Advancing Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes for Androgenetic Alopecia: Appraisal and Methodological Recommendations

December 2025 in “ World Journal of Stem Cells ”

Yu Jiang, Wen-Jun Huang, Rui Zhou

human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell exosomes androgenetic alopecia CDC42 Wnt/β-catenin signaling glycogen synthase kinase 3β microneedle delivery

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.

View this study on doi.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes Enhance the Development of Hair Follicle to Ameliorate Androgenetic Alopecia

March 2025 in “World Journal of Stem Cells”

Stem cell exosomes may help treat hair loss by promoting hair growth.

research Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling: Function, Biological Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Opportunities

318 citations , 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.

Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

416 citations , 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.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community UPDATE: The theory that explains everything. Please help me make this big!

in Research/Science 443 upvotes 4 years ago

Hair loss theory involves 3alpha-hydroxysteroid reductase (3AHD) converting DHT to androstenol. Discussion explores potential treatments and encourages more research.

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 830 upvotes 1 year ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community My progress with various products and without oral fin or oral dut on 17 months

in Progress Pictures 61 upvotes 7 months ago

The user shared their hair loss treatment progress using topical products like exosomes, fluridil, Kx826, and topical dutasteride, avoiding oral finasteride and dutasteride due to side effects. They found exosomes from Creative Biolabs most effective and also used topical probiotics, noting improvements without significant side effects.

community Topical finasteride now the safest possible path?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 84 upvotes 1 year ago

Topical finasteride is considered a safer option for hair regrowth with fewer systemic side effects compared to oral finasteride. Some users report similar efficacy and side effects between topical and oral treatments, while others prefer topical due to reduced systemic exposure.

community I started rapidly diffuse thinning at 22. I'm 42 now and have as much hair as I did at 16. AMA

in Treatment 443 upvotes 5 years ago

Hair loss treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole, PRP, and microneedling helped maintain hair for 20 years. Research and try evidence-based treatments for best results.

community IT ABSOLUTELY FUCKING SUCKS to be going through this in silence while my roommates/best friends don't have to worry about this.

in Chat 143 upvotes 5 years ago

The conversation is about a person struggling with hair loss and feeling frustrated comparing themselves to friends with thick hair. They started taking 1 mg Finasteride a month ago to address the hair loss.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes Enhance the Development of Hair Follicle to Ameliorate Androgenetic Alopecia

March 2025 in “World Journal of Stem Cells”

Stem cell exosomes may help treat hair loss by promoting hair growth.

research Poly-D,L-Lactic Acid Filler Increases Hair Growth by Modulating Hair Follicular Stem Cells in Aged Skin

December 2025 in “Cells”

Poly-D,L-lactic acid boosts hair growth in aged skin by activating hair follicle stem cells.

research Perspectives on MicroRNAs Targeting DKK1 for Developing Hair Regeneration Therapy

12 citations , 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.

research Extracellular Vesicles from Hair Follicle-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Isolation, Characterization, and Therapeutic Potential for Chronic Wound Healing

22 citations , April 2022 in “Stem cell research & therapy”

Hair follicle-derived extracellular vesicles may help heal chronic wounds as effectively as those from adipose tissue.

research Taming of COVID-19: Potential and Emerging Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

6 citations , March 2021 in “Cytotechnology”

Mesenchymal stem cells show promise in treating COVID-19 by reducing inflammation and aiding recovery, but more research is needed.