Exosomes as promising bioactive materials in the treatment of spinal cord injury

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-024-03952-5 · Published: September 18, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Genetics

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to permanent motor and sensory disabilities. Secondary SCI involves inflammation and vascular changes, worsening the initial damage. Exosomes (Exos) have shown neuroprotective effects in SCI research. Exosomes, derived from various cell types, promote neurogenesis, angiogenesis, blood-spinal cord barrier preservation, anti-apoptosis, and anti-inflammatory responses. They act as targeted therapy for SCI. This review discusses the mechanisms of action of Exos and their potential for clinical strategies in SCI, also addressing the challenges and advantages of their use.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Preclinical animal studies

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have broad application prospects for SCI and protect neurons through various processes.
2
Exosomes facilitate axonal regeneration, angiogenesis, and BSCB preservation while limiting apoptosis and inflammation in SCI.
3
Exosomes modulate the TLR4/MyD88/NF-kB signaling pathway, which regulates inflammation and secondary neurotoxicity effects.

Research Summary

Exosomes have attracted significant interest as cell-free therapies owing to their fascinating biological properties. Increasing evidence from preclinical studies has confirmed the neuroprotective properties of Exos. On administration, Exos can specifically target and accumulate at spinal cord lesion sites and accelerate locomotor functional recovery. These beneficial effects have been mainly attributed to neurogenesis, angiogenesis, preservation of the BSCB, and anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Practical Implications

Clinical Application Potential

Understanding the mechanisms of action of Exos will aid in their effective clinical translation for SCI treatment.

Targeted Therapy Development

Combining Exos with targeted medications could significantly improve SCI treatment outcomes.

Optimized Production and Delivery

Addressing challenges in Exos production, dosage, delivery methods, and stability is crucial for clinical applications.

Study Limitations

1
Inconsistent Exos isolation methods and application dosages across studies.
2
Variations in SCI models and parameters lead to inconsistencies in severity.
3
Rapid clearance and inefficient drug delivery of Exos limit their aggregation in the SCI area.

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