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. 2024 Sep;63(9):1212-1220.
doi: 10.1111/ijd.17406. Epub 2024 Aug 18.

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

Ester Lee #  1 , Mi Soo Choi #  2   3 , Byong Seong Cho  1 , Yu Jin Won  1 , Jun Ho Lee  1 , Soon Re Kim  3 , Myung Hwa Kim  2 , Ju Hung Jeon  2 , Gyeong Hun Park  4 , Hyuck Hoon Kwon  4 , Joon Lee  5 , Kui Young Park  6 , Byung Cheol Park  2   3
Affiliations

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

Ester Lee et al. Int J Dermatol. 2024 Sep.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: AGA; androgenetic alopecia; clinical treatment; exosome; hair; hair disorders; hair loss; hair diseases; regeneration.

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References

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