2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (25): 4022-4027

Role of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in tissue fibrosis repair

Tang Jianhong1, Zhang Nini2, Huang Guilin2, Lang Jiachan2, Cui Tianning2, Luo Qinliang2   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cell replacement therapy has always been regarded as one of effective methods for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. Its safety has been questioned. Exosomes are the paracrine products of mesenchymal stem cells with similar curative effects. This kind of cell-free therapy has now become the focus of researchers.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the role of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in the repair of lung, liver, heart and kidney fibrosis, and to look into the application of exosomes in the repair of radioactive salivary gland fibrosis.
METHODS: PubMed database and CNKI database were retrieved with “exosomes, mesenchymal stem cells, tissue fibrosis, radiation salivary glands, repair” as keywords. Articles were filtered by a quick look at the article title and abstract. The articles that were not closely related to the topic were excluded. This paper finally selected 46 articles in intensive reading and writing.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Exosomes are mainly composed of lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, which have the functions of cell communication, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrosis. The extraction methods are diverse and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes play an important role in repairing fibrosis damage of the lung, liver, heart, and kidney. However, there are few studies on repairing tissue fibrosis caused by radioactive salivary gland damage, and it is worthy of in-depth study and exploration.
Key words: stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes, fibrosis, salivary glands, radiation, repair, review