Scientists achieve breakthrough in fight against incurable disease

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 developed a promising method for 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 surgical intervention. The work is published in the journal Bone Research.

ONFH occurs due to the death of bone cells under conditions of insufficient blood flow. Existing methods are mainly aimed at relieving symptoms but do not completely solve the problem.

The new study showed that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and endothelial dysfunction - the inner layer of blood vessels - play an important role in the development of the disease.

Scientists have discovered that exosomes - microscopic vesicles secreted by M2 macrophages (a special type of immune cells) - are capable of restoring bone tissue. These exosomes contain microRNA miR-93-5p, which suppresses the formation of NETs and promotes the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), improving bone nutrition and regeneration.

In animal models, exosome therapy showed encouraging results: NET formation was reduced by half, and the level of VEGFA protein, which stimulates angiogenesis, increased significantly. In addition, gene therapy based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) was tested, which mimics the action of exosomes and helps restore bone density and structure.

The authors emphasize that their technique may be useful not only for osteonecrosis but also for other diseases associated with impaired blood supply - for example, atherosclerosis and diabetic ulcers. Ahead are clinical trials and work on scaling up exosome production for mass application.