Effect of ADSC exosome-loaded sustained-release nanosphere gel on cartilage repair: a study using chondrosarcoma cell line SW1353

Abstract Objectives This study aims to explore the function of ADSCs-derived exosomes within a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel on chondrocytes. Methods ADSCs-Exo were isolated and characterized through western blot analysis. An HA hydrogel encapsulating ADSCs-Exo (HA@ADSCs-Exo) was formulated. To simulate cartilage injury, an IL-1β-induced cell model was constructed. MTT assay, flow cytometry, ELISA, and RT-qPCR were used to detect the cell viability, apoptosis, as well as inflammatory factors, oxidative stress indexes, and the levels of degradation-related proteins and synthesis-related proteins in SW1353 chondrocytes. Results In comparison to IL-1β induction, the presence of HA@ADSCs-Exo improved cell viability and mitigated cell apoptosis. HA@ADSCs-Exo significantly restricted the production of TNF-α and IL-6 in the context of IL-1β stimulation. Moreover, the addition of HA@ADSCs-Exo inhibited the intracellular leakage of MDA and promoted the formation of SOD. Ultimately, HA@ADSCs-Exo effectively suppressed the expression of chondrocyte degradation markers (MMP-13 and ADAMTS-1), while simultaneously facilitating the upregulation of chondrocyte reconstruction marker (Aggrecan). Conclusions HA@ADSCs-Exo demonstrates remarkable efficacy in mitigating chondrocyte damage induced by IL-1β. This innovative drug delivery system, which intricately combines HA-hydrogels with exosomes derived from ADSCs, offers a novel approach to addressing cartilage injury and has exhibited promising potential for facilitating cartilage repair.