Ao Yingfang’s Team at Peking University Third Hospital Publishes Findings Revealing Key Mechanism by Which Exercise Alleviates Osteoarthritis

Author: Yan Wenqiang

https://www.puh3.net.cn/info/1971/175341.htm

On May 12, 2026, the team led by Professor Ao Yingfang from the Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, published online a research paper in Science Bulletin (IF 21.1), titled “Exercise enhanced circulation-joint transport axis targeting oxygen delivery ameliorates osteoarthritis through alleviating hypoxic conditions.”

This study revealed for the first time that red blood cell-derived extracellular vesicles act as oxygen transport carriers, efficiently delivering oxygen to avascular joint tissues via the “circulation–joint” axis under the promotion of exercise, thereby alleviating joint hypoxia and delaying the progression of osteoarthritis. This finding not only elucidates the underlying mechanism by which exercise treats osteoarthritis, but also provides a theoretical basis for developing non-pharmacological, real-time remotely monitored conservative treatment strategies. 

Postdoctoral fellow Yan Wenqiang from the Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, is the first author and corresponding author; Professor Ao Yingfang is the corresponding author.

Original link：https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2026.05.014

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