Small extracellular vesicles from menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) as a novel therapeutic impetus in regenerative medicine

Lijun Chen,Xin Chen,Lu Chen,Yifei Li,Yangxin Fang,Jingjing Qu,Quanhui Mei,Charlie Xiang

doi:10.1186/s13287-021-02511-6

Abstract

Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) have great potential in regenerative medicine. MenSC has received increasing attention owing to its impressive therapeutic effects in both preclinical and clinical trials. However, the study of MenSC-derived small extracellular vesicles (EVs) is still in its initial stages, in contrast to some common MSC sources (e.g., bone marrow, umbilical cord, and adipose tissue). We describe the basic characteristics and biological functions of MenSC-derived small EVs. We also demonstrate the therapeutic potential of small EVs in fulminant hepatic failure, myocardial infarction, pulmonary fibrosis, prostate cancer, cutaneous wound, type-1 diabetes mellitus, aged fertility, and potential diseases. Subsequently, novel hotspots with respect to MenSC EV-based therapy are proposed to overcome current challenges. While complexities regarding the therapeutic potential of MenSC EVs continue to be unraveled, advances are rapidly emerging in both basic science and clinical medicine. MenSC EV-based treatment has great potential for treating a series of diseases as a novel therapeutic strategy in regenerative medicine.

Highlights

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are heterogeneous subsets of stromal/mesenchymal regenerative cells [1, 2]
Li et al established a system for human MSC-derived small Extracellular vesicle (EV) immobilized in an exosome peptide-modified adhesive hydrogel (Exo-pGel), which effectively migrated to the spinal cord injury microenvironment and exerted evident nerve recovery and urinary tissue preservation through relieving inflammation and oxidation [227]
mesenchymal stem cell (MenSC)-derived small EVs deliver a large amount of regulatory proteins and mRNAs to improve the regenerative repair of wounded cells and tissues

Summary

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are heterogeneous subsets of stromal/mesenchymal regenerative cells [1, 2]. The authors showed that MenSC-derived small EVs have superior potential when compared with MSCderived small EVs from other sources (including bone marrow, umbilical cord, and chorion) in neurodegenerative diseases.

Results

Conclusion