Effects Of Endplate Chondrogenic Exosomes (Epcs-Exos) On Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Study Design.In vitro laboratory studies.Objectives.To explore the effect of chondrocell-derived exosomes on intervertebral disc degeneration, and provide a new idea for IDD treatment.Summary of Background Data.The research of exosomes and their regenerative effects have been verified in the research of repair in other tissues and organs at our country and abroad, including osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, lung injury, fracture healing, central nervous system disease, cancer and other diseases treatment [1] . The aim of this study was to investigate whether exosomes derived from endplate cells could inhibit the degeneration of endplate and play an important role in the prevention and treatment of disc degeneration.Methods.EPCs-Exos derived from endplate chondrocytes were prepared and identified by Nanoparticle tracking analyzer, transmission electron microscope, and immunoblotting to detect surface markers, it was confirmed by immunofluorescence assay that it could be ingested by nucleus pulposus cells. The degeneration of cartilage endplates was evaluated by detecting the contents of Aggrecan, COL 1A, COL 2A and RNA by RT-PCR and WB.Results.EPCs-Exos can be ingested by nucleus pulposus cells and up-regulate the expression of Aggrecan, COL 2A and their mRNA, down-regulate the expression of COL 1A and their mRNA. Conclusion.EPCS-Exo can further inhibit the degeneration of intervertebral disc by acting on nucleus pulposus cells and thus the degeneration of cartilage endplate.