Comparative focus between cytoquines use and exosomes in knee osteoarthrosis treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common debilitating musculoskeletal disease in adults over 60 years of age. To date, there is no definitive treatment for OA. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is considered the main factor promoting the pro-inflammatory cascade in muscle injuries, tendinopathies, and osteoarthritis. If present in high concentrations, the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) has the potential to inhibit IL-1. Autologous cytokine-rich serum proteins are practical and relatively inexpensive to generate IL-1Ra. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles, acting as "biological messengers" released by cells to communicate with each other. They contain proteins, lipids, and genetic material (RNA) and function by transferring information to other cells to stimulate processes such as cell regeneration, immune response, and tissue repair. Objectives: To describe demographic variables of patients treated with cytokines and exosomes; to quantitatively demonstrate the effectiveness of cytokines and exosomes as regenerative therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) using the WOMAC scale; to conduct a comparative analysis of safety and side effects in both patient groups; and to analyze the time to symptom resolution. Method: This study employs a non-experimental, observational, comparative, and retrospective design. Results: To identify the difference in outcomes resulting from the application of these therapies in 20 patients diagnosed with Kellgren & Lawrence II and III knee osteoarthritis. Conclusions: When each patient is individually assessed, there are options that improve the quality of life of those suffering from osteoarthritis without resorting to surgery as the first-line treatment.