Exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells regulate M1/M2 macrophage phenotypic polarization to promote bone healing via miR-451a/MIF

OBJECTIVES: Bone defects caused by diseases and trauma are usually accompanied by inflammation, and the implantation of biomaterials as a common repair method has also been found to cause inflammatory reactions, which affect bone metabolism and new bone formation. This study investigated whether exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC-Exos) plays an immunomodulatory role in traumatic bone defects and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: ADSC-Exos were loaded by a biomaterial named gelatine nanoparticles (GNPs), physical and chemical properties were analysed by zeta potential, surface topography and rheology. A rat model of skull defect was used for our in vivo studies, and micro-CT and histological staining were used to analyse histological changes in the bone defect area. RT-qPCR and western blotting were performed to verify that ADSC-Exos could regulate M1/M2 macrophage polarization. MicroRNA (miRNA) array analysis was conducted to determine the miRNA expression profiles of ADSC-Exos. After macrophages were treated with a miR-451a mimic, miR-451a inhibitor and ISO-1, the relative expression of genes and proteins was measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting. RESULTS: In vivo, micro-CT and histological staining showed that exosome-loaded GNPs (GNP-Exos) hydrogel, with good biocompatibility and strong mechanical adaptability, exhibited immunomodulatory effect mainly by regulating macrophage immunity and promoting bone tissue healing. Immunofluorescence further indicated that ADSC-Exos reduced M1 marker (iNOS) expression and increased M2 marker (CD206) expression. Moreover, in vitro studies, western blotting and RT-qPCR showed that ADSC-Exos inhibited M1 macrophage marker expression and upregulated M2 macrophage marker expression. MiR-451a was enriched in ADSC-Exos and targeted macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Macrophages treated with the miR-451a mimic showed lower expression of M1 markers. In contrast, miR-451a inhibitor treatment upregulated the expression of M1 markers and downregulated the expression of M2 markers, while ISO-1 (a MIF inhibitor) treatment upregulated miR-451a expression and downregulated M1 macrophage marker expression. CONCLUSION: GNP-Exos can effectively regulate bone immune metabolism and further promote bone healing partly through immune regulation of miR-451a, which may provide a therapeutic direction for bone repair. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02823-1.