Platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes stimulate hair follicle growth through activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common type of hair loss that affects a large segment of the global population, significantly influencing individuals' appearance and mental health. Existing treatments like minoxidil and finasteride have limited effectiveness and can cause side effe...

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Main Authors: Changpei Lu, Yunbu Ding, Rongshuang Zhang, Yimei Du, Lingbo Bi, Min Zhao, Chaofan Wang, Qiaofang Wu, Haixia Jing, Weixin Fan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-06-01
Series:Regenerative Therapy
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352320425000793
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author Changpei Lu
Yunbu Ding
Rongshuang Zhang
Yimei Du
Lingbo Bi
Min Zhao
Chaofan Wang
Qiaofang Wu
Haixia Jing
Weixin Fan
author_facet Changpei Lu
Yunbu Ding
Rongshuang Zhang
Yimei Du
Lingbo Bi
Min Zhao
Chaofan Wang
Qiaofang Wu
Haixia Jing
Weixin Fan
author_sort Changpei Lu
collection DOAJ
description Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common type of hair loss that affects a large segment of the global population, significantly influencing individuals' appearance and mental health. Existing treatments like minoxidil and finasteride have limited effectiveness and can cause side effects, highlighting the need for alternative therapies. Objective: This study aims to explore the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes (PRP-Exos) in stimulating hair follicle growth and the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (DPCs), as well as to investigate the mechanisms involved. Methods: PRP-Exos were isolated and characterized using techniques such as nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Western blotting. The impact of PRP-Exos on DPC proliferation was measured using CCK-8 assays, while their migration was assessed through Transwell migration and scratch wound healing assays. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle progression. Hair follicle organ culture was employed to examine the effects of PRP-Exos on hair follicle growth, and in vivo experiments were conducted in a mouse model to assess the influence of PRP-Exos on hair follicles. Results: DPCs internalized PRP-Exos, which significantly boosted their proliferation and migration, as shown by CCK-8, Transwell migration, and scratch wound healing assays. Flow cytometry revealed that PRP-Exos facilitated cell cycle progression in DPCs. Furthermore, treatment with PRP-Exos resulted in increased levels of β-Catenin and Lef-1, along with decreased expression of SFRP1, indicating activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway. Hair follicle organ culture indicated enhanced hair follicle growth and a prolonged anagen phase, delaying the transition to the telogen phase. In vivo studies demonstrated increased skin thickness, hair follicle diameter, and a favorable anagen-to-telogen ratio in mice, promoting hair growth during the telogen phase. Conclusions: PRP-Exos show promise as a therapeutic option for AGA by stimulating hair follicle growth through the activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. These findings suggest that PRP-Exos could enhance hair follicle regeneration both in vitro and in vivo.
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spelling doaj-art-e33b3e71b0b441c2a301bc739b258f6c2025-08-20T01:51:14ZengElsevierRegenerative Therapy2352-32042025-06-012943544610.1016/j.reth.2025.04.003Platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes stimulate hair follicle growth through activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathwayChangpei Lu0Yunbu Ding1Rongshuang Zhang2Yimei Du3Lingbo Bi4Min Zhao5Chaofan Wang6Qiaofang Wu7Haixia Jing8Weixin Fan9Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China; Department of Dermatology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, ChinaDepartment of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, ChinaDepartment of Dermatology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, ChinaDepartment of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, ChinaDepartment of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, ChinaDepartment of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, ChinaDepartment of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, ChinaDepartment of Dermatovenereology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, ChinaDepartment of Dermatology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China; Corresponding author. Taihe Hospital, 32 Renmin South Road, Maojian District, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, 442000, China.Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China; Corresponding author. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China.Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common type of hair loss that affects a large segment of the global population, significantly influencing individuals' appearance and mental health. Existing treatments like minoxidil and finasteride have limited effectiveness and can cause side effects, highlighting the need for alternative therapies. Objective: This study aims to explore the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes (PRP-Exos) in stimulating hair follicle growth and the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (DPCs), as well as to investigate the mechanisms involved. Methods: PRP-Exos were isolated and characterized using techniques such as nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Western blotting. The impact of PRP-Exos on DPC proliferation was measured using CCK-8 assays, while their migration was assessed through Transwell migration and scratch wound healing assays. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle progression. Hair follicle organ culture was employed to examine the effects of PRP-Exos on hair follicle growth, and in vivo experiments were conducted in a mouse model to assess the influence of PRP-Exos on hair follicles. Results: DPCs internalized PRP-Exos, which significantly boosted their proliferation and migration, as shown by CCK-8, Transwell migration, and scratch wound healing assays. Flow cytometry revealed that PRP-Exos facilitated cell cycle progression in DPCs. Furthermore, treatment with PRP-Exos resulted in increased levels of β-Catenin and Lef-1, along with decreased expression of SFRP1, indicating activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway. Hair follicle organ culture indicated enhanced hair follicle growth and a prolonged anagen phase, delaying the transition to the telogen phase. In vivo studies demonstrated increased skin thickness, hair follicle diameter, and a favorable anagen-to-telogen ratio in mice, promoting hair growth during the telogen phase. Conclusions: PRP-Exos show promise as a therapeutic option for AGA by stimulating hair follicle growth through the activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. These findings suggest that PRP-Exos could enhance hair follicle regeneration both in vitro and in vivo.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352320425000793Androgenetic alopeciaPlatelet-rich plasmaExosomesRegeneration
spellingShingle Changpei Lu
Yunbu Ding
Rongshuang Zhang
Yimei Du
Lingbo Bi
Min Zhao
Chaofan Wang
Qiaofang Wu
Haixia Jing
Weixin Fan
Platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes stimulate hair follicle growth through activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway
Regenerative Therapy
Androgenetic alopecia
Platelet-rich plasma
Exosomes
Regeneration
title Platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes stimulate hair follicle growth through activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway
title_full Platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes stimulate hair follicle growth through activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway
title_fullStr Platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes stimulate hair follicle growth through activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway
title_full_unstemmed Platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes stimulate hair follicle growth through activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway
title_short Platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes stimulate hair follicle growth through activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway
title_sort platelet rich plasma derived exosomes stimulate hair follicle growth through activation of the wnt β catenin signaling pathway
topic Androgenetic alopecia
Platelet-rich plasma
Exosomes
Regeneration
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352320425000793
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