Another approach to using adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) to treat aging, using a "cell-free" therapeutic approach, is the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs). These have numerous advantages over stem cells, as well as their safety concerns. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicles (AD-MSCs-EVs) have been shown to combat photoaging. They were analyzed as subcutaneous injections in photoaged mouse models. The treatment resulted in a reduction in skin wrinkles and enhanced epidermal cell proliferation. Additionally, it reduced macrophage infiltration and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibiting MMP activation and collagen degradation.
Amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AM-MSCs) have gained significant popularity as agents for improving photoaging, due to their availability, ease of access, and the presence of growth factors and cytokines. In a new study, a medium prepared with AM-MSCs was used to
treat photoaging human patients. Microneedling was used to enhance the penetration of the medium. Clinical photoaging (pores, wrinkles, polarization of spots, localized UV exposure, and skin tone) improved in the treatment groups, as observed using the Janus Skin Surface Analysis System. AM-MSCs are expected to enhance the proliferation and migration of dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes, and increase collagen synthesis. Studies have demonstrated that BM pluripotent stem cells have beneficial effects on skin aging. The effects of BM pluripotent stem cells on skin aging were analyzed in mouse models susceptible to aging caused by D-galactose, a monosaccharide known to cause mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in cells.
Treatment with BM-MSCs resulted in decreased antioxidant activity, as observed by a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) content, which is formed by the breakdown of polyunsaturated lipids by ROS, causing oxidative tissue damage. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased, indicating improved decomposition of polyunsaturated
free radicals into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. Finally, glutathione peroxidase (GSP-Px) content also increased, resulting in better reduction of hydrogen peroxide to water, thus preventing lipid peroxidation. Human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs) are known for their rapid proliferation and immune-modulating ability. Unlike typical adult mesenchymal stem cells, they are also easy to isolate and have been the target of anti-aging studies on the skin. Human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs) are known for their rapid proliferation and immune-modulating ability. They are also easy to isolate, unlike typical adult mesenchymal stem cells. These cells have also been the target of anti-aging studies on skin. Researchers found that a conditioned medium made from human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells contains several growth factors, such as EGF, bFGF, TGF-β, PDGF, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), collagen type 1, and a regenerative factor called growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF-11). Furthermore, a cream based on conditioned medium made from human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells was used in vivo, and its effects on skin density and wrinkles in human patients were analyzed. After daily treatment for four weeks, evaluation using digital micromirror devices showed a 2.46% improvement in skin density and a reduction in periorbital wrinkles.
Another approach to skin rejuvenation involves the use of extracellular vesicles derived from pluripotent stem cells. Engineered extracellular vesicles (eEVs) were obtained using ultrasound and exhibited functions similar to those secreted naturally by extracellular vesicles. Comparative tests showed that the engineered eEVs promoted fibroblast proliferation and migration in vitro. They also increased the expression of proteins involved in maintaining the extracellular matrix, such as collagen, elastin, and fibronectin, and inhibited the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2.
