The novel mechanisms and applications of exosomes in dermatology and cutaneous medical aesthetics

Pharmacol Res. 2021 Apr:166:105490. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105490. Epub 2021 Feb 12.

Abstract

Exposure to the external environment may lead to instability and dysfunction of the skin, resulting in refractory wound, skin aging, pigmented dermatosis, hair loss, some immune-mediated dermatoses, and connective tissue diseases. Nowadays, many skin treatments have not achieved a commendable balance between medical recovery and cosmetic needs. Exosomes are cell-derived nanoscale vesicles carrying various biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, with the capability to communicate with adjacent or distant cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that endogenic multiple kinds of exosomes are crucial orchestrators in shaping physiological and pathological development of the skin. Besides, exogenous exosomes, such as stem cell exosomes, can serve as novel treatment options to repair, regenerate, and rejuvenate skin tissue. Herein, we review new insights into the role of endogenic and exogenous exosomes in the skin microenvironment and recent advances in applications of exosomes related to dermatology and cutaneous medical aesthetics. The deep understanding of the mechanisms by which exosomes perform biological functions in skin is of great potential to establish attractive therapeutic methods for the skin.

Keywords: Alginate (PubChem CID: 91666318); Dermatology; Exosomes; Gelatin (PubChem CID: 441411); Hyaluronic Acid (PubChem CID: 24847767); Medical aesthetics; Methacryloyl (PubChem CID: 53627882); Pluronic F127 (PubChem CID: 24751); Polyethylenimine (PubChem CID: 9033); Polyurethane (PubChem CID: 12254); Pullulan (PubChem CID: 3085039); Skin; Therapeutic applications; Tissue regeneration; UK5099 (PubChem CID: 6438504).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Animals
  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Exosomes* / transplantation
  • Humans
  • Regeneration
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Skin / metabolism*
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Diseases / metabolism
  • Skin Diseases / pathology
  • Skin Diseases / therapy*
  • Skin Physiological Phenomena