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Gene & Protein in Disease A review of exosome-mediated treatments

Figure 2. Diverse dermatological applications of exosomes

models to assess the impact of exosome administration They facilitate the tissue repair process by promoting
on various aspects of wound healing. A significant the formation of granulation tissue, re-epithelization,
advantage of using exosomes in wound healing is their angiogenesis, and increased vascularity, leading to faster
diversity and the various sources from which they wound healing, including in cases of burn-induced
can be derived. The type of parent cells impacts the inflammation. 34-36 Furthermore, studies have highlighted
exosome’s effects, determining its specific use in certain that exosomes enhance ECM formation, leading to
dermatological wound conditions. Furthermore, various increased tensile strength, improved tissue structure in
sources of exosomes have been studied and reported in the wound bed, and reduced scar formation. In addition,
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the literature, including oral mucosal lamina propria their efficacy has been supported by their use in reducing
progenitor cells, epidermal stem cells, human amnion wound-related keloid formation, decreasing the amount of
MSCs, menstrual blood-derived MSCs, macrophages, scar tissue. 25,38
induced pluripotent stem cells, and human embryonic However, their optimal efficacy has been illustrated in
stem cells. Promising findings highlight that exosomes multiple studies on their effect on different inflammatory
25
derived from different cell sources, such as MSCs or signaling pathways to modulate inflammation, a key
26
endothelial cells, exhibit distinct regenerative properties. process in wound healing, as highlighted in the next
Examining these studies allows us to discern the specific section.
contributions of exosomes to the various stages of
wound healing, providing a foundation for designing 2.2.2. Discussion on mechanisms and outcomes
targeted therapeutic interventions for various disease The discussion on the mechanisms of exosome-mediated
models, including diabetic wound healing, burn-induced wound healing encompasses their ability to modulate
inflammation, and scarring. inflammatory responses, enhance angiogenesis,
One significant field of research that is currently and stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts and
expanding is the study of stem cells as a source of keratinocytes. 39-41 These cellular processes collectively
exosomes. Stem cells were previously studied for their use contribute to expedited tissue repair, reduced scarring,
in promoting wound healing; however, a group of studies and improved overall wound healing outcomes. A key
reported that therapeutic effects persisted even after the characteristic of exosomes in wound healing is their role
cessation of stem cell therapy, suggesting the role of released in facilitating a favorable, healthy microenvironment for
secretory mediators. Further investigations have found tissue regeneration and decreased inflammation.
evidence that exosomes derived from stem cells augment Understanding the intricate interplay between
therapeutic effects throughout all stages of wound healing, exosomes and the cellular components involved in
including inflammation, cell migration, proliferation, and wound healing is crucial for optimizing their therapeutic
extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. 27,28
potential. The current literature highlights common
Exosomes, containing various growth factors, pathways that are involved in inflammatory processes and
cytokines, and ECM components, influence the wound- the stages of wound healing. First, studies have found that
healing process through various mechanisms of action. the use of exosomes decreases the inflammatory response
Their multi-target sites are important for their potential by inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines,
use in various dermatology conditions. First, studies have such as TNF-α and IL-6, which are key mediators of the
shown that exosomes facilitate the migration, activation, inflamed state and apoptosis. 33,42 In addition, they can
and proliferation of the different cell types involved in increase the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines,
wound healing, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and such as VEGF, to prevent secondary injuries and more
endothelial cells. 29-31 Reports have also shown that the use inflammation. Exosomes also affect the expression of
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of exosomes accelerates the closure of acute and chronic enzymes that play an important role in inflammation, such
wounds, including diabetic wounds and pressure ulcers. 32,33 as metalloproteinases (MMP). Studies have shown that

Volume 3 Issue 2 (2024) 6 doi: 10.36922/gpd.3230