Mesenchymal stem cells deliver exogenous miR-21 via exosomes to inhibit nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis and reduce intervertebral disc degeneration.

ABSTRACT: Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation into the IVD (intervertebral disc) may be beneficial in inhibiting apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and alleviating IVD degeneration, the underlying mechanism of this therapeutic process has not been fully explained. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effect of MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-exosomes) on NPC apoptosis and IVD degeneration and investigate the regulatory effect of miRNAs in MSC-exosomes and associated mechanisms for NPC apoptosis. MSC-exosomes were isolated from MSC medium, and its anti-apoptotic effect was assessed in a cell and rat model. The down-regulated miRNAs in apoptotic NPCs were identified, and their contents in MSC-exosomes were detected. The target genes of eligible miRNAs and possib

SUBMITTER: Cheng X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5742691 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature