Figure 3.
Effects of MSC EVs on cartilage repair and osteoarthritis (OA). In chondrocytes, MSC EVs downregulate pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, CCL-2, CCL-5, NO and PGE2 as well as catabolic enzymes MMPs and ADAMTS5. Besides, these EVs enhance chondrocyte proliferation, autophagy and the synthesis of cartilage extracellular matrix. IL-10 levels are increased in OA chondrocytes and subchondral osteoblasts. In these last cells, MSC EVs also exert anti-inflammatory effects and reduce mitochondrial membrane alterations and oxidative stress to protect osteoblasts from stress-induced senescence.