TLDR Exosome-based therapies could help treat hair loss, but more research is needed.
Fu et al explored the use of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell exosomes for treating androgenetic alopecia, identifying 232 stable proteins and suggesting the CDC42-Wnt/β-catenin-glycogen synthase kinase 3β signaling axis as a potential therapeutic pathway. They recommend further research to enhance clinical relevance, including comprehensive exosome characterization, dose-response relationship establishment, direct validation of CDC42’s role, multi-level evaluation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, biochemical validation in animal models, quantitative analysis of microneedle delivery, and development of quality control and safety frameworks. These steps aim to align exosome-based therapies with regulatory standards and improve their clinical application.
March 2025 in “World Journal of Stem Cells” Stem cell exosomes may help treat hair loss by promoting hair growth.
318 citations
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January 2022 in “Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy” The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is important for body functions and diseases, and targeting it may treat conditions like cancer, but with safety challenges.
416 citations
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September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.
March 2025 in “World Journal of Stem Cells” Stem cell exosomes may help treat hair loss by promoting hair growth.
Poly-D,L-lactic acid boosts hair growth in aged skin by activating hair follicle stem cells.
12 citations
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October 2021 in “Cells” Targeting a protein that blocks hair growth with microRNAs could lead to new hair loss treatments, but more research is needed.
22 citations
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April 2022 in “Stem cell research & therapy” Hair follicle-derived extracellular vesicles may help heal chronic wounds as effectively as those from adipose tissue.
14 citations
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November 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” Advanced therapies like gene, cell, and tissue engineering show promise for hair regrowth in alopecia, but their safety and effectiveness need more verification.