The Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome in Osteoarthritis: A Literature Review

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) stands as the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder among the elderly, affecting an estimated 303 million individuals globally in 2017, with projections indicating a 25% global population impact by 2040. Characterized by the progressive degradation of articular cartilage, formation of osteophytes, subchondral bone damage, and synovial membrane inflammation, OA's pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular aging, alongside contributors like obesity, gender, and genetics. Presently, therapeutic options remain limited to symptomatic relief, with interventions such as physiotherapy, pain management with anti-inflammatories, and viscosupplementation, culminating for many in total joint replacement surgeries, albeit with risks of thrombosis, infection, and increased healthcare costs. In recent years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising avenue for OA treatment due to their immunomodulatory, chondrogenic, and regenerative properties. Derived from various sources like bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue, MSCs offer potential in tissue repair and regeneration. Clinical studies have surged, with 227 registered trials on clinical.gov, reflecting growing interest in MSC therapy for OA. Particularly intriguing is the focus on MSC secretome, encompassing cytoprotective factors like growth factors, chemokines, cytokines, and hormones, which exert paracrine effects aiding differentiation, matrix synthesis, angiogenesis, tissue repair, and immunomodulation. Understanding the role of MSC secretome holds promise in reshaping OA management paradigms, offering avenues beyond symptomatic relief towards disease modification and joint preservation healing properties. Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Joint Disease, Cartilage regeneration; Secretome; Stem cells.