Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes as a new drug carrier for the treatment of spinal cord injury: A review

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition with limited self-repair capabilities. This review explores the potential of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-Exo) to aid in SCI treatment, focusing on their role as drug carriers. MSC-Exo can reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis, and autophagy after SCI. These processes are crucial for the survival and function of damaged spinal cord neurons. Exosomes have advantages as drug carriers for SCI due to their ability to deliver drugs, imaging capabilities, and drug-loading methods, offering new avenues for SCI treatment, particularly drug delivery.

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  MSC-Exo can effectively suppress inflammatory responses and oxidative stress following SCI, contributing to neuronal survival.
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  MSC-Exo can inhibit neuronal apoptosis and regulate autophagy, which are critical for rescuing damaged spinal cord neurons.
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  Exosomes, when used as drug carriers, possess unique advantages such as low immunogenicity and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, making them suitable for delivering therapeutic agents to the central nervous system.