Wound Healing & Exosomes for the Skin

INTRODUCTION

Our publication's first interaction with Dr. Jordan Plews was during HealthTech Reporter's pilot program where Dr. Robert Bard conducted a performance test of the ELEVAI Exosomes product (Image R).  Dr. Plews, CEO of Elevai collaborated with BardDiagnostics to explore quantifiable  effects of the skin regenerative product, offering a new way of monitoring the progress of a topical serum.  This "test drive" employed the use of hospital-grade 3D Ultrasound, showing remarkable epidermal and subdermal progress with Dr. Plews' exosomes' during a limited time period.

The exploratory relationship continued to grow as both clinical minds entertained other potential benefits of extracellular vesicles (EVs) for its directed use and beyond. The expansion of regenerative medicine brought Drs. Bard and Plews a common appreciation for each others' work in the spirit of publishing new findings for the progress of exosome science as future co-investigators.  This is also evident in this latest report on "Wound Healing & Exosomes for the Skin"- where Dr. Plews brings a clear path of understanding about the regenerative potential for platelet-derived extracellular vesicles.

UNVEILING THE POWER OF CELLULAR COMMUNICATION
Written by Jordan R. Plews, PhD

As a biochemical engineer, molecular biologist, and stem cell researcher, I'm constantly fascinated by the body's intricate communication networks. One particularly exciting area is the field of exosomes, tiny extracellular vesicles released by cells that act as messengers, carrying vital cargo to influence the behavior of recipient cells. In the realm of dermatology, exosomes hold immense potential for promoting and supporting skin health and regeneration. However, it's crucial to understand not only the source of these messengers but also the specific content they deliver for optimal results.

Exosomes: Nature's Nanoscale Communication Network
Exosomes are naturally occurring, membrane-bound nanoparticles (30-150 nm) secreted by various cell types. They carry a rich cargo of proteins, lipids, and genetic material, including messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNAs (miRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) [1]. This molecular payload allows exosomes to act as intercellular signaling units, influencing the behavior of recipient cells.

In the context of skin, exosomes play a vital role in various processes. They contribute to wound healing, tissue regeneration, immune modulation, and even pigmentation regulation [2, 3]. However, it's important to differentiate between exosomes derived from different cell sources.

Plant vs. Human Exosomes: A Tale of Two Kingdoms
The recent surge in interest in exosomes has led to the exploration of plant-derived options. While plant exosomes may possess intriguing properties, it's crucial to recognize the fundamental limitations. Human and plant cells belong to distinct biological kingdoms with vastly different cellular structures, signaling pathways, and metabolic processes [4]. Therefore, plant exosomes might not be well-suited for addressing human skin concerns. Their cargo may not effectively interact with our cellular machinery, hindering their ability to deliver the desired effects.

Platelets vs. MSCs: Unveiling the Superior Source for Skin Rejuvenation
Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have garnered considerable attention in aesthetics. However, as a stem cell researcher, I find them to be a limited source for comprehensive skin rejuvenation. While platelet EVs offer some beneficial growth factors, their cargo is comparatively restricted compared to exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) [5].

MSCs are multipotent adult stem cells with the remarkable potential to differentiate into various cell types. Importantly, MSCs can be isolated from numerous adult tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and even umbilical cord and placenta [6].

The Power of Younger Sources: Unveiling a Superior Exosome Profile
Interestingly, the source of MSCs significantly impacts the exosome profile. Human MSCs derived from younger sources, such as umbilical cord (hUMSCs) and placenta exhibit several advantages over those from bone marrow or adipose tissue [7, 8]. Here's why:

1. Enhanced Proliferative Capacity: Younger MSC sources possess a higher proliferation rate, leading to a greater yield of exosomes for therapeutic applications, and have been shown to improve the function of older MSCs [9].

2. Superior miRNA and Growth Factor Profile: hUMSCs secrete exosomes rich in specific miRNAs and growth factors known to promote cell proliferation, migration, and tissue regeneration [10, 11]. These factors include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF), all crucial players in the wound healing cascade.

3. Potent Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects: Exosomes from younger MSC sources display pronounced anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties [12]. This is particularly beneficial for addressing conditions like chronic wounds or acne, where inflammation plays a key role.

Harnessing the Power of Exosomes for Skin Regeneration: The 4-Phase Wound Healing Cascade

The human body possesses a remarkable ability to heal wounds through a well-defined, four-phase process:

● Hemostasis (0-1 day): This initial phase focuses on stopping bleeding through platelet aggregation and clot formation.

● Inflammation (1-3 days): The body initiates an inflammatory response to remove damaged tissue and prepare for repair.

● Proliferation (3-21 days): New blood vessels are formed, and fibroblasts migrate to the wound site to synthesize collagen, the building block of new tissue.

● Remodeling (~14 days – 2 years): The newly formed tissue matures and strengthens, eventually returning the skin to its pre-injury state [13].

Exosomes sourced from young MSCs, such as human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs), hold tremendous potential to support each phase of this process. Their cargo of growth factors can accelerate the proliferation phase, while their anti-inflammatory properties can shorten the inflammatory phase. Additionally, miRNAs contained within these exosomes can regulate gene expression to promote tissue repair and regeneration [14].

Conclusion

In conclusion, exosomes represent a promising frontier in dermatology. However, it is crucial to select the right exosome source for optimal results. While plant-derived exosomes may offer some benefits, human-derived exosomes, particularly those from younger MSC sources, provide a superior profile of bioactive molecules to more effectively address a broad array of skin concerns, as many trace back to lack of completion of the canonical four phases of wound healing. By understanding the science behind exosomes and the intricacies of the wound healing cascade, we can harness their power to promote healthier, younger-looking skin.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jordan R. Plews is an expert at the intersection of biochemical engineering, stem cell research, and regenerative medicine with a particular focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging and human longevity. He graduated with 1st class honors in Biochemical Engineering from the University of London and completed doctorate research in Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Research at University College London, specializing in Somatic Cell Reprogramming. After working as part of Pfizer's bioprocess development group in bioprocess design and scale up, he conducted postdoctoral research at Stanford, looking at ways to apply stem cells in inventive and practical ways to treat disease. He held key roles at med/biotech companies like Velos, Becton Dickinson, and Xytogen Biotech, where he developed innovative products for researchers, clinicians, and consumers. At Natera, he lead the launch of Signatera, a personalized genomics based cancer diagnostic. In 2020, he co-founded ELEVAI, creating advanced skincare solutions using human stem cell exosomes. His research, published in leading journals, explores the relationship between stem cells, aging, and disease to enhance and extend healthy lifespan.

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References

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