Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as a Therapeutic Treatment for Osteosarcopenia: Crosstalk Among Neurons, Muscle, and Bone

Abstract

Osteosarcopenia is a widespread geriatric condition resulting from the coexistence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia, where the connection between bone and muscle is, in part, driven by bone–muscle crosstalk. Given the close, reciprocal influence of muscle on nerve, and vice versa, it is not surprising that there are corresponding aging changes in the biochemistry and morphology of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Indeed, degeneration of motor neurons and progressive disruption of the neuromuscular connectivity were observed in old age. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSC), exhibiting antioxidant properties, which can also explain their anti-aging and cytoprotective effects, can be considered as potential treatment for age-related diseases. To study cell interactions under both healthy and pathological conditions occurring in musculo–skeletal apparatus, we developed a three-culture system exploiting the use of well-known transwell supports. This system allows both myotubes and neurons, eventually treated with EVs, and osteoblasts, induced to osteoporosis, to interact physically and biochemically. Collectively, this method allowed us to understand how the modifications induced in osteoblasts during bone disorders trigger a cascade of detrimental effects in the muscle and neuron parts. Moreover, we demonstrated the efficacy of hAFSC-EVs in preventing NMJ dysfunction, muscle atrophy, and osteoblast impairment.