Dental Pulp Stem Cell Exosomes Promote Angiogenesis via the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway to Treat Androgenetic Alopecia
May 2026
in “
Stem Cell Research & Therapy
”
dental pulp stem cell exosomes DPSC-Exos angiogenesis PI3K/Akt signaling pathway androgenetic alopecia AGA DHT hair regrowth hair follicle density dermal thickness minoxidil VEGFA perifollicular vascular network dermal papilla cells pro-angiogenic factors PI3K inhibition stem cell exosomes hair loss Rogaine vascular endothelial growth factor A
TLDR Dental pulp stem cell exosomes can help regrow hair by improving blood flow around hair follicles.
This study explores the potential of exosomes derived from dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (DPSC-Exos) as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Using a dihydrotestosterone-induced AGA mouse model, researchers found that DPSC-Exos significantly promoted hair regrowth, increased hair follicle density, and enhanced dermal thickness, showing efficacy comparable to minoxidil. The study identified that DPSC-Exos activate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, upregulating VEGFA and reconstructing the perifollicular vascular network. In vitro experiments demonstrated that DPSC-Exos counteracted DHT-induced suppression of dermal papilla cell proliferation and migration, mediated through pro-angiogenic factors. These effects were nullified by PI3K inhibition, confirming the pathway's role. The findings suggest DPSC-Exos as a promising cell-free therapeutic strategy for AGA, with a clear mechanistic basis for future development.
