Mechanism study of BMSC-exosomes combined with hyaluronic acid gel in regulating oxidative stress in the treatment of posttraumatic osteoarthritis

Abstract

Abstract Objective To explore the efficacy and mechanism of exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC-EXOs) combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) gel in treating post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) by regulating injury caused by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative stress. Methods This study utilized a combination of in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate the potential benefits of BMSC-EXOs in the treatment of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). The in vitro experiment involved the isolation and characterization of BMSC-EXOs from rats, which were then labeled with Dil. Then the primary chondrocytes of rats were isolated, and a cell model of PTOA was established. The cells were assigned into control group, model group, BMSC-EXOs group, HA group, BMSC-EXOs + HA group, BMSC-EXOs + 740Y-P group, and BMSC-EXOs + HA + 740Y-P group. Oxidative stress levels and cartilage matrix function were measured in each group. In the in vivo experiment, the rat model of PTOA was constructed via anterior cruciate ligament resection alone. The rats were divided into the same aforementioned groups and evaluated for oxidative stress levels, cartilage matrix function, and joint recovery. Results According to in vivo and in vitro experimental results, BMSC-EXOs + HA gel could effectively lower the level of oxidative stress of chondrocytes and rat PTOA models, and improve the mechanical function of the cartilage, exhibiting superior effects to those of BMSC-EXOs alone. Conclusion BMSC-EXOs + HA gel can be adopted to treat PTOA by regulating injury caused by mitochondrial ROS-induced oxidative stress.