The efficacy of adipose stem cell‐derived exosomes in hair regeneration based on a preclinical and clinical study

• Published in: International journal of dermatology 2024-09, Vol.63 (9), p.1212-1220
• Main Authors: Lee, Ester, Choi, Mi Soo, Cho, Byong Seong, Won, Yu Jin, Lee, Jun Ho, Kim, Soon Re, Kim, Myung Hwa, Jeon, Ju Hung, Park, Gyeong Hun, Kwon, Hyuck Hoon, Lee, Joon, Park, Kui Young, Park, Byung Cheol
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Actin; Adipose tissue; Adipose Tissue - cytology; Adult; AGA; Alopecia; Alopecia - therapy; androgenetic alopecia; Assessments; beta Catenin - metabolism; Catenin; Cell culture; Cell Proliferation; Cells, Cultured; clinical treatment; Effectiveness; Elongation; exosome; Exosomes; Exosomes - metabolism; Female; Hair; Hair - growth & development; hair disorders; Hair Follicle - cytology; Hair loss; hair diseases; Humans; LEF protein; Lymphoid Enhancer-Binding Factor 1 - metabolism; Male; Middle Aged; Organ culture; Regeneration; Stem cells; Stem Cells - metabolism; Stem Cells - physiology; Treatment Outcome; Wnt protein; Wnt Signaling Pathway
• ISSN: 0011-9059; 1365-4632; 1365-4632
• DOI: 10.1111/ijd.17406

Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a prevalent hair loss disorder with psychological repercussions. Traditional treatments have limitations, leading to the exploration of regenerative therapies such as exosomes derived from adipose tissue stem cells (ASC‐Exosomes). Methods First, using human hair follicle (HF) dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) treated with ASC‐Exosomes, ALP, VCAN, β‐catenin, and LEF‐1 levels with RT‐PCR and p‐GSK3β, GSK3β, β‐catenin, ALP, and β‐actin levels with western blot analysis were assessed. Hair shaft elongation test and assay for ALP, Ki‐67, and β‐catenin were done using human HF organ culture. Patients with AGA had ASC‐Exosomes treatment and were evaluated for hair counts, photographic assessments, subjective satisfaction, and safety profiles. Results ASC‐Exosomes impact hDPCs, increasing proliferation and the upregulation of hair growth‐related genes, including ALP, VCAN, β‐catenin, and LEF‐1. The Wnt/β‐catenin pathway was activated, indicating their role in promoting hair growth. ASC‐Exosomes also promoted hair shaft elongation and ALP activity, suggesting a potential for hair regeneration. Thirty participants with AGA enrolled and treated over 24 weeks. The subjects experienced a significant increase in total hair density, improved global photographic assessments, and reported higher subjective satisfaction without severe adverse reactions. Conclusion This research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of exosomes in hair loss treatment, offering a safe and effective alternative for individuals with AGA. Adipose stem cell‐derived exosomes have been shown to be effective in hair regeneration based on in vitro and clinical studies.