Targeting Ferroptosis In Photoaging: Mechanisms And Therapeutic Potential Of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Exosomes
March 2026
in “
Plastic and Aesthetic Research
”
TLDR Adipose-derived stem cell exosomes can help reduce skin aging from UV exposure.
This review explores the role of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death process, in UVB-induced skin photoaging and highlights the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived stem cell exosomes (ADSC-Exos) in mitigating this damage. UV exposure compromises antioxidant defenses in skin cells, leading to oxidative damage. ADSC-Exos, which are small extracellular vesicles, offer a promising regenerative approach due to their low immunogenicity and ability to deliver bioactive molecules. Notably, hypoxic-preconditioned ADSC-Exos can deliver circ-Ash1l, which modulates the circ-Ash1l/miR-700-5p/GPX4 axis to inhibit ferroptosis and reduce photoaging effects. The review also addresses challenges in translating exosome therapy to clinical applications, including manufacturing and regulatory issues.