Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes in the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction: a Systematic Review of Preclinical In Vivo Studies

Several prior studies have highlighted the promise of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as tools for treating myocardial infarction (MI) patients. While MSCs were initially thought to mediate post-MI repair through differentiation and replacement of injured cells, they are now thought to function by releasing exosomes carrying important cargos which can prevent apoptosis and facilitate revascularization in the context of MI. Herein, we comprehensively survey prior preclinical studies examining MSC-derived exosomes (MSC- Exos) utility for the repair of MI-related tissue injury. In total, 24 relevant studies were identified in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases as per the PRISMA guidelines. In most studies, exosome-treated rodents exhibited improved cardiac function and angiogenesis together with decreased apoptotic cell death. MSC-Exos thus offer beneficial therapeutic efficacy when treating MI injury. However, further work will be necessary to standardize experimental preclinical models and to validate these results.

Automated summary

This study comprehensively reviewed prior preclinical studies on the utility of MSC-derived exosomes for repairing MI-related tissue injury, demonstrating improved cardiac function, angiogenesis, and decreased apoptotic cell death with exosome treatment. MSC-Exos show beneficial therapeutic efficacy in treating MI injury, but further standardization of experimental preclinical models and validation of results will be necessary.