Potential of Stem Cells Conditioned Medium (Secretome) Osteoarthritis Repair

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability, characterized by cartilage degeneration. Current therapies primarily alleviate symptoms rather than address cartilage damage. This systematic review evaluates the potential of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) secretome as a regenerative treatment for OA. Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across EMBASE, Medline, Google Scholar and PLOS One databases using specific keywords related to MSCs and OA. Inclusion criteria focused on studies published from 2019 to 2024, while exclusion criteria eliminated reviews and non-experimental articles. The PRISMA guidelines were followed for screening and synthesis. Results: The review identified several studies demonstrating that MSC-derived secretome significantly improves clinical outcomes in OA. For instance, umbilical cord-derived MSC secretome showed enhanced cartilage repair and favorable biomarker changes with a favorable safety profile, indicating no adverse effects. Discussion: Findings suggest that MSC secretome offers a regenerative strategy targeting cartilage degeneration, contrasting with conventional therapies. The secretome's rich composition of bioactive molecules supports cartilage health and promotes tissue repair. However, variability in methodologies and limited sample sizes highlight the need for standardized protocols and larger randomized controlled trials. Conclusion: MSC secretome represents a promising therapeutic approach for OA, addressing the underlying pathology rather than merely alleviating symptoms. Continued research is essential to optimize treatment protocols and fully harness the potential of MSC secretome in improving OA management.