Role of Exosomes Derived from Secretome Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (Exo-HUVEC) as Anti-Apoptotic, Anti-Oxidant, and Increasing Fibroblast Migration in Photoaging Skin Models

Abstract

Background: Prolonged skin exposure to ultraviolet light rays leads to photoaging, which is characterized molecularly by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell apoptosis, and a decrease in collagen. Photoaging therapy has been a challenge until recently. Fibroblasts exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) light proved to be a good model for photoaging skin. They are also the primary dermal cells that stimulate collagen production and extracellular matrix (ECM), which contribute to skin aging. Exo-HUVEC is rich in growth factors, cytokines, and miRNAs, and they all play a vital role in cell-to-cell communication. The migration of fibroblasts is crucial for the development, repair, and regeneration of skin tissue during the repair of skin aging. Objective: An in vitro experimental study was conducted to analyze the effect of Exo-HUVEC on oxidative stress levels, cell apoptosis, and fibroblast migration rate after UVB ray exposure on fibroblasts. Methods: The fibroblast cultures were divided into five groups, including one without UVB exposure, one with UVB exposure, and one with UVB+Exo-HUVEC exposure at 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1%, respectively. Oxidative stress levels were measured using the ELISA test for malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, flow cytometry was used to measure apoptosis using PI/Annexin markers, while a scratch assay examination was used to measure fibroblast migration rate using imaging readings. Results: There were significant differences in the levels of MDA, PI/Annexin, and the rate of fibroblast migration between the UVB-irradiated control group and the Exo-HUVEC treatment group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Exo-HUVEC is a marker of photoaging improvement, which has anti-apoptotic effects and reduces oxidative stress, as well as increases fibroblast migration rate.