15 Apr , 15:45
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Chinese scientists have found a new way to treat severe joint disease
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong University and Zhejiang University School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) - a dangerous disease in which blood supply to the bone is disrupted, leading to its destruction and often requiring complex surgery. The research results were published in the prestigious scientific journal Bone Research.
ONFH develops due to massive death of bone cells under conditions of critical lack of blood flow. Until now, medicine could only offer methods that alleviate symptoms but do not eliminate the root of the problem.
During the study, scientists identified the key role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and endothelial dysfunction - the inner layer of blood vessels - in the development of this painful disease.
The real discovery was finding the healing properties of exosomes - microscopic vesicles secreted by a special type of immune cells (M2 macrophages). These tiny structures contain microRNA miR-93-5p, which effectively suppresses the formation of NETs and stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, significantly improving the nutrition and restoration of bone tissue.
Experiments on animal models demonstrated impressive results: exosome therapy reduced NET formation by half, and the level of VEGFA protein, responsible for the formation of new vessels, increased significantly. In parallel, the researchers developed gene therapy based on adeno-associated virus (AAV), which mimics the action of exosomes and effectively restores the density and structure of damaged bone.
Scientists note that their developed method can be used not only for osteonecrosis but also for other diseases associated with impaired blood supply to tissues - including atherosclerosis and diabetic ulcers. Next in line are clinical trials and the development of technologies for mass production of therapeutic exosomes.
