Research progress of mesenchymal stem cells/stromal cells and their derivatives against cell senescence in the treatment of osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND: Cellular senescence plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of osteoarthritis (OA), contributing to articular cartilage degradation, chronic inflammation, and joint function impairment. Mesenchymal stem cells/stromal cells (MSCs) and their derivatives have emerged as potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies against cell senescence in OA, as they exert anti-aging effects in repairing damaged cartilage through multiple mechanisms-including regulating age-related signaling pathways, reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and improving mitochondrial function. DISCUSSION: In recent years, a growing body of in-depth studies has focused on various types of MSCsand their derivatives, revealing subtle differences in their anti-cell senescence pathways and therapeutic effects. This review summarizes the latest cutting-edge research, systematically exploring the multi-dimensional roles of these MSCs and their derivatives in ameliorating senescent cell-related pathology in OA, and highlighting their potential clinical application value. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the promising anti-aging effects of MSCs and their derivatives in OA treatment, further molecular-level mechanistic studies and large-scale clinical trials are required to verify the efficacy and safety of therapies based on their anti-cell senescence properties. These efforts are expected to provide new breakthroughs in the clinical management of OA, offering more effective treatment options for patients.