This review provides an in-depth analysis of the potential benefits of cell-free therapy based on adipose-derived exosomes (ADSC-Exos) in inhibiting scar formation. The review highlights the advantages of using ADSC-Exos. It also explores the complex mechanisms by which ADSC-Exos inhibit scar formation, including their role in hemostasis, inflammation, cell proliferation, tissue remodeling, and their regulation of critical molecules (platelets, inflammatory factors, extracellular matrix molecules, collagen molecules) and crucial cells (macrophages, endothelial cells, fibroblasts), as well as their modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, the article examines different delivery methods and engineering approaches for optimizing the targeting of adipose stem cell-derived exosomes in traumatic scarring. It points out the potential of using liposomes to construct molecular-targeted exosomes in precision medicine. Finally, the review summarizes current research and provides insights into the future development of exosomes in scar treatment. In conclusion, this article reveals the potential of cell-free therapy based on ADSC-Exos as a promising treatment for inhibiting scar formation.
Pathologic scars often cause tremendous psychological pressure on patients. Currently, the main treatment methods for scarring include compression therapy, topical drug therapy, laser therapy, plasma ion beam therapy, intra-scar drug injection therapy, cryotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and silicone gel application. These methods have specific efficacy and shortcomings [1]. Therefore, the need for an ideal method for treating hyperplastic scarring has become a worldwide problem. In previous studies, ADSCs have been successfully studied as a means of promoting scarless healing of minor wounds [2], and cell-free therapies based on adipose-derived stem cell exosomes (ADSC-exosomes/exos) have more advantages and potentials in terms of therapeutic efficacy and clinical application and have a bright future for development.
Exosomes are extracellular lipid bilayers released by cells (Figure 1). These microvesicles have diameters ranging from 30 to 200 nanometers, and nanoparticle tracking analyzers have shown that their densities range from 1.09 to 1.18 g/ml [3,4]. Additionally, they appear "disk-like," "cup-like," or "teat-like" under an electron microscope due to their negative staining; “cup-like” can be used to distinguish cell-derived vesicles from similarly sized particles [5,6].
Currently, there is no gold standard for the isolation and purification of exosomes. Methods for exosome isolation include sequential Ultracentrifugation (UC), gradient ultracentrifugation, ultrafiltration, size-exclusion chromatography, polymer precipitation, immunoaffinity capture, and microfluidics-based techniques [7]. UC is the most commonly used (Figure 2). The combination of separation methods is an effective method and a future trend to improve the purity of exosomes.
The cells with the most exosome secretion capacity are Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) [8]. Among them, ADSCs are ideal for obtaining exosomes in scar inhibition. Regarding their characteristics, ADSCs play a crucial role in skin functionality [8]. Firstly, resident ADSCs in the skin are considered key regulators of skin function and play a vital role in tissue repair and regeneration. On one hand, they replace, repair, and regenerate dead or damaged cells [9]. On the other hand, they allow for the continuous recruitment of mature specialized cells from the basal epidermal layer to its outer layers [10,11]. Their interaction with skin cells regulates skin homeostasis and healing [12]. Secondly, ADSCs secrete abundant substances, including exosomes, growth factors, and cytokines. ADSCs and the Dermal Fibroblasts (DF) differentiated from them [13,14] are the primary sources of extracellular matrix proteins that maintain skin structure and function. These molecules can regulate the functions of surrounding cells and participate in skin growth, repair, and regeneration. Additionally, ADSCs possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties by alleviating skin inflammation and protecting the skin from oxidation stress damage achieved by clearing free radicals [15,16]. This is of great significance in improving skin health and delaying the skin aging process. Compared to MSCs from other sources, ADSCs offer a number of advantages [16,17]. Compared to bone marrow stem cells, ADSCs exhibit higher collection rates, lack donor/recipient cell fusion characteristics, are less prone to contamination in culture, have higher proliferation activity during long-term cultivation, are better suited to survive in hypoxic environments and demonstrate outstanding anti-inflammatory, phagocytic, and anti-apoptotic abilities [18-20]. Compared to embryonic stem cells, they have no ethical restrictions and lower immunogenicity. In contrast to induced pluripotent stem cells, ADSCs have higher purity and can be better controlled to prevent generating unwanted heterogeneous cell types. In addition, ADSCs are more effective in producing collagen than other types of stem cells. They can also differentiate into three developmental types of dermal cells, including the endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm [21]. These characteristics make them an ideal stem cell source for obtaining exosomes.
ADSC-Exos carry essential information and macromolecules from their source ADSC [6,22,23] (Figure 3), and their compositions may vary depending on the research method; in general, they encompass a range of essential components that include:1)Proteins: ADSC-Exos contain various proteins such as cytokines, growth factors, and collagen, among others. Notably, they harbor a diverse array of angiogenic factors, including VEGFB, VEGFD, ANG, ANGPTL2, and ANGPTL5, with VEGFD and VEFGB being predominantly expressed within ADSC-Exos [15]. These proteins play pivotal roles in cellular signaling, facilitating cell repair and regeneration. 2) RNA and DNA: ADSC-Exos encompass different types of nucleic acids such as mRNA, miRNA, and lncRNA. For instance, miRNAs present in ADSC-Exos inhibit genes like NPM1, PDCD4, CCL5, and NUP62, promoting dermal fibroblast proliferation. Additionally, ADSC-Exos releases lncRNA MALAT1, which enhances dermal fibroblast migration and accelerates the healing of ischemic wounds [24]. Furthermore, ADSC-Exos releases lncRNA Let-7a-5p, specifically targeting TGF-R1 to modulate the Smad pathway, effectively reducing fibrosis in LSF [25]. Moreover, ADSCP2, a novel peptide derived from ADSC-Exos, exhibits remarkable attenuation of proliferative scar fibrosis both in vitro and in vivo [26]. 3)Lipids: ADSC-Exos contain lipids such as membrane lipids, lipohormones, and lipid degradation products, which contribute to critical cellular functions, including cell membrane repair and cell signaling processes. ADSC-Exos not only substantially contributes to the efficacy of ADSCs but also plays a prominent role in tissue repair and regeneration by acting as paracrine mediators of intercellular signaling [4].
The importance of ADSC-based stem cell therapies in regenerative medicine has been confirmed by tissue engineering and cellular therapy strategies [17,27-29] which have shown positive effects on promoting wound healing and scar prevention. However, exosomes and other active substances have been reported to be the main factors through which ADSCs exert their biological effects [30,31]. Additionally, ADSCs-Exos have more advantages in terms of therapeutic efficacy and clinical applications (Figure 4), so cell-free therapies based on ADSC-Exos have broader prospects for application [32,33].
Scar formation is intricately linked to wound healing, and inflammatory cytokines play a major role in both processes [34]. The typical progression of wound healing involves four interconnected phases, each governed by growth factors released by different cells involved in tissue repair. Scarring can occur when these cells or growth factors are disrupted or imbalanced during any stage of the healing process [35-38].
This phase should be initiated as soon as possible after an injury has occurred. Platelets play a critical role by aggregating, followed by degranulating [39-43], releasing and activating a series of favorable growth factors (e.g., TGF-β, EGF, IGF-I, and PDGF.) and producing Fibronectin(FN), the former of which regulates relevant physiological processes including the coagulation cascade, and the latter of which can control the wandering course of inflammatory cells. (e.g., polymorphonuclears, macrophages, mastocytes, epithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells, and fibroblasts) [44,45]. At this stage, increased FN and granulation tissue due to platelet dysfunction can result in wound tissue hyperplasia and the formation of pathological scars.
After successful hemostasis, the subsequent phase typically lasts 3-5 days, and the essence and core of this phase are the results of growth factor regulation. Vascular and cellular responses, immune reactions, blood clotting, and breakdown of fibrous material characterize this phase. At the end of this phase and during proliferative phases, macrophages mainly secrete growth factors when neutrophils are replaced with macrophages. The recruitment and activation of various cells, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and epithelial cells, are stimulated by growth factors. These growth factors play an important role in initiating the healing process. At the wound site, the growth factors draw in and activate fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and epithelial cells, which begin the healing process. Moreover, the inflammatory response is converted to tissue hyperplasia [46-48] from the early stages to pathological scar formation, macrophage polarization results in spatiotemporal diversity of M1 and M2 macrophages, and there is a close relationship between an increase in M2 cells and susceptibility to abnormal scar pathogenesis [49]. At this stage, macrophages inappropriately release cytokines, such as increased local profibrotic cytokines PDGF, TGF-β, and IGF-Ⅰ, which can lead to proliferative scar formation [50-52]. An imbalance between a sustained inflammatory response and a local immune inflammatory response is the leading cause of scar formation [37].
During wound healing, cells enter this phase on day three postinjury, when the inflammatory response subsides and tissue-repairing cells gradually proliferate. Two primary events occur during this phase: the formation of granulation tissue, which involves neovascularization, the deposition of ECM, and re-epithelialization [53,54].
Neovascularization:. Neovascularization provides the necessary oxygen supply to stimulate repair [55]. The endothelium is mainly responsible for vascular construction during this period [56]. Growth factors with chemotactic effects and collagenases with degradative effects secreted by inflammatory cells are associated with the initiation of endothelial cell migration, especially growth factors such as aFGF, bFGF, TGF-β, and EGF, which play a vital role in regulating the whole process of neovascularization [57]. Wound hypoxia enhances the inflammatory state and affects various metabolic processes, including fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, leading to hyperplastic scar formation [58-60].Extracellular matrix: The formation of ECM is the key to this stage [61]. It initiates during the inflammatory response, during which macrophages secrete signaling molecules such as TGF-β, PDGF, IL-1, TNF, and FGF. Additionally, factors such as collagen peptides, FGF-7, C5a, fibronectin peptides, EGF, PDGF, and TGF-β contribute to the migration of fibroblasts. [52,53,62,63]. Fibroblasts exhibit high sensitivity to TGF-1. Fibroblasts express PDGF, TCF-p, and other growth factors that regulate the production of large amounts of the matrix proteins hyaluronate, fibronectin, and types I and III procollagen. [64,65]. Proliferative scars can be formed if the ECM is insufficiently degraded or synthesized too much, or both [52].
Epithelialization: Epithelialization is essential for wound coverage and healing [66]. Keratinocytes at the wound margin are regulated primarily by matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), which detach from the dermis and migrate toward the wound defect, continue to proliferate, and migrate laterally across the wound, altering the epidermal layer, i.e., re-epithelialization. Scar hyperplasia is highly likely to occur if the wound completes re-epithelialization more than three weeks before the wound is closed [63,67-69].
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition: Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) refers to the biological process by which different types of epithelial cells are transformed into mesenchymal cells through a series of biological changes under the influence of different factors [70,71]. During EMT, pseudopods appear at the anterior end of cuboid bone keratinocytes, and the cells transform into a spindle shape that promotes cell migration. EMT is necessary for normal re-epithelialization and ECM deposition: persistent and uncontrolled transformation from epithelial cells to fibroblasts and myofibroblasts may lead to pathological scarring; in later stages, unabated inflammation can affect EMT and lead to abnormal scarring [6,72].
This stage is initiated after re-epithelialization is complete and can continue for several weeks or even two years postinjury, during which wound contraction and the conversion of granulation tissue to scar tissue occurs predominantly.
Wound contraction: Fibroblasts are recruited to the wound site by the chemokine CCL-2 and differentiate into myofibroblasts [73]. Myofibroblasts can attach to matrix elements such as collagen and fibronectin through integrin receptors in the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, fibroblasts are stimulated by TGF-β1 to express α-smooth muscle actin, which initiates the contraction of the fiber matrix gel. Prolonged contraction leads to permanent tissue retraction [74].
Tissue remodeling: New ECM molecules (e.g., fibronectin, Col-III, and Col-I) are sequentially deposited. This deposition process leads to a gradual increase in the strength of scar tissue, which eventually plateaus at approximately seven weeks post trauma. Subsequently, various cell types, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and macrophages, secrete an array of matrix-degrading enzymes that degrade excess ECM components. For instance, types I, II, III, X, and VIII of collagen are particularly susceptible to Mesenchymal Collagenase (MCC) or MMP-1 degradation; we discuss the breakdown of denatured collagen by gelatinase (MMP-2), which is capable of breaking down all forms of denatured collagen, including types V and X; and we discuss the role of stromelysin (MMP-3) in degrading collagen types IV, V, VI, and IX, as well as adhesive glycoproteins and proteoglycans. As the tissue remodeling process progresses, Col-I replaces Col-III, and dermal fibroblasts produce elastin and fibronectin, contributing to the formation of elastic fibers. Fibroblasts and vascular cells eventually undergo apoptosis [75,76]. The extent of scarring is determined by the amount of ECM synthesized and degraded [77]. Excessive collagen deposition during this stage can lead to the formation of pathological scars [78,79].
ADSC-Exos is active in regulating the cells and inflammatory factors involved in newly formed wounds and established scars. Active involvement is critical in promoting optimal wound healing and preventing scar formation. The authors emphasized the significant contribution of ADSC-Exos to the active modulation of inflammatory factors throughout this process.
Due to the nature of scar formation mechanisms, the process of inhibiting scar formation is multifaceted and intricate. The review categorizes the mechanisms of inhibiting scar formation by ADSC-Exos into three categories and summarizes the specific mechanisms in table 1.
Table 1: Mechanism of scarring inhibition by adipose stem cell-derived exosomes. | ||||||
Healing phase | Action level | Functional characteristics | ||||
Modulation of the immune-inflammatory response | Inflammatory factor level | It contains immunomodulatory proteins such as TNF-a, MCSF, and RBP-4 [80]. | ||||
Upregulation of MIP1α(CCL3) and MCPIP1(ZC3H12A) expression promotes early inflammation [81]. | ||||||
Reduces IFN α secretion, exerts immunosuppressive effects, and inhibits T-lymphocyte activation [82].⁑ | ||||||
Cellular level | Coordinate the role of CD4 T-lymphocytes in the immune system (e.g., coordinate the balance between their various subsets) [82] | |||||
Promotes differentiation of monocytes into M1 macrophages [80]. | ||||||
MiR-155 induces adipocyte-derived macrophages in obese mice to differentiate into M1, causing chronic inflammation and an imbalance in the ratio of M1 to M2 macrophages in adipose tissue [83]. | ||||||
It inhibits T-lymphocyte differentiation, reduces proliferation, and stimulates interferon-γ release in vitro [81].⁑ | ||||||
M1/M2 polarization | Upon upregulation of TSG-6 expression, ADMSC-Exo (5 μg mL-1) induced polarization of M2 macrophages through the expression of miR-34a-5p, miR-124-3p, and miR-146a-5p, thereby attenuating immune response and inflammation [84]. ⁑ | |||||
Regulation of macrophage polarization by miRNA shuttling converts macrophages from M1 to M2 phenotype [85].⁑ | ||||||
Upregulated expression of M2 macrophage markers to regulate macrophage polarization and increased mRNA levels of M2-associated arginase-1 and IL-10 [86,87].⁑ | ||||||
ADSC-Exos activated arginase-1 and STAT-3, which induced macrophage polarization to M2 and significantly inhibited LPS and IFN-γ-stimulated macrophage inflammatory responses. [87].⁑ | ||||||
Signaling pathway level | Decreased inflammatory infiltration and increased collagen deposition in wound skin tissue via the lncRNA-XIST↑/miR-96-5p↓/DDR2↑ axis [108]. | |||||
Promotes fibroblast proliferation and migration and inhibits inflammation by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway [109]. | ||||||
By regulating inflammatory and oxidative signaling axes, it can significantly protect tissues and organs from ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI) [110]. | ||||||
By delivering miR-132 and miR-146a, ADMSC-Exo (5 μg mL-1) exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by targeting the ROCK1/PTEN pathway [88]. ⁑ | ||||||
Pro-neovascularization | Inflammatory factor level | Promoting flap survival and increasing capillary density with a role in IRI [111]. | ||||
The combination of microdermabrasion with ADSCs upregulates cytokines such as VEGF, IL-6, HGF, and EGF [112]. | ||||||
Hypoxia-treated ADSC-Exos had a higher ability to form capillary networks than non-hypoxia-treated ADSC-Exos, and ADSC-Exos pretreated with H2O2 promoted angiogenesis [113]. | ||||||
ADMSC-Exo containing the mmu_circ_0000250 modification has been shown to promote Sirt 1 expression via miR-128-3p adsorption, increase angiogenesis, and inhibit apoptosis via autophagy activation, as well as promote wound healing in diabetic rats [114]. | ||||||
Coincubation of HUVEC with ADMSC or ADMSC-Exo, achieved by expression of miR-126-3p, enhanced fibroblast proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and further enhancement [101]. | ||||||
ADMSC-Exo-miR-126-3p promotes wound healing, collagen deposition, and neovascularization by downregulating PIK3R2 in alloderm-deficient rats [101]. | ||||||
MiR-125a was translocated to endothelial cells (100 μg mL-1) by ADMSC-Exo and may promote migration and sprouting of vascular endothelial tip cells by inhibiting the expression of DLL4, thereby promoting angiogenesis in vitro [97]. | ||||||
ADSC-Exo overexpressing Nrf2 significantly stimulated foot wound healing in diabetic rats by promoting the proliferation and angiogenesis of vascular endothelial progenitor cells and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory proteins and ROS production, which was associated with a reduction of oxidative stress and apoptosis during wound healing induced by Nrf2 [115]. | ||||||
These miRs significantly increased the expression levels of ANGPT1 and flk1 (KDR) and decreased the expression of VASH1 and THBS1, thereby increasing angiogenesis [88]. | ||||||
MiR-18a-5p↓/HIF-1↑/VEGF↑ is a novel miRNA regulatory pathway that affects diabetic wound healing in hypoxia-treated ADMSC-circ-Gcap14 [116]. | ||||||
Promotes angiogenesis by delivering miR378a-3p [102]. | ||||||
MiR-590-3p impedes angiogenesis in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells by binding and inhibiting VEGFA [103]. ⁑ | ||||||
ADMSC-Exo-miR-21 promotes endothelial cell angiogenesis by targeting PTEN deletion on chromosome 10, leading to AKT activation and extracellular regulation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which enhances HIF-1α and VEGF expression [90]. | ||||||
In addition to enhancing HUVEC viability, migration, and angiogenesis, ADMSC-Exo-miR-125a-3p (exo: 25 μg mL-1) inhibited PTEN in mouse wound granulation tissue and activated the PI3K/AKT pathway to promote wound healing and angiogenesis [91]. | ||||||
High miR-21 expression levels can downregulate TGF-β1 protein levels, thereby reducing wound scar formation [22]. | ||||||
Induced more nuclear translocation of P-ERK in fibroblasts [92]. | ||||||
Transporters of functional cytoskeletal proteins, such as vimentin, serve as promoters of fibroblast proliferation, migration, and ECM secretion [117]. | ||||||
Resulted in increased gene expression of N-calmodulin, cyclin D1, PCNA, Col-1, and Col-3 [118]. | ||||||
Exos is internalized by fibroblasts and stimulates proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis in a dose-dependent manner [118]. | ||||||
Regulation of fibroblast Col-III to Col-I, TGF-3 to TGF-1, and MMP3 to TIMP-1 ratios [92]. | ||||||
Accelerates skin wound healing by optimizing fibroblast properties. Modulates fibroblast differentiation to influence ECM reconstruction; shifts fibroblasts to an endogenous state and inhibits their differentiation [99]. | ||||||
ADMSC-Exo-miR-378 protects HaCaT cells from oxidative damage by targeting calpain I, including promoting proliferation and migration and reducing apoptosis [104]. | ||||||
ADMSC-Exo (10 μgmL-1) contains miRNAs (e.g., has-miR-4484, -619-5p, -6879-5p) expressed by the NPM1, PDCD4, CCL5, and NUP62) genes and promotes regeneration of skin fibroblasts by stimulating dermal fibroblast proliferation [100]. | ||||||
Accelerates skin cell proliferation | Signaling pathway level | ADMSC-Exo-miR-21 (Exo: 2 mL) increased MMP-9 expression and decreased TIMP-1 expression, and promoted migration and proliferation of HaCaT cells through the PI3K / AKT pathway [93]. | ||||
In H2O2-injured HaCaT and Human dermal fibroblast, HDF, AMDSC - Exo - lncRNA - MALAT1 binds to miR - 124 and activates the Wnt/β - catenin pathway to promote cell proliferation and migration and inhibit apoptosis [94]. | ||||||
A key regulatory role of the miR-19b/CCL1↓/TGF-β↑ pathway is to promote wound healing [119]. | ||||||
ADMSC-Exo (50 μg mL -1) promotes wound healing by inhibiting miR-19b expression via the (lncRNA H19/Mir-19b/SOX9 axis) lncRNA-H19, upregulating SOX9 to activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and promoting human skin fibroblast proliferation, migration, and invasion by acting on the lncRNA-MALAT1/miR-378a↓ / FGF2↑ axis [95,96] | ||||||
ADSC-Exos may increase MMP3 levels in fibroblasts in an ERK / MAPK signaling pathway manner [92]. | ||||||
Increased expression of downstream genes in the ERK/MAPK pathway (c-Jun, c-Fos), and the increased expression was almost eliminated by the P-ERK-specific inhibitor U0126 [92]. | ||||||
Regulates collagen remodeling | Inflammatory factor level | In the early stages, EXO promotes collagen remodeling by synthesizing Col-I. and Col-III [89]. | ||||
Intravenous injection of ADSC-Exos increased the ratio of TGF-β3 to TGF-β1 in vivo [92]. | ||||||
Accelerated MMP3 expression in dermal fibroblasts of the skin resulted in a high ratio of MMP3 to tissue inhibitors of TIMP1, which facilitated ECM remodeling [92]. | ||||||
MiR-495 is a therapeutic target for proliferative scars [105]. | ||||||
MiR-192-5p was highly expressed in ADMSC-Exo (20 μgmL-1) and reduced proliferative scar formation by downregulating IL-17RA expression, inhibiting Samd2/Smad3 expression, and decreasing the levels of pro-fibrotic proteins, collagen deposition, and fibroblasts' transdifferentiation to myofibroblasts [108]. | ||||||
Late stages reduce scarring by inhibiting collagen formation [89].⁑ | ||||||
MiR-449 inhibits protein translation in ADMSC by targeting the 3′-UTR of PLOD1 mRNA [106] ⁑ | ||||||
Cellular level | Intravenous ADSC-Exos increases the ratio of collagen III to collagen I and regulates fibroblast differentiation and gene expression [97]. | |||||
Stimulates the rebuilding of the extracellular matrix by regulating fibroblast differentiation and gene expression, promoting wound healing and preventing scarring [45]. | ||||||
It may prevent fibroblasts from differentiating into myofibroblasts [92].⁑ | ||||||
Signaling pathway level | ADMSC-Exo overexpression of miR-29a reduces scar formation by inhibiting the TGF-β2/Smad3 signaling pathway [107]. | |||||
Legends: the part of the table without ⁑ represents that the action of ADSC-Exos promotes the development of the positive process of traumatic healing; conversely, the section of the table with ⁑ indicates that the action of ADSC-Exos encourages the progression of adverse processes in traumatic healing. |
From table 1, it can be seen that:
ADSC-Exos prevents scar formation through various molecular mechanisms, primarily involving the transfer of specific miRNAs and proteins. Some fundamental mechanisms and molecules involved are as follows:
It is important to note that inflammatory factors can contribute to scar inhibition through various mechanisms, such as regulating immune responses, inhibiting excessive proliferation, and promoting cell apoptosis, and that the specific miRNAs and proteins present in ADSC-Exos may vary depending on various factors, including the origin and culture conditions of the ADSCs. Different studies have identified multiple miRNAs and proteins associated with the anti-scarring effects of ADSC-Exos, and ongoing research continues to uncover additional molecules and mechanisms involved.
Considering how dynamic and interactive the processes of scar formation and wound healing are, therapeutic strategies in which ADSC-Exos are actively involved in multiple processes for wound healing can lead to better healing outcomes. For example, ADSC-Exos exerts its effect on fibroblasts, macrophages, and skin cells by secretion of inflammatory factors (Figure 5). GDF11 and TGF-β are present at almost all stages, and they promote the proliferation of fibroblasts, macrophages, and ADSCs, leading to immune responses, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis [12]. ADSC-Exo-miR-486-5p (Exo: 200 μg/100 μL) increases the viability and migratory properties of HSF and HMEC by decreasing Sp5/cyclinD2 (CCND2) pathway activity and increasing HMEC neovascularization activity, and it accelerates wound healing throughout the skin, increases epithelial regeneration, reduces scar thickness, and enhances collagen synthesis and angiogenesis [126]; the upregulation of MMP-7 expression has been shown to accelerate wound healing in diabetic rats by promoting the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes, leading to improved inflammation control, re-epithelialization, tissue matrix remodeling, vascular growth, and maturation [127-129]; and when ADSCs are present, skin fibroblasts proliferate more easily during the early phases of wound healing, which promotes collagen production as well as the healing process. However, during the later stages of wound healing, ADSCs have been shown to inhibit fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis [13-139].
The targeted application of ADSC-Exos to human wounds can be achieved through various methods, depending on the specific therapeutic goals and applications. These approaches include injection or infusion, local application, and bioengineering techniques, all beneficial in wound healing.
ADSC-Exos can be applied to the body by injection or intravenous infusion [89,132]. ADSC-Exos are emerging as promising candidates for delivering therapeutic substances such as drugs, genes, or other functional molecules with remarkable precision and specificity; thus, ADSC-Exos, which can act as ideal carriers for targeted therapy, enable the efficient delivery of therapeutic substances to specific sites of interest [132-135]. For example, ADSC-Exos can be modified to target cellular vesicles and release drugs that promote wound healing in treating large generalized wounds.
Locally applied ADSC-Exos can be applied directly to specific injury sites in the body by binding to gels, Microneedles (MNs), etc. Exosomes are pivotal in promoting wound healing and regeneration by selectively targeting specific growth factors and cell signaling molecules.
Adipose stem cell-derived exosomes in combination with hydrogels: The building blocks of hydrogels are hydrophilic polymers that undergo physical or chemical cross-linking to form three-dimensional networks [136-138] and are considered ideal alternatives for tissue repair engineering due to their ability to resist infection, absorb wound exudates, maintain water balance and gas exchange, load and deliver bioactive factors, and bioadaptability [139-142]. Gel-based drug delivery systems, as opposed to conventional systems, preserve the form and function of cells or bioactive molecules for an extended amount of time [143]; At present, hydrogel matrix-loaded ADSC-Exos are manifested in three primary forms: (1) physical binding to hydrogels, (2) covalent cross-linking based on the active precursor, and (3) in-situ gelation method. 3D printing technology has rapidly advanced and is widely utilized to enhance the functional aspects of hydrogel scaffolds, which enables precise manipulation of the scaffolds' porosity, pore shape, and overall geometry, leading to improved performance and functionality.
Compared with other hydrogels, DNA hydrogels are 3D polymer networks with DNA as the structural unit. Which combines the matrix structure of hydrogels with DNA's unique biological functions, such as precise and efficient self-assembly ability, excellent structural precision controllability, diversified stimulus responsiveness, good biocompatibility, and biodegradability [141,144,145]. Therefore, DNA hydrogels have certain advantages as carriers for exosome delivery systems, such as biocompatibility, effective binding to drugs, easy triggering of stimuli, and effective active targeting. Additionally, different types of inorganic nanoparticles, small molecules of drugs, and functional biomolecules can be used to dope porous networks with moderate loading efficiencies. In addition, highly programmable DNA hydrogels allow for synergistic loading of drugs with different physicochemical properties, enabling high-performance delivery systems, and release rates are controlled by DNA hydrogels modulating the type of DNA strand segments [146-150].
Currently, a significant number of multifunctional DNA hydrogels capable of delivering ADSC-Exos have been created by researchers, particularly in the areas of tissue repair and drug delivery [151,152], such as a novel multifunctional DNA hydrogel with a collodion structure, MpHt-DNA hydrogel-A/b with a wound patch structure, and E7-P-b-DNA gel for targeted recruitment of stem cells.
Adipose stem cell-derived exosomes in combination with microneedles: Microneedles (MNs) have attracted attention for their unique minimally invasive nature, visualization performance, ability to overcome biological barriers, accurate and sustained drug release performance [153,154]. The combined application of exosome-injected MNs can achieve both advantages to promote each other. In addition to improving the stability and adhesion of microneedles and reducing their resistance when entering the skin, Zhou, et al. [155] designed and 3D printed biomimetic and macro deformable DNA gel microneedles (P-DNAgelMNs) with a shark's barbed groove structure and a flat, angled structure resembling a crab claw. These MNs also have intrinsic adhesive properties that allow them to avoid the laborious dressing application. At the same time, P-DNAgelMNs also have excellent characteristics as follows. P-DNAgelMNs exhibit strong biocompatibility and induce biological behaviors in cells [155]. Biomaterials with particular biochemical properties, growth factors, active substances, and EVs can regulate their polarization, i.e., ADSC-Exos can regulate their polarization [156,157]. Concurrently, P-DNAgelMNs can activate pathways that reduce inflammation and pain; mRNA expression of Trpvl and CCL2, two common inflammatory pain signaling factors, gradually decreases with optimization of the MNs design structure, resulting in less pain. [158,159]. Its needle cap exhibits excellent tensile and elastic deformation ability at concentrations of 10%, and the elastic deformation dressing can better accommodate patients' joints [160-162]. Its dissolution rate decreases as concentration increases, offering a solution to excess tissue fluid in ulcerative wounds. Bacteria can have their cell membranes destroyed by the cationic peptide that MNs inject into the exosome, allowing the contents of the bacterium to seep out and ultimately leading to its death, so the MNs are suitable for the wounds of diabetic patients with low immunity and high risk of infection [160-163].
The use of natural ADSC-Exos is limited by limited drug loading capacity, insufficient yield for clinical use, limited biodistribution, targeting dependent on the parent cell, and some off-target effects [166-168]. Engineered approaches can help increase the scalability of ADSC-Exos, improve their targeting properties, and expand the range of biomedical applications of ADSC-Exos beyond their intrinsic capabilities [169]. In this context, constructing engineered ADSC-Exos as alternatives to natural ADSC-Exos has become an effective strategy for addressing the above issues.
Typical methods: Currently, there are two main techniques for preparing engineered ADSC-Exos: surface modification and content modification. Surface modification techniques include covalent modification (using covalent bonds to attach specific molecules to the surface of exosomes, such as spot chemistry), donor cell modification (using gene transfection, changing the donor cell culture environment, and drug-cell incubation method), and noncovalent modification (using electrostatic, receptor-ligands, and other non-covalent bonding to attach particular substances to the exosome membrane binding). While content modification techniques include bioengineering (where the medication binds to the donor cells or exosomes by co-incubation), genetic engineering transfection, and physical methods (such as ultrasound, electroporation, freeze-thaw cycling, extrusion, etc.) [171-175] (Figure 6).
Nanoengineering: Typical approaches for harvesting targeted exosomes typically involve using antibodies and peptides as targeting ligands. Still, several inherent drawbacks hamper their clinical application, including batch-to-batch variability, decreased specificity, immunogenicity, instability, safety concerns, variable transfection results, and mutagenesis. In addition, this bioengineering strategy is very time-consuming, and the identification of the molecule will have to be repeated each time the molecule is targeted for a new entire process.
Through the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) screening, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules known as aptamers or chemical antibodies can be generated. These molecules exhibit high affinity and specificity when binding to their targets through the same mechanism as antibody-antigen binding, forming specific three-dimensional structures [176-179]. Aptamers are superior to antibodies in precision medicine because their molecular mass, immunogenicity, and toxicity are lower, as well as their greater stability, ease of modification, and superior tissue penetration [176,180,181]. From a translational research perspective, the main advantages of aptamers are their scalability and absence of batch-to-batch variation in drug production, as they are synthetic nanocarriers chemically synthesized without the involvement of animals or cultured cells [182].
The synthetic nanocarriers used to construct molecularly targeted exosomes are mainly liposomes, metal nanocarriers, silica carriers, and polymer nanocarriers. Lipid ligands are usually used to utilize the specific biochemical properties of exosomal lipid bilayers for surface nanoengineering [183-188]. Molecularly targeted exosomes can be prepared by three main methods: (1) intracellular preloading; (2) surface modification of exosomes by antibody coupling; and (3) physical methods, which are used to hybridize exosomes with nanocarriers utilizing membrane extrusion, freeze-thaw cycling, ultrasound, electroporation, PEG induction, coincubation, etc [189-196].
Traditional drug delivery vehicles (such as metal particles, nanogels, and liposomes) have been widely used, but their synthesis costs are high, and their stability could be better.
Combining an aptamer-functionalized exosome drug delivery system (Figure 7). with traditional therapeutic means, such as acoustic power therapy, RNA interference technology, and chemical treatment, synergizes active and passive targeting mechanisms, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of the drug and enhancing therapeutic efficiency. Combining exosomes and aptamers to form molecularly targeted exosomes is expected to constitute the next generation of intelligently engineered nanovesicles for precision medicine.
In conclusion, ADSC-Exos are critical for wound healing and reducing the growth of excessive scars. Cell-free therapies offer numerous advantages in mitigating pathological scarring, as they actively regulate relevant cells and their associated inflammatory factors throughout the different phases of wound healing. Furthermore, the multiple regulatory mechanisms employed by ADSC-Exos are complementary. There are various clinical approaches for targeting ADSC-Exos, among which 3D-printed hydrogel drug delivery systems and nanoengineered aptamer-functionalized exosome drug delivery systems have the most potential for research and translational applications. Finally, we can infer that ADSC-Exos exhibits active targeting effects in inhibiting scar formation, suggesting their potential application in overcoming the challenges of scar management in clinical settings. However, there are still challenges to using this treatment in several areas.
First, in terms of long-term effectiveness, most of the studies have observed an improvement in the therapeutic efficacy of ADSC-Exos in scar prevention in the short term, but the long-term effect requires longer follow-up and observation; in addition, exosomes may be affected by storage and handling conditions, which also need to be studied further. Secondly, in terms of safety, ADSC-Exos is basically safe because it is derived from autologous tissues without rejecting allografts and has no cytoplasmic nucleus. Still, more evaluations are needed to determine whether other adverse reactions, such as infections and allergies, may occur during treatment.
Firstly, age is associated with the ability to repair and regenerate tissue. Younger people typically have better self-healing and repair capabilities and, therefore, may be more likely to benefit from ADSC-Exos treatment. Secondly, different skin types have different physiological characteristics and responsiveness. Certain skin types may be more susceptible to scar formation; therefore, individualized treatment regimens may be needed for recipients based on their skin types. Lastly, a recipient's underlying health condition may also impact the efficacy of ADSC-Exos; for example, recipients with chronic inflammatory or immune system disorders and recipients with other chronic diseases or have been on some medications for a long time may require more attention and monitoring. It is important to note that while these specific factors may impact the efficacy of ADSC-Exos in preventing scarring, the current research needs to be more comprehensive to determine the exact relationship between them. Therefore, physicians and researchers must consider their recipients' individual differences and specific circumstances in practice and conduct detailed evaluation and monitoring.
There needs to be clear guidelines for determining the optimal dose of exosomes. Secondly, choosing the appropriate route of administration is also an important issue. ADSC-Exos can be administered by several routes, such as injection, intravenous infusion, or local application; however, different administration routes may impact exosome distribution, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy.
The production of ADSC-Exos is a technology-intensive task requiring highly specialized equipment and personnel. Currently, ADSC-Exos production is mainly prepared by culturing ADSCs and extracting the exosomes they secrete. Although this approach is feasible for scaling up ADSC-Exos production for clinical use, it still presents several challenges.
One major challenge is that increasing production requires a large number of ADSCs, which need to be provided with sufficient donors to enable the engineered preparation of ADSC-Exos. Another challenge is that, unlike traditional drug manufacturing, exosome production requires more time and effort to monitor and control the details of the production process, and a standardized production process and quality control system needs to be established to ensure the consistency and quality of the exosome. The current cost of ADSC-Exos production is also very high, mainly due to the need for equipment, which is very expensive, complex cultivation processes, and specialized personnel. Technological improvements and process optimization are needed to reduce costs and increase production efficiency. Lastly, quality control is also an essential issue in ADSC-Exos production. Since ADSC-Exos is a biological product, its quality is affected by many factors, such as cell differentiation status, purity of exosome isolation, etc. A comprehensive quality control system is needed to ensure that the quality of ADSC-Exos meets the clinical requirements.
Regarding regulatory pathways, the approval of ADSC-Exos as therapeutic requires undergoing clinical trials. Regulatory agencies have the authority to impose requirements on the design and execution of these trials, which may include aspects such as sample size, treatment protocols, data collection, and analysis. Additionally, regulatory agencies should mandate pharmaceutical companies to submit comprehensive quality control and production process documentation to ensure the consistency and quality of ADSC-Exos. These measures aim to achieve the intended regulatory objectives.
Regarding ethical considerations, using ADSC-Exos as a therapeutic requires adherence to moral principles and regulations, including patient informed consent, protection of personal privacy, data security, and fair allocation of resources. Biological ethical issues related to ADSC-Exos must also be considered, including cell source selection, donor-informed consent, rights protection, and treatment safety and efficacy evaluation.
Patient education and awareness must be considered in preventing and managing scars. Firstly, we can disseminate information about ADSC-Exos to patients through various online and offline channels, organize regular lectures and seminars specifically tailored for patients, and invite experts to share relevant knowledge about ADSC-Exos. Secondly, doctors should communicate thoroughly with patients, jointly develop treatment plans, and provide necessary guidance and support. Additionally, doctors should conduct regular follow-ups with patients undergoing ADSC-Exos treatment to understand their treatment outcomes and responses, emphasizing the importance of scar prevention and management. Thirdly, we should strive to establish patient support groups, enabling patients to share experiences and information. Patients can gain comprehensive information about ADSC-Exos through these measures, empowering them to actively choose and participate in treatment while better controlling and managing their health conditions.
In the research on preventing scars using adipose-derived stem cell exosomes, selecting appropriate in vivo and in vitro models for investigation is crucial. In vivo models can more accurately simulate the complex physiological environment of human tissues and organs, but they also involve issues related to animal ethics and experimental regulations. On the other hand, in vitro models offer better controllability and maneuverability, allowing for precise control of experimental conditions and easier acquisition and processing of samples. Based on four criteria- research objectives, degree of simulation, controllability, maneuverability, and ethical and safety requirements- scientists can choose the model that best suits their research needs. By combining the advantages of different models, a comprehensive evaluation and validation can be conducted.
To date, the mechanisms underlying the generation of ADSC-Exos and their role in wound healing have been extensively investigated domestically and internationally. Significant progress has been made in developing diverse and comprehensive techniques for isolating and enriching exosomes. Moreover, research on exosomes as a targeted drug delivery system is also flourishing. However, the safe and sustainable clinical application of targeted scar prevention using extracellular vesicles has not yet been achieved, nor has its engineering production. In addition, the delivery pathways of ADSC-Exos for targeted scar prevention are also limited. Building upon these advancements, future research directions hold promise in exploring the content of ADSC-Exos, nonstem cell-derived ADSC-Exos, laser delivery of exosomes, and the combination of ADSCs-Exos and surgical techniques.
Research on the contents of ADSC-Exos holds the potential to advance cell-free therapy using these vesicles toward further molecularly targeted therapies. This advancement can pave the way for precision medicine in scar prevention, wherein customized treatment plans can be provided based on individual genetic and phenotypic characteristics. This approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of scar prevention and minimize adverse reactions. Exosomes derived from non-stem cell sources can be obtained from animals and plants. They offer the advantages of convenient acquisition and low cost, making them more suitable for the engineered production of exosomes. Additionally, plant-derived exosomes do not carry zoonotic or human pathogens compared to mammalian-derived exosomes. This facilitates engineered exosomes' streamlined extraction and production processes while improving their safety in clinically targeted applications. Laser therapy has been widely used to improve the appearance and texture of scars. Using lasers' focusing and directional properties, exosomes can be precisely delivered to wound areas by adjusting laser parameters, achieving high-precision positioning and non-contact selective delivery. ADSC-Exos can provide growth factors and ECM components, promoting skin healing and repair after laser treatment. For larger or depressed scars, surgical techniques may be necessary. During surgery, ADSC-Exos can facilitate wound healing, reduce inflammation, and improve postoperative scar formation, thereby contributing to better surgical outcomes and reduced complications.
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The authors declare that the research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
XMW: Final review of the manuscript and overall supervision; XHC & HJD: Conceived and designed the study, performed literature sorting, and drafted the manuscript; YL: Revised and edited the manuscript; SYY& GRY: preparation of the initial draft. All authors agree to be accountable for the content of the work.
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Thanks to Komla-Dzah Julius Kodzo for his linguistic support of the manuscript.
The review highlights adipose stem cell-derived exosomes' potential to revolutionize scar management. Understanding their mechanisms offers a non-invasive, cell-free alternative to traditional therapies. This approach could significantly improve scar treatment outcomes, addressing a critical need in clinical practice. The study's findings have translational and clinical significance, paving the way for innovative scar prevention strategies with broad therapeutic implications.
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