Aim: This study was to detect the effects of purified exosome product (PEP) on C28/I2 cells and chondrocytes derived from osteoarthritis patients. Materials & methods: Cell viability and apoptosis assays were used to detect the effect of PEP on cells. qRT-PCR and cell fluorescence assays were used to investigate the potential mechanism of PEP on cell chondrogenesis. Results: PEP was internalized by cells at a fast rate and enhanced cellular proliferation and migration while attenuating apoptosis. These findings reflect the fact that PEP can increase the expression of PCNA and reduce the expression of CASP3/7/9 and BAX. Conclusion: This study suggests an innovative strategy for chondrogenesis that could be applied to osteoarthritis repair in the future.
Keywords: apoptosis; chondrocytes; chondrogenesis; exosomes.