Therapeutic Effects of Puerarin Loaded Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell‐derived Exosomes in a Rat Model of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent chronic degenerative joint disease among the aged population. The primary objective of this study was to assess the therapeutic potential of puerarin loaded bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes (Pue@BMSC‐Exo), and reveal their inflammatory regulating mechanisms through affecting the nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway. In this study, exosomes derived from BMSCs were isolated and identified. Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated by CCK‐8 and scratch methods. Furthermore, histological and micro‐computed tomography analysis were performed to assess alterations of articular cartilage in OA rats. Results showed that BMSC‐Exo and Pue@BMSC‐Exo conformed to the basic characteristics of exosomes. BMSC‐Exo increased the solubility of Pue and enhanced drug uptake by chondrocytes. In addition, Pue@BMSC‐Exo stimulated proliferation and migration of chondrocyte, and also promoted cartilage repair by reducing matrix metalloproteinase MMP13 production and increasing type II collagen (Col2) synthesis. Furthermore, Pue@BMSC‐Exo, by effectively inhibiting the NF‐κB signaling pathway, reduced the production of inflammatory mediators and attenuated the release of the inflammatory marker nitric oxide (NO), ultimately ameliorating damage of chondrocyte. These findings exhibited the potential therapeutic significance of Pue@BMSC‐Exo in OA and warranted further exploration in clinical applications.