Stimulation by Exosomes from Hypoxia-Preconditioned Hair Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells Facilitates Mitophagy by Inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway to Alleviate Ulcerative Colitis

This study investigated the therapeutic effects of exosomes derived from hypoxia-preconditioned hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells (Hy-Exos) on ulcerative colitis (UC). Using LPS-treated MODE-K cells and a mouse UC model, the researchers found that Hy-Exos had superior therapeutic effects compared to normal exosomes. Hy-Exos promoted the expression of colonic tight junction proteins, reduced oxidative stress, and mitigated UC-related inflammation. These benefits were linked to the miR-214-3p-mediated inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which helped maintain mitochondrial stability and enhance mitophagy. The study suggests that miR-214-3p is a potential target for UC treatment.