BackgroundMesenchymal stem cell (MSC) exosomes promote tissue regeneration and repair, and thus might be used to treat many diseases; however, the influence of microenvironmental conditions on exosomes remains unclear. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of the osteogenic differentiation microenvironment on the functions of human umbilical cord MSCs (HucMSC)-derived exosomes. We explored the role and mechanism by which exosomes promote osteogenic differentiation and prevent osteoporosis, and propose a method to treat and prevent osteoporosis.MethodsHucMSCs were isolated from human umbilical cords, and after osteogenic differentiation and normal culture for 48 h, cell supernatants were collected to isolate exosomes. Exosomes from standardized stem cell culture (Exo1) and osteogenic differentiation-exosomes (Exo2) were co-cultured with osteoblasts, separately. Cell counting kit-8 assays, and alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining were used to observe the exosomes’ effects on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. The levels of osteogenic differentiation-related proteins were analyzed using western blotting. Estrogen-deficient osteoporosis model mice were established, and treated with the two exosomes preparations. Micro-computed tomography and hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed after 6 weeks. MicroRNAs in Exo1 and Exo2 were sequenced and analyzed using bioinformatics.ResultsTreatment with Exo1 and Exo2 enhanced osteoblast osteogenic differentiation significantly, and osteogenic differentiation-related gene and protein expression increased significantly in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared with Exo1 group, Exo2 had a stronger osteogenic differentiation promoting effect, but a weaker proliferation promoting effect. Exo1 and Exo2 significantly improved the tibial density of osteoporosis model mice, with no significant differences between the groups. Sequencing and bioinformatics analysis showed that hsa-mir-328-3p and hsa-mir-2110 might be exosome osteogenesis regulatory microRNAs. Compared with Exo1, the target genes of Exo2-carried microRNAs are enriched in osteoclast differentiation and PPAR signaling. ConclusionsHucMSC-derived exosomes can promote osteogenic differentiation. Exosomes produced in an osteogenic differentiation microenvironment had a stronger osteogenic function, but a weaker proliferative effect. HucMSC-derived exosomes have a therapeutic effect on osteoporosis. The exosomes induced by osteoblasts carry microRNAs that regulate osteoblast differentiation, which might function via osteoblast, adipocyte, and osteoclast differentiation signaling pathways.