The combination of autologous mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes and neurotrophic factors as an intervention for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a chronic progressive degeneration of motor neurons and has a high mortality. Riluzole and edaravone are the only approved medications currently being used for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in clinical settings. However, they can lead to serious complications, such as injuries to the liver and kidney. To date, there is no effective treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this regard, investigations concerning the employment of exosomes, mesenchymal stem cells, and neurotrophic factors to ameliorate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are attracting considerable attention in the scientific community. Herein, we systematically analyze the relationship relevant to autologous mesenchymal stem cell derived-exosomes, neurotrophic factors and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mesenchymal stem cells modulate immune response, mitigate oxidative stress, promote neuronal regeneration, and differentiate into neuronal and glial cells. Furthermore, exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells exert beneficial effects on their mother cells by preventing abnormal differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Similarly, neurotrophic factors regulate inflammatory response, stimulate the neuron repair, and the recovery of neuronal functioning. Therefore, autologous mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes combined with neurotrophic factors could potentially be an effective interventional medium for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.