Stem Cell Research & Therapy (Oct 2023)

Mechanisms and therapeutic prospects of mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes for tendinopathy

  • Yuxiang Zhang,
  • Wei Ju,
  • Hong Zhang,
  • Liu Mengyun,
  • Weiliang Shen,
  • Xiao Chen

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-023-03431-3
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 1
pp. 1 – 10

Abstract

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Abstract Tendinopathy is a debilitating and crippling syndrome resulting from the degeneration of tendon tissue, leading to loss of mechanical properties and function, and eventual tendon rupture. Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment for tendinopathy that can prevent or delay its progression. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that transport bioactive substances produced by cells, such as proteins, lipids, mRNAs, non-coding RNAs, and DNA. They can generate by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) throughout the body and play a role in intercellular communication and regulation of homeostasis. Recent research suggests that MSCs-derived exosomes (MSCs-exos) may serve as useful therapeutic candidates for promoting tendon healing. This review focuses on the function and mechanisms of MSCs-exos in tendinopathy treatment and discusses their potential application for treating this condition.

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