Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes are beneficial to suppressing inflammation and promoting autophagy in intervertebral disc degeneration.

BACKGROUND

Intervertebral disc degenerative diseases is one the main causes of lumbago, and its main pathological mechanism is intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). As shown in previous reports, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-exosomes can slow down or even reverse degenerated nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in IDD. Thus, we attempted to clarify the specific role of MSC-exosomes underlying IDD progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, the harvested particles were identified as MSC-exosomes. MSC-exosomes facilitated activation of autophagy pathway in AGE-treated NP cells. MSC-exosomes repressed inflammatory response in AGE-treated NP cells. Autophagy pathway activation enhanced inflammatory response in AGE-stimulated NP cells.

RESULTS

Mesenchymal stem cell-exosomes facilitated autophagy pathway activation and repressed inflammation in IDD rats. Autophagy inhibition exerted a protective role against inflammatory response in IDD rats.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, MSC-exosomes represses inflammation via activating autophagy pathway, which provides a potential novel insight for seeking therapeutic plans of IDD.