The Potential of Exosomes for Osteoporosis Treatment: A Review

• Published in: Drug design, development and therapy Vol. 18; pp. 979 - 989
• Main Authors: He, Yinxi, Chen, Yanxia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Zealand Dove Medical Press Limited 01.01.2024; Dove; Dove Medical Press
• Subjects: Drug therapy; exosomes; extracellular vesicles; osteoblast function; osteoclast function; Osteoporosis; Prevention; Review; China; extracellular vesicles; osteoclast function; osteoporosis; osteoblast function; exosomes
• ISSN: 1177-8881; 1177-8881
• DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S437596

As a continuous process comprising bone resorption and formation, bone remodeling, plays an essential role in maintaining the balance of bone metabolism. One type of metabolic osteopathy is osteoporosis, which is defined by low bone mass and deteriorating bone microstructure. Osteoporosis patients are more likely to experience frequent osteoporotic fractures, which makes osteoporosis prevention and treatment crucial. A growing body of research has revealed that exosomes, which are homogenous vesicles released by most cell types, play a major role in mediating a number of pathophysiological processes, including osteoporosis. Exosomes may act as a mediator in cell-to-cell communication and offer a fresh perspective on information sharing. This review discusses the characteristics of exosomes and outlines the exosomes' underlying mechanism that contributes to the onset of osteoporosis. Recent years have seen a rise in interest in the role of exosomes in osteoporosis, which has given rise to innovative therapeutic approaches for the disease prevention and management.