2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (25): 4076-4083

Future of exosomes and mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Wei Yufan1, Fan Feiyan1, Li Shuangli1, Zhang Yunke1, 2   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Exosomes are nano-scale microvesicles that can freely penetrate the blood-brain barrier and are of great values in maintaining the stability of the internal environment, communicating between cells, and regulating immune responses. Mesenchymal stem cells, as the cells with the strongest ability to secrete exosomes, have the advantages of easy collection, low immune rejection, and weak ethical response, and mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes can help improve damaged nervous system functions. Inhibiting the apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons is considered to be a promising therapeutic tool for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
OBJECTIVE: To review the role of exosomes in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease, as diagnostic biomarkers, drug delivery vehicles, and the research progress of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in the mechanism of Parkinson’s disease.
METHODS: “Exosomes, mesenchymal stem cells, Parkinson disease” were used as the Chinese and English search terms. Relevant articles were searched in CNKI and PubMed from inception to May 2021. The search languages were Chinese and English. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 117 relevant articles were finally included.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The definition, source, composition, and function of exosomes, the discovery, definition, mechanism and application of mesenchymal stem cells were summarized. (2) It is concluded that the aggregation of α-synuclein can cause pathological spread, and α-synuclein is found in exosomes, which may be a possible molecular mechanism of the spread of α-synuclein between cells. α-Synuclein can activate microglia in Parkinson’s disease, cause an inflammatory cascade, induce neuritis and dopamine neuron degeneration. Exosomal miRNA can induce changes in the genetic program of target cells. The above-mentioned pathogenesis promotes the progression of Parkinson’s disease. (3) The application of exosomes as diagnostic biomarkers and drug delivery vehicles is summarized. The role of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in Parkinson’s disease was summarized, mainly in inhibiting inflammation, regulating gene expression, inhibiting dopamine neuron apoptosis, thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect and increasing the release of dopamine. (4) It is found that mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes have broad prospects in the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease, and are worthy of further in-depth study.
Key words: exosomes, mesenchymal stem cells, Parkinson’s disease, α-synuclein, miRNA, review