Osteoarthritis Research

Project 1: Purified exosome product for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease, and cases are rising, which imposes a major socioeconomic burden. Inflammation and apoptosis are important mechanisms of cartilage degeneration during the course of osteoarthritis. Inhibition of inflammation and prevention of chondrocyte apoptosis are predicted to slow down the degeneration of cartilage and promote the regeneration of cartilage, hence preventing the progression of osteoarthritis. Promoting the ability of chondrocyte proliferation and migration also has been recognized as an anti-arthritic strategy.

In this study, we're evaluating the effects of a purified exosome product that has shown an anti-inflammatory effect for treating osteoarthritis using a rodent post-traumatic osteoarthritis in vivo model. This study is funded by a Mayo Clinic benefactor award.

Principal investigator: Chunfeng Zhao, M.D.