Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (34): 9032-9040.doi: 10.12307/2026.832

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Synovial fluid exosome-mediated crosstalk between synoviocytes and chondrocytes in development and progression of knee osteoarthritis

Wang Yanfei1, 2, Jin Lianhai1, 2, Li Qingya1, 2, Fu Yuanfei1, 2, Tan Huangsheng1, 2, Deng Pengwei1, 2, Gao Kun1, 2   

  1. 1Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China; 2Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
  • Received:2025-09-29 Revised:2026-01-05 Online:2026-12-08 Published:2026-04-14
  • Contact: Gao Kun, MD, Attending physician, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China; Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
  • About author:Wang Yanfei, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China; Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Shenzhen Science and Technology Program, No. JCYJ20240813152355072 (to GK); National Natural Science Foundation of China (Youth Project), No. 82104884 (to GK) 

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence has demonstrated the crucial role of synovial cell-chondrocyte signaling crosstalk mediated by synovial fluid exosomes in knee osteoarthritis. The signaling interaction between synovial cells and chondrocytes reveals, at the molecular level, the bidirectional regulatory role of synovial fluid exosomes in the progression of knee osteoarthritis. 
OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively interpret the interactions between synoviocytes and chondrocytes mediated by synovial fluid exosomes from multiple perspectives and levels to provide new insights and directions for research and clinical applications in the related field. 
METHODS: A literature search was conducted in PubMed for publications from January 2001 to June 2025 using the keywords “osteoarthritis*, exosomes, synovial cells, chondrocytes.” All relevant original studies, reviews, and clinical trials published from January 2001 to June 2025 were included, while irrelevant mechanisms and studies with low relevance to the topic were excluded. A total of 93 articles were ultimately included for comprehensive analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: During the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis, synoviocytes and chondrocytes establish close signal communication through synovial fluid exosomes. This interaction significantly affects knee osteoarthritis progression, not only exacerbating cartilage degeneration and synovial inflammation, but also potentially exerting protective and regulatory effects under certain conditions. Therefore, the dual role of this mechanism highlights the necessity of precise intervention. Targeting the key molecules in exosome-mediated intercellular signaling pathways may provide novel therapeutic strategies and targets for knee osteoarthritis.


Key words: knee osteoarthritis, synovial fluid, exosomes, chondrocytes, synoviocytes, crosstalk, protection and repair, inflammatory response

CLC Number: