Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes: Therapeutic Implications for Rotator Cuff Injury

Abstract

Rotator cuff injuries are a common clinical condition of the shoulder joint. Surgery that involves reattaching the torn tendon to its humeral head bony attachment has a somewhat lower success rate. The scar tissue formed during healing of the rotator cuff leads to poor tendon-related mechanical properties. To promote healing, a range of genetic interventions, as well as cell transplantation, and many other techniques have been explored. In recent years, the therapeutic promise of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been well documented in animal and clinical studies. Some data have suggested that MSCs can promote angiogenesis, reduce inflammation and cell proliferation and increase collagen deposition. These functions are likely paracrine effects of MSCs, particularly mediated through exosomes. Here, we review the use of MSCs-related exosomes in tissues and organs. We also discuss their potential utility for treating rotator cuff injuries, and explore the underlying mechanisms of their effects.

Keywords::

• exosomes
• extracellular vesicles
• mesenchymal stem cells
• rotator cuff injury
• tissue repair

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was supported by Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology (grant number 2019HGRY005). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

Financial & competing interests disclosure This work was supported by Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology (grant number 2019HGRY005). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.