Erythrocyte Extracellular Vesicles Integrate into Hair and Skin to Maintain Homeostasis

May 2025 in “ Journal of Extracellular Vesicles ”

Z. C. Cao, Peiyi Li, Manjin Zhang, Simin Cai, Na Li, Minmin Luo, Yinghui Li, Haolin Wu, Xueli Mao, Ruibao Ren, Hongju Xie, Songtao Shi

erythrocyte extracellular vesicles hair homeostasis skin homeostasis haemoglobin ABO antigens keratin hair regeneration Wnt/β-catenin signaling dermal papilla cells autologous erythrocyte EVs androgenic alopecia skin barrier AGA

TLDR Erythrocyte extracellular vesicles help hair growth and skin health.

The study explores the role of erythrocyte extracellular vesicles (EVs) in hair and skin homeostasis, particularly their potential to promote hair regeneration in androgenic alopecia (AGA) patients. In a clinical trial with 9 AGA patients, autologous erythrocyte EV injections significantly increased the anagen hair ratio and hair density over 6 months, indicating effective hair regrowth. The research also shows that erythrocyte EVs integrate into the integumentary system, contributing essential materials like hemoglobin and keratins to hair and skin structure. Additionally, erythrocyte EVs activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, enhancing hair regeneration and integumentary health, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for hair and skin disorders.

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