-primed adipose-derived stem cells), osteolysis treatment using DPSC-sEVs (small extracellular vesicles derived from dental pulp stem cells), and the contribution of exosome-educated macrophages to ligament injury wound healing.

Conclusion

Exosomes may serve as a cell-free therapeutic substitute for modulating the remodelling process, particularly in ligament healing.

Mir-25-3p in extracellular vesicles from fibroblast-like synoviocytes alleviates pyroptosis of chondrocytes in knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is defined as a joint disease that occurs mostly among elderly people. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes-derived extracellular vesicles (FLS-EVs) have impacts on the treatment of OA. This study elucidated the mechanism of miR-25-3p in pyroptosis of chondrocytes in KOA. FLSs and EVs were extracted from neonatal mice; destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) was used to simulate KOA in mice, followed by the evaluation of cartilage damage and the contents of MMP-3 and MMP-13 in KOA mice. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce inflammation damage in mouse chondrocytes ATDC5, and the cell viability and the expressions of NLRP3, Cleaved-Caspase-1, GSDMD-N, IL-18, and IL-1β were examined. We found that FLS-EV treatment mitigated the knee-joint damage and symptoms of KOA mice, decreased MMP-3 and MMP-13, and inhibited pyroptosis of chondrocytes in DMM mice and LPS-induced ATD5 cells. Then, Cy3-labeled miR-25-3p in mice chondrocytes was observed and the expressions and the binding relation of miR-25-3p and cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein 1 (CPEB1) were verified. It showed that FLS-EVs carried miR-25-3p into chondrocytes, and upregulated miR-25-3p expression while inhibited CPEB1 transcription, resulting in mitigation of pyroptosis of chondrocytes, and CPEB1 overexpression reversed the inhibition of FLS-EVs on pyroptosis of chondrocytes in KOA.

Ultrastructure of dorsal root ganglia

Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) contains thousands of sensory neurons that transmit information about our external and internal environment to the central nervous system. This includes signals related to proprioception, temperature, and nociception. Our understanding of DRG has increased tremendously over the last 50 years and has established the DRG as an active participant in peripheral processes. This includes interactions between neurons and non-neuronal cells such as satellite glia cells and macrophages that contribute to an increasingly complex cellular environment that modulates neuronal function. Early ultrastructural investigations of the DRG have described subtypes of sensory neurons based on differences in the arrangement of organelles such as the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum. The neuron-satellite cell complex and the composition of the axon hillock in DRG have also been investigated, but, apart from basic descriptions of Schwann cells, ultrastructural investigations of other cell types in DRG are limited. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of key components of DRG, such as blood vessels and the capsule that sits at the intersection of the meninges and the connective tissue covering the peripheral nervous system, are lacking to date. With rising interest in DRG as potential therapeutic targets for aberrant signalling associated with chronic pain conditions, gaining further insights into DRG ultrastructure will be fundamental to understanding cell-cell interactions that modulate DRG function. In this review, we aim to provide a synopsis of the current state of knowledge on the ultrastructure of the DRG and its components, as well as to identify areas of interest for future studies.

Exosomal miR-767 from senescent endothelial-derived accelerating skin fibroblasts aging via inhibiting TAB1

Skin aging is a complicated physiological process, and microRNA-mediated regulation has been shown to contribute to this process. Exosomes mediate intercellular communication through miRNAs, mRNAs and proteins, and participate in many physiological and pathological processes. Vascular endothelial cell-derived exosomes have been confirmed to be involved in the development of many diseases, however, their effects on skin aging have not been reported. In this study, senescent endothelial cells could regulate skin fibroblast functions and promote cell senescence through exosomal pathway. miR-767 was highly expressed in senescent vascular endothelial cells and their exosomes, and miR-767 is also upregulated in skin fibroblasts after treatment with exosomes derived from senescent vascular endothelial cells. In addition, transfection with miR-767 mimic promoted senescence of skin fibroblasts, while transfection with miR-767 inhibitor reversed the effect of D-galactose. Double luciferase analysis confirmed that TAB1 was a direct target gene of miR-767. Furthermore, miR-767 expression was increased and TAB1 expression was decreased in D-galactose induced aging mice. In mice that overexpressed miR-767, HE staining showed thinning of dermis and senescence appearance. In conclusion, senescent vascular endothelial cell-derived exosome mediated miR-767 regulates skin fibroblasts through the exosome pathway. Our study reveals the role of vascular endothelial cell-derived exosomes in aging in the skin microenvironment and contributes to the discovery of new targets for delaying senescence.

An update on the effect of intra-articular intervention strategies using nanomaterials in osteoarthritis: Possible clinical application

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common progressive condition affecting joints. It mainly affects the knees and hips as predominant weight-bearing joints. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) accounts for a large proportion of osteoarthritis and presents numerous symptoms that impair quality of life, such as stiffness, pain, dysfunction, and even deformity. For more than two decades, intra-articular (IA) treatment options for managing knee osteoarthritis have included analgesics, hyaluronic acid (HA), corticosteroids, and some unproven alternative therapies. Before effective disease-modifying treatments for knee osteoarthritis, treatments are primarily symptomatic, mainly including intra-articular corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid, so these agents represent the most frequently used class of drugs for managing knee osteoarthritis. But research suggests other factors, such as the placebo effect, have an essential role in the effectiveness of these drugs. Several novel intra-articular therapies are currently in the clinical trial processes, such as biological therapies, gene and cell therapies. Besides, it has been shown that the development of novel drug nanocarriers and delivery systems could improve the effectiveness of therapeutic agents in osteoarthritis. This review discusses the various treatment methods and delivery systems for knee osteoarthritis and the new agents that have been introduced or are in development.

Characteristics of culture-condition stimulated exosomes or their loaded hydrogels in comparison with other extracellular vesicles or MSC lysates

Recently, it has become popular to study the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by stem cells to repair damaged tissues or lost cells. Various cell types and physiological fluids release EVs, and they play an important role in cell-to-cell communication. Moreover, EVs have been implicated in important processes, such as immune responses, homeostasis maintenance, coagulation, inflammation, cancer progression, angiogenesis, and antigen presentation. Thus, EVs participate in both physiological and pathological progression. The main classes of EVs include exosomes, microvesicles (MVs), and apoptotic bodies (ApoBDs). Exosomes, which carry a mass of signal molecules such as RNA, DNA, proteins, and lipids, are the most important of these EVs subsets. Currently, exosomes are generating substantial interest in the scientific community. Exosomes loaded hydrogels or under different cultural environments exhibit different properties and functions. Therefore, the exosomes obtained from different sources and conditions are worth reviewing. More importantly, no review article has compared the different EVs, such as exosomes, MVs, ApoBDs, and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) lysates, which are special soluble substances. The differentiation between EVs and MSC lysates is a logical approach. Accordingly, this review provides an update on the latest progress in studying the roles of culture-condition stimulated exosomes or their loaded hydrogels and the differentiation between exosomes, MVs, ApoBDs, and MSC lysates. Published studies were retrieved from the PubMed® database for review.

Role of exosomes in bone and joint disease metabolism, diagnosis, and therapy

Bone and joint diseases are prevalent and often fatal conditions in elderly individuals. Additionally, bone-derived cells may release exosomes that package and distribute a range of active substances, such as proteins, miRNAs, and numerous active factors, thereby facilitating material and information interchange between cells. Exososmes generated from bone may be utilized to manage bone production and resorption balance or even as biological or gene therapy carriers, depending on their properties and composition. In this review, we will discuss the composition, secretion, and uptake theory of exososmes, the role of exososmes in bone metabolism regulation, the pathogenesis and diagnosis of bone and joint diseases, and the application of exososmes in regenerative medicine. The findings will expand our understanding of the potential research and application space regarding exososmes.

A systematic review of EV-piRNA in human body fluid and its role in disease progression

The state of host cells is reflected in the cargo carried by their extracellular vesicles (EVs). This makes EV a potential source of biomarkers for human diseases. Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) regulates gene expression through epigenetic regulation and post-transcriptional gene silencing. Thus, piRNA profiles in EVs derived from human clinical samples could identify markers that characterize disease stages, and unveil their roles in disease pathology. This review aimed to report the expression profiles of EV-derived piRNA (EV-piRNA) in various human samples, as well as their role in each pathology. A systematic review was conducted to collate the findings of human EV-piRNA from original research articles published in indexed scientific journals up to 16th Feb 2022. Article searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, using a combination of keywords including 'EV' and 'piRNA'. A total of 775 non-redundant original articles were identified. After subjecting articles to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 34 articles were accepted for this review. The piRNA expression levels among the small RNA profiles of human-derived EVs range from 0.09% to 43.84%, with the lowest expression level reported in urine-derived EVs and the highest percentage in plasma-derived EVs. Differentially expressed EV-piRNAs have been identified in patients with specific disease conditions compared to their counterparts (healthy control), suggesting an association between piRNA and progression in various diseases. Seven articles identified piRNA putative target genes and/or the pathway enrichment of piRNA target genes, and one study demonstrated a direct tole of piRNA candidates in disease pathology. In conclusion, EV-piRNA has been isolated successfully from various human body fluids. EV-piRNA is a new research niche in human disease pathology. The expression profiles of EV-piRNA in various tissue types and disease conditions remain largely unexplored. Furthermore, there is currently a lack of guidelines on piRNA bioinformatics analysis, which could lead to inconsistent results and thus hinder the progression of piRNA discoveries. Lastly, the lack of published scientific evidence on the role of EV-piRNA supports the need for future research to focus on the functional analysis of EV-piRNA as part of the route in piRNA discoveries.

Exosome derived from stem cell: A promising therapeutics for wound healing

A wound occurs when the epidermis and dermis of the skin are damaged internally and externally. The traditional wound healing method is unsatisfactory, which will prolong the treatment time and increase the treatment cost, which brings economic and psychological burdens to patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new method to accelerate wound healing. As a cell-free therapy, exosome derived from stem cell (EdSC) offers new possibilities for wound healing. EdSC is the smallest extracellular vesicle secreted by stem cells with diameters of 30-150 nm and a lipid bilayer structure. Previous studies have found that EdSC can participate in and promote almost all stages of wound healing, including regulating inflammatory cells; improving activation of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells; and adjusting the ratio of collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ. We reviewed the relevant knowledge of wounds; summarized the biogenesis, isolation, and identification of exosomes; and clarified the pharmacological role of exosomes in promoting wound healing. This review provides knowledge support for the pharmacological study of exosomes.

Research progress on the role and mechanism of action of exosomes in autoimmune thyroid disease

Exosomes are widely distributed extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are currently a major research hotspot for researchers based on their wide range of sources, stable membrane structure, low immunogenicity, and containing a variety of biomolecules. A large number of literatures have shown that exosomes and exosome cargoes (especially microRNAs) play an important role in the activation of inflammation, development of tumor, differentiation of cells, regulation of immunity and so on. Studies have found that exosomes can stimulate the immune response of the body and participate in the occurrence and development of various diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, the potential of exosomes as therapeutic tools in various diseases has also attracted much attention. Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases, mainly composed of Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), which affects the health of many people and has a genetic predisposition, but its pathogenesis is still being explored. Starting from the relevant biological characteristics of exosomes, this review summarizes the current research status of exosomes and the association between exosomes and some diseases, with a focus on the situation of AITD and the potential role of exosomes (including substances in their vesicles) in AITD in combination with the current published literature, aiming to provide new directions for the pathogenesis, diagnosis or therapy of AITD.Supplemental data for this article is available online at.

The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are small vesicles that can be actively secreted by most cell types into the extracellular environment. Evidence indicates that EVs can carry microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), proteins, and lipids to target cells or tissue organizations. Latest studies show that EVs play a vital role in the immune modulation and may contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by abnormal T cell activation and sustained production of autoantibodies against self-antigens, resulting in inflammation and damage to multiple systems. Pathogenic mechanisms of SLE, however, are still not well understood. In this review, we summarize the latest research advances on the functions and mechanisms of EVs, and its role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of SLE.

Endogenous Controls for the Evaluation of Osteoarthritis-Related miRNAs in Extracellular Vesicles from Bone-Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and the Impact of Osteoarthritis Synovial Fluid

Bone-marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSCs) have emerged as promising therapeutic option for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) due to their tissue regenerative and anti-inflammatory features. BMSCs’ clinical potential is mainly ascribed to their released factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs), whose therapeutic portfolio may be modulated by the environment in vivo or specific priming in vitro. Within the array of molecules shaping EVs’ power, miRNAs are considered privileged players. In this frame, a correct EV-miRNA detection and quantification is mandatory to understand and possibly boost BMSCs potential, either when envisioned as cell therapeutics or when proposed as producer of cell-free and clinical grade EVs. The aim of this study is to identify reliable reference genes (RGs) to study miRNAs in BMSC-EVs cultivated under standard or OA synovial fluid (OA-SF). miR-23a-3p and miR-221-3p emerged as the best candidates, respectively. Moreover, when both conditions were analyzed together, miR-24-3p resulted the most stable RGs, allowing for a sharper comparison of EVs content, further validated on the OA-related miRNA-193b-5p. The different RG stability ranking depending on the culturing conditions, as well as its divergence with respect to adipose (ASCs) and amniotic (hAMSCs) MSCs, confirm that miRNA RG selection in EVs is a mandatory step and that the identification of the most reliable candidate is greatly depending on the cell type and culturing/environmental conditions.

A review of non-coding RNA related to NF-κB signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), often called as "wear and tear" arthritis, is the most common form of degenerative joint arthritis and is a leading cause of disability. The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) transcription factor has long been recognized as a disease-contributing factor for OA. More and more evidences show that targeting NF-κB signaling could offer novel potential therapeutic options for OA damage and reduce the risk of potential side-effects. In recent years, it has been shown that non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs) can trigger the expression of an array of genes and widely activate NF-κB signaling pathway, which induces destruction of the articular joint, leading to OA onset and progression. In this review, we discuss the involvement of NF-κB in OA pathogenesis and how ncRNAs attend and affect OA incidence and evolution, offering novel potential therapeutic options for OA treatment.

The Extracellular Matrix Enriched With Exosomes for the Treatment on Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a severe respiratory disease caused by lung microenvironment changes. TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway plays a critical role in the fibrotic process. MicroRNA-29 (miR-29) has proved to alleviate the occurrence of PF by downregulating TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway. The miRNA application encounters obstacles due to its low stability in body and no targeting to lesions. Exosomes can be used for therapeutic delivery of miRNA due to their favorable delivery properties. However, low efficiency of separation and production impedes the therapeutic application of exosomes. In this study, we developed a liquid natural extracellular matrix (ECM) enriched with miR-29-loaded exosomes for PF treatment. The collagen-binding domain (CBD)-fused Lamp2b (CBD-Lamp2b) and miR-29 were overexpressed in human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) host cells for the entrapment of miR-29-loaded exosomes in ECM of the cells. The repeated freeze-thaw method was performed to prepare the liquid ECM enriched with exosomes without destroying the exosomal membrane. In summary, this study developed a novel functional ECM biomaterial for therapy of PF, and also provided a promising gene therapy platform for different diseases by treatment with liquid ECM that is, enriched with exosomes loaded with different functional miRNAs.

Advances on biological functions of exosomal non-coding RNAs in osteoarthritis

Exosomes can be secreted by various cells and function as intercellular communication vehicles by delivering specific cargoes from the donor cells to the recipient cells through their paracrine activity. Recently, an increasing number of studies have shown that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) could be entrapped in and transferred between cartilage-related cells as exosomal cargoes to modulate the expression of various target genes by regulation at post-transcriptional and post-translational levels. They are mainly comprised of microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs. Articular cartilage degeneration is one of the main pathological features of osteoarthritis. Exosomal ncRNAs are involved in pathological processes of osteoarthritis, such as proliferation, migration, chondrogenesis, chondrocyte differentiation induction, extracellular matrix formation, apoptosis, and inflammation. In this review, we summarize the biological functions of exosomal ncRNAs in cartilage homeostasis and osteoarthritis progression and discuss the perspectives and challenges of exosomal ncRNAs application for osteoarthritis patients in the future. Exosomal ncRNA has an important regulatory role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, but more evidence is needed for clinical application.

The role of ceRNA-mediated diagnosis and therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide due to its high degree of malignancy, high incidence, and low survival rate. However, the underlying mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis remain unclear. Long non coding RNA (lncRNA) has been shown as a novel type of RNA. lncRNA by acting as ceRNA can participate in various biological processes of HCC cells, such as tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and drug resistance by regulating downstream target gene expression and cancer-related signaling pathways. Meanwhile, lncRNA can predict the efficacy of treatment strategies for HCC and serve as a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Therefore, lncRNA serving as ceRNA may become a vital candidate biomarker for clinical diagnosis and treatment. In this review, the epidemiology of HCC, including morbidity, mortality, regional distribution, risk factors, and current treatment advances, was briefly discussed, and some biological functions of lncRNA in HCC were summarized with emphasis on the molecular mechanism and clinical application of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory network in HCC. This paper can contribute to the better understanding of the mechanism of the influence of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA networks (ceRNETs) on HCC and provide directions and strategies for future studies.

Exosomes as a New Delivery Vehicle in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a type of chronic relapsing inflammatory disease. The pathogenesis of IBD is still unclear, which may involve environmental factors, genetic factors, intestinal microbiota disorder, and abnormal immune responses. Exosomes (30–150 nm) are found in various body fluids, including blood, saliva, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. Exosomes mediate intercellular communication and regulate cell biological activity by carrying non-coding RNAs, proteins, and lipids. There is evidence that exosomes are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD. In view of the important roles of exosomes in the pathogenesis of IBD, this work systematically reviews the latest research progress of exosomes in IBD, especially the roles of exosomes as non-coding RNA delivery systems in the pathogenesis of IBD, including a disordered immune response, barrier function, and intestinal microbiota. The review will help to clarify the pathogenesis of IBD and explore new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for patients with IBD.