Delivery of coenzyme Q10 loaded micelle targets mitochondrial ROS and enhances efficiency of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in intervertebral disc degeneration

Stem cell transplantation has been proved a promising therapeutic instrument in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). However, the elevation of oxidative stress in the degenerated region impairs the efficiency of mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation treatment via exaggeration of mitochondrial ROS and promotion of BMSCs apoptosis. Herein, we applied an emulsion-confined assembly method to encapsulate Coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10), a promising hydrophobic antioxidant which targets mitochondria ROS, into the lecithin micelles, which renders the insoluble Co-Q10 dispersible in water as stable colloids. These micelles are injectable, which displayed efficient ability to facilitate Co-Q10 to get into BMSCs in vitro, and exhibited prolonged release of Co-Q10 in intervertebral disc tissue of animal models. Compared to mere use of Co-Q10, the Co-Q10 loaded micelle possessed better bioactivities, which elevated the viability, restored mitochondrial structure as well as function, and enhanced production of ECM components in rat BMSCs. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the injection of this micelle with BMSCs retained disc height and alleviated IVDD in a rat needle puncture model. Therefore, these Co-Q10 loaded micelles play a protective role in cell survival and differentiation through antagonizing mitochondrial ROS, and might be a potential therapeutic agent for IVDD. [Display omitted] •Co-Q10 can be carried into cells by LM@Co-Q10 micelles to reduce ROS in mitochondria.•LM@Co-Q10 micelles increase the nucleus pulposus-like cell differentiation potential of BMSCs.•The injection of LM@Co-Q10 with BMSCs increases the therapeutic effect of IVDD.