Stem Cells Dev. 2018 Nov 14. doi: 10.1089/scd.2018.0205. [Epub ahead of print]

Characterization and Therapeutic Uses of Exosomes: A New Potential Tool in Orthopedics.

Vitha AE¹, Kollefrath AW², Huang CC³, Garcia-Godoy F⁴.

Abstract

In recent years, regenerative medicine has directed its interests onto the use of stem cells to heal human tissue. One specific class of cells that has been employed in this field of research is mesenchymal stem cells. Due to difficulties with the usage of whole stem cells, researchers have turned to an alternative, the secretome of these mesenchymal stem cells. In recent years, research has explored numerous aspects of the mesenchymal stem cell secretome, especially the most promising aspect, exosomes. This review explores a variety of interest in exosomes including the classification and molecular composition, mechanisms for isolation, and the various biological functions. As more is discovered about these exosomes different diagnostic and therapeutic uses in the medical field have also been explored. A new field attempting to exploit these exosomes in clinical practice is orthopedics. While a significant deal of research has been carried out, even more is being discovered to allow utilization of these vesicles in clinical practice.