Extracellular vesicles in osteoarthritis: from biomarkers to therapeutic potential

Abstract

Equine osteoarthritis is a leading welfare concern. Currently, it can only be diagnosed in its late stages – radiographically and upon clinical examination. There are no curative therapeutic options, with treatment aiming to provide symptom relief and reduce the rate of progression. Thus far, no biochemical diagnostic panels have been produced to diagnose osteoarthritis in its infancy, nor have there been transformative therapeutics to improve disease management. As such, the exploration has continued, with attention now focused on the emerging role of extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, their potential to carry biomarkers of disease and their therapeutic capacity in the context of popular regenerative therapeutics, such as mesenchymal stromal cell therapy. This article provides a brief overview of the role of extracellular vesicles in equine osteoarthritis for veterinary clinicians, and the future directions this growing field may explore.