INTRODUCTION
Understanding Exosome Therapy
Exosome therapy represents a cutting-edge approach in regenerative medicine, leveraging the potential of exosomes derived from optimal cellular environments to achieve specific therapeutic effects in target areas. In the context of hair loss, the objective is to stimulate hair growth by harnessing exosomes carrying signaling molecules or genetic material known to promote hair follicle development, growth, and maintenance.6
To commence exosome therapy, the desired exosomes are isolated from a tissue source expressing high levels of target signaling molecules. Tissue sources can include human tissues such as adipose tissue, bone marrow, placenta, umbilical cord, and foreskin, or animal tissues such as porcine or murine adipose tissue, bone marrow, or bovine milk. The choice of tissue source depends on the target signaling molecules, desired therapeutic application, as well as ethical, safety, and regulatory considerations.
Following the selection of an appropriate tissue source, the tissue is processed to extract the target exosomes with optimum quality and purity ensured. This step involves the utilization of quantification and qualification methods, including but not limited to electron microscopy, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting. Careful selection of tissue sources and stringent quality control measures during exosome extraction enable researchers to develop more effective and targeted exosome therapies for various medical conditions, including hair loss.
Exosome therapy for hair regrowth is based on the principle that exosomes derived from optimal cellular environments can induce specific effects on hair follicles. Upon being introduced into the scalp, exosomes containing signaling molecules or genetic material associated with hair growth are transferred to hair follicle cells, promoting hair growth by encouraging cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival.2
Exosomes utilized for hair regrowth may contain various signaling molecules involved in hair follicle development, growth, and maintenance. These can include growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), as well as signaling pathways like wingless-related integration site (Wnt)/beta-catenin, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP).3 When introduced into the scalp, these signaling
