Promotion of Osseointegration around Implants in Osteoporotic Rats by Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomes

doi:10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2026.04.004

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BMSC-Exos) in implant osseointegration in osteoporotic rats. Methods: BMSC-Exos were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and Western blot. The proliferative and migratory capacities of BMSCs were assessed via CCK-8 assay and scratch wound healing assay. The expression of collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain (Col1a1), alkaline phosphatase (Alp), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was detected at the gene and protein levels by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot, respectively. An osteoporotic rat model was established via ovariectomy and was verified. The osteoporotic rats were randomly divided into control group (injected with PBS) and experimental group (injected with BMSC-Exos). Tibial implant surgery was performed on all rats, followed by radiographic and histological evaluations at 8 weeks post-surgery. Results: BMSC-Exos were successfully isolated and characterized. BMSC-Exos significantly promoted BMSCs proliferation and migration while upregulating the mRNA and protein expression of osteogenic markers (Col1a1, Alp, and Runx2). In the osteoporotic rat model, BMSC-Exos treatment significantly increased the peri-implant bone mineral density (BMD) and the implant-bone contact ratio. Conclusion: BMSC-Exos can enhance BMSC proliferation, migration, and osteogenic marker expression, thereby significantly improving implant osseointegration in osteoporotic rats.

Key words: exosomes, osteoporosis, implant, osseointegration

FAN Yue, ZHU Dong'ao, LIU Mingkun, LANG Lv, LIU Honghong. Promotion of Osseointegration around Implants in Osteoporotic Rats by Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomes[J]. Journal of Oral Science Research, 2026, 42(4): 286-292.

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