Secretome and extracellular vesicle signatures in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells after expansion in standard and next-generation media

<b>Aim:</b> Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising therapeutic strategy for osteoarthritis (OA), largely due to their regenerative potential, which is attributed in part to their secretome. The secretome includes soluble factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Given that MSCs are sensitive to various culture conditions, this study aims to investigate the effects of different media supplemented with either fetal bovine serum (FBS) (F), platelet lysate (P), or serum/xeno-free (S/X) on the composition and therapeutic potential of the secretome from bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs). <b>Methods:</b> BMSCs were cultured in F, P, or S/X media, with secretomes collected after starvation. The secretomes were analyzed for soluble factors, EVs, and miRNAs. Inflammatory responses were assessed in an <i>in vitro</i> OA model using inflamed chondrocytes and gene expression was evaluated by qRT-PCR. <b>Results:</b> The secretomes from all conditions exhibited a similar molecular fingerprint. Proteomic analysis identified 98 common proteins encompassing growth factors and inflammatory mediators. EVs showed similar size and phenotype, with a slight difference in CD44 expression in EVs derived from P-expanded MSCs. Despite the high overall similarity, miRNA profiling identified 13 key players, with subtle differences in the miRNA composition of EVs from FBS-expanded BMSCs. All secretomes exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, with the FBS-expanded secretome showing the most pronounced therapeutic potential. <b>Conclusion:</b> The secretomes derived from different culture conditions share key molecular components. EVs may contribute to variations in therapeutic outcomes through their cargo. Optimizing MSC expansion conditions is crucial for enhancing the therapeutic potential of MSC-derived secretomes in OA treatment. Further research is needed to clarify the specific role of factors, miRNAs, and EVs in modulating OA pathology.