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Mesenchymal cell vesicles target chondrocyte aging in osteoarthritis

“The most important finding of our study was to establish that one intra-articular injection of ASC-EVs can profoundly affect the joint environment soon after administration.”

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Impact Journals LLC

Anti-aging effect of extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stromal cells on senescence-induced chondrocytes in osteoarthritis

image: 

Figure 2. Characterization of extracellular vesicles isolated from ASCs. (A) Representative picture of one single EV by cryo-transmission electron microscopy (scale bar: 100 nm). (B) Size distribution of EVs (one representative sample). (C) Number of particles produced by 106 ASCs per day, mean size and particle concentration after isolation (n = 7). (D) Quantity of total proteins (left panel) and total RNA (right panel) contained per particle (n = 3). (E) Expression profile of tetraspanin markers on the surface of EVs by nanofcm analysis.

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Credit: © 2024 Boulestreau et al.

“The most important finding of our study was to establish that one intra-articular injection of ASC-EVs can profoundly affect the joint environment soon after administration.” 

BUFFALO, NY- December 18, 2024 – A new research paper was published in Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as “Aging (Albany NY)” and “Aging-US” by Web of Science) Volume 16, Issue 21 on November 22, 2024, entitled, “Anti-aging effect of extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stromal cells on senescence-induced chondrocytes in osteoarthritis.

The study, authored by Jérémy Boulestreau, Marie Maumus, Giuliana Bertolino Minani, Christian Jorgensen, and Danièle Noël from the  Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, introduces a potential new therapy for osteoarthritis. This therapy uses tiny particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs), derived from fat tissue, to repair damage caused by aging cells in the joints, slowing the progression of osteoarthritis and restoring joint health.

Osteoarthritis, the most common joint disorder in older adults, occurs when cartilage breaks down, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. One major contributor to it is cellular senescence, a process where cells stop dividing and release harmful substances that worsen inflammation and damage joint tissues.

In this study, the researchers showed that EVs from fat-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASC-EVs) decreased the harmful effects of senescent cells. ASC-EVs showed strong therapeutic effects in both cellular and mouse preclinical studies. They reduced inflammation and DNA damage markers in cells derived from human joints and improved cellular health. In mice with osteoarthritis, the vesicles restored joint balance, reduced cartilage damage, and preserved joint function for weeks.

The findings highlight the potential of regenerative medicine, which uses the body’s own mechanisms to repair damage. By targeting the aging process in joint cells, this therapy offers a breakthrough for osteoarthritis treatment. Millions of people suffering from joint pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility could benefit from this innovative approach.

In the future, the researchers plan to explore ways to enhance the therapy, including whether repeated treatments could provide even longer-lasting benefits. These could lead to new options in treating osteoarthritis and other age-related conditions.

“In addition to their anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, our study confirms that ASC-EVs may be a relevant option for future clinical applications in degenerative diseases, such as OA, which are increasing with the population aging.”

In conclusion, this research offers a promising regenerative therapy for osteoarthritis, with the potential to improve the quality of life for millions of older adults.

Read the full paper: DOIhttps://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206158

Corresponding author: Danièle Noël – daniele.noel@inserm.fr

Video short: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06qw2nR3ovY

Keywords: aging, mesenchymal stromal cell, extracellular vesicle, senescence, osteoarthritis, regenerative medicine

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About Aging:

The journal Aging aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.)

Aging is indexed by PubMed/Medline (abbreviated as “Aging (Albany NY)”), PubMed CentralWeb of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (abbreviated as “Aging‐US” and listed in the Cell Biology and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories), Scopus (abbreviated as “Aging” and listed in the Cell Biology and Aging categories), Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

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