Table 2.
In vivo studies utilizing stem-cell derived exosomes for IVDD therapy.
| Origin of Exosomes | Author | Experimental Objective | Animal Model | Results | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCs | Zhang et al., 2020 | To demonstrate NLRP3-mediated NP cell pyroptosis induction in IVDD mice model and identify regulators of this process | Mouse | Treatment with MSC-Exos and miR-410 reversed the increased protein levels of NLRP3 and alleviated the severity degree of IVDD | [24] |
| BMSCs | Xia et al., 2019 | To investigate the therapeutic effect of exosomes via a reduction in NLRP3 inflammasome expression | Rabbit | Treatment with BMSC-Exos attenuates the progression of IVDD and delays matrix degradation | [50] |
| BMSCs | Cheng et al., 2018 | To evaluate the protective effect of MSC-Exos on NP cell apoptosis and IVDD, and the regulatory effect of miRNAs | Rat | Intradiscal injection of MSC-Exos alleviates NP cell apoptosis via miR-21 contained in exosomes | [134] |
| BMSCs | Liao et al., 2019 | To determine if the delivery of MSC-Exos could modulate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the IVD | Rat | Delivery of MSC-Exos modulates ER stress-related apoptosis in AGEs-associated IVDD | [135] |
| PLMSCs | Yuan et al., 2020 | To elucidate the potential therapeutic role of human placental MSC-derived exosomes carrying AntagomiR-4450 | Mouse | Inhibition of miR-4450 alleviates inflammation, apoptosis and damage to NP cells by upregulating ZNF121 | [136] |
| MSCs | Xie et al., 2020 | To characterize the effect and mechanism of MSC-derived exosomes and the inhibition of apoptosis and calcification in endplate chondrocytes (EPCs) | Rat | Sub-endplate injection of MSC-Exos reduces apoptosis and calcification in EPCs via regulation of miR-31-5p and ATF6-related ER stress | [137] |
| iMSCs | Sun et al., 2021 | To explore the therapeutic effect of exosomes derived from induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS)-derived MSCs (iMSCs) on IVDD | Rat | Intradiscal injection could rejuvenate senescent NP cells and restore IVD height 4 weeks after needle puncture | [138] |
| CESCs | Luo et al., 2021 | To compare the use of normal and degenerated cartilage endplate stem cell-derived exosomes to diminish apoptosis of NP cells | Rat | CEP inflammation aggravates IVDD and normal CESC-derived exosomes are better equipped to decrease the apoptotic rate of NP cells by activating the PI3K, AKT and autophagy pathways | [139] |