Exosomes: A new option for osteoporosis treatment

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and destruction of bone microarchitecture, leading to increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. However, the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of this disease remain unclear. Extracellular vesicles, structures originating from the plasma membrane and ranging from 30 nm to 5 µm in diameter, play an important role in intercellular communication in the bone microenvironment. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that deliver cargo molecules, including endogenous proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. These cargo molecules are encapsulated in a lipid bilayer and internalized by target cells through receptor-ligand interactions or lipid membrane fusion. With the advancement of exosome research, exosome therapy for osteoporosis is fast becoming a research hotspot for researchers. This review aims to discuss the role of exosomes in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. In addition, emerging diagnostic and therapeutic properties of exosomes are described to highlight the potential role of exosomes in osteoporosis.

Role of miRNA-regulated type H vessel formation in osteoporosis

“…Still, many scholars believe exosomes are a promising new strategy for treating OP. Exosomes can also affect vascular endothelial cells with their miRNAs to promote angiogenesis in bone tissue, which may be another potential advantage of the exosome-based treatment strategy for OP (68). In addition, exosomes can be easily surfacemodified and encapsulate therapeutic agents (e.g., drugs, siRNA, miRNA, and proteins) using various engineering methods (69).…”