Advances in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis with Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth Exosomes

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease marked by the deterioration of articular cartilage and the proliferation of marginal bone, significantly impacting the quality of life and life expectancy of elderly patients. Due to the limitations of current treatment options for OA, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their exosomes have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies. Among these, stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) and their exosomes have gained notable attention because of their easy accessibility, low immunogenicity, and fewer ethical concerns. Numerous studies have highlighted their significant advantages in immune regulation, cartilage repair, and osteogenesis promotion. This paper summarizes the biological characteristics of SHEDs and their exosomes, along with their potential mechanisms in treating osteoarthritis, aiming to provide a reference for their clinical application and treatment of OA.