Insights into the Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Secretome in Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived secretome demonstrated therapeutic effects like those reported after MSCs transplantation. MSC-derived secretome may avoid various side effects of MSC-based therapy, comprising undesirable differentiation of engrafted MSCs and potential activation of the allogeneic immune response. MSC-derived secretome comprises soluble factors and encapsulated extravesicles (EVs). MSC-derived EVs comprise microvesicles, apoptotic bodies, and exosomes. In this review, we focus on the recent insights into the effects of MSC-derived secretome in Parkinson's disease (PD). In particular, MSC-derived secretome and exosomal components counteracted neuroinflammation and enhanced antioxidant capacity and neurotrophic factors expression. In light of the insights reported in this review, MSC-derived secretome or their released exosomes may be used as a potential therapeutic approach or as adjuvant therapy to counteract the disease progression and improve PD symptoms. Also, MSC-derived secretome may be used as a vehicle in cell transplantation approaches to enhance the viability and survival of engrafted cells. Furthermore, since exosomes can cross the blood-brain barrier, they may be used as biomarkers of neural dysfunction. Further studies are necessary to fully characterize the bioactive molecules present in the secretome and to create a new, effective, cell-free therapeutic approach towards a robust clinical outcome for PD patients.

Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; conditioned medium; exosomes; extravesicles; mesenchymal stem cells; secretome; stem cells.

Figure 1

Summary of the encouraging insights on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived secretome treatment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) experimental models. In particular, we focused on the neuroprotective effects of conditioned media and exosome-derived MSCs.

Figure 2

Therapeutic potential of MSC-derived exosomes in PD patients based on the results reported so far in experimental models. Through intravenous or intranasal administration, exosomes are able to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), thus exerting neuroprotective activities in neurodegenerative diseases, including PD.