The word ‘vampire’ is sometimes associated with the longevity field, much to the dismay of its advocates. This unfortunate perception is partly fueled by self-experimenters like tech billionaire Bryan Johnson, who made headlines when he revealed undergoing plasma transfusions with his son in a bid to combat aging. To his credit, Johnson did share that this experiment did not yield the desired anti-aging benefits.
What many longevity outsiders don’t know, however, is that Johnson’s experiment was a way less extreme adaptation of a rejuvenation technique — proven effective in mice — called parabiosis.
Try not to visualize this, but parabiosis involves the surgical union of two organisms together such that they share a circulatory system [1]. It originated in the 19th century when medical research was not exactly delicate. Yet, over the years, parabiosis studies in mice have shown that young blood could rejuvenate several tissues and organs, such as the spinal cord, heart, brain, and bone [2].
As parabiosis makes a less-than-ideal treatment for humans, scientists have attempted to apply its principles via more palatable therapies like young plasma exchange. However, the results haven’t been thrilling, as we’ve learned from the Bryan Johnson chronicles. So since plasma wasn’t the answer, researchers are still trying to identify factors that can make young blood rejuvenate older tissues in humans.
Among the various factors being investigated, one promising area of research is our topic today: exosomes.
In this article, we’ll explore the role of exosomes in the quest for longevity and how they could potentially offer a breakthrough in our understanding of youthful rejuvenation.
What Are Exosomes?
It’s not common for a topic to make waves in scientific journals like Science and Cell as well as mainstream media outlets like Vogue and Elle at the same time. Such is the intriguing life of exosomes.
While their current clinical uses are mostly cosmetic, as evidenced by their inclusion in Kim Kardashian’s beauty routine, there are countless exciting potential applications of exosomes for longevity on the inside as well.
So, what exactly are exosomes?
Interestingly, when they were first discovered in the 1980s, they were thought to be cells’ “garbage bags”. Scientists found these small vesicles — each about one hundredth the size of a cell — containing different kinds of cellular material, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and assumed they were simply a way for cells to dispose of waste [3].
Over time, research revealed that producing exosomes wasn’t as inconsequential as originally thought. Instead, exosomes were making their way into neighboring and even distant cells, emptying their contents, and triggering specific actions in the recipient cells [3].
So, it turns out that exosomes aren’t garbage bags but more like delivery trucks. Their shipments — literally called cargo — carry important information to other cells. With these discoveries, exosomes became recognized as messengers of intercellular communication [3].
So Our Cells Actually Communicate?
Yes, cells communicate with each other all the time. They need to coordinate various functions essential for the organism’s health. Because of how vital intercellular communication is, disruption in this comms network is recognized as a hallmark of aging [4].
As we age, numerous changes take place in our body’s communication network, including those involving exosomes. One significant change is the reduced production of exosomes by aged cells. Another is the alteration in the content of these exosomes. For example, they can carry and spread pathological proteins like amyloid-beta and tau, which are associated with neurodegenerative diseases more common in older individuals [5].
Additionally, the content and function of exosomes depend on the cell of origin. For instance, cancerous cells produce exosomes containing specific mediators that aid in spreading the cancer [6].
Accordingly, most exosomes used in clinical applications are derived from stem cells. Stem cell-derived exosomes are packed with molecules that have anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and protective effects [7].
Compared to stem cell therapy, exosomes offer several advantages. They are not rejected by the immune system because they don’t carry detectable cell surface markers. They are more affordable to manufacture and don’t pose as many ethical issues [7]. This makes them a promising avenue for therapeutic development, potentially aiding in addressing the challenges of aging and age-related conditions.
Exciting Exosome Applications in Longevity
As we’ve covered, exosomes are among the most rapidly evolving frontiers in longevity and regenerative medicine. According to Professor Susanne Gabrielsson of the Karolinska Institute, she expects about 300 new scientific papers about exosomes each month.
Researchers are exploring exosomes from multiple angles: as biomarkers for various diseases, as novel therapeutics, as drug carriers, and even in vaccine development [8].
Below, we’ll explore some of the most innovative applications of exosomes and showcase how these tiny particles are making a big impact in longevity research and beyond.
1- Exosome Therapy and Skin Rejuvenation
Skin rejuvenation is one area where many longevity enthusiasts have already experienced the benefits of exosomes. Stem cell-derived exosomes in the skin are reported to decrease reactive oxygen species, increase collagen synthesis, improve elasticity, and promote the formation of new blood vessels, enhancing overall skin health [9].
A review found that exosomes play a significant therapeutic role in wound healing, psoriasis, dermatitis, scar removal, pigmentation regulation, and vitiligo [10]. These promising applications highlight the potential of exosome therapy in promoting healthier, more resilient skin.
2- Exosome Therapy and Hair Growth
Another topic generating buzz around exosomes is hair growth. Exosomes are thought to enhance the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of hair follicle cells, resulting in improved hair growth. They also possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which help reduce scalp inflammation and create a favorable environment for hair follicles [11].
Human evidence is still limited but encouraging. In one study, 39 patients with alopecia received weekly microneedle exosome injections for 12 weeks. Results indicated notable improvements in hair density and thickness [12]. However, without a control group for comparison, it’s unclear whether the observed benefits were solely due to the exosome treatment or influenced by other factors.
3- Exosome Therapy and Joint Disease
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease, significantly impacting individuals by causing chronic pain, disability, and a decreased quality of life. It is also associated with other health complications and increased mortality [13].
In animal models, exosomes have shown promise in treating osteoarthritis. They appear to aid cartilage repair, reduce inflammation in the synovial fluid that cushions the joints, and support bone remodeling [14].
Human studies are still needed, but a pilot study (lacking a control group) involving 33 Navy SEAL veterans with osteoarthritis reported significant symptom relief following single joint injections of exosomes. Notably, 95% of the improvements occurred within the first six weeks [15].
4- Exosome Therapy and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being. Exosome therapy is showing promise for Crohn’s disease, a type of IBD.
They can deliver anti-inflammatory molecules and growth factors directly to damaged tissues, promoting intestinal healing. Research also suggests that exosomes can modulate immune responses and repair damaged tissue in Crohn’s patients [16].
Early clinical studies suggest that exosome-based treatments might decrease Crohn’s disease activity and improve patient outcomes [17].
5- Exosome Therapy and Heart Protection
Exosome therapy offers a groundbreaking approach for cardiac protection, repair, and regeneration.
Exosomes derived from stem cells, particularly those originating from cardiac progenitor cells, demonstrated the ability in animal models to enhance cardiac function by transferring beneficial molecules to damaged heart tissue. These tiny vesicles can reduce inflammation, promote cell survival, and stimulate tissue repair mechanisms, thereby aiding in recovery of cardiac muscles [18].
Engineered exosomes with specific growth factors further boost cardiac repair efforts [19]. As research progresses and hopefully is translated into human trials, these therapies could offer new solutions for heart disease and recovery.
6- Exosome Vaccines and Cancer
Cancer vaccines are an exciting development in the fight against cancer, aiming to harness the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Exosomes have emerged as promising tools in this domain.
Exosome-based vaccines can deliver tumor antigens directly to immune cells, stimulating a robust and targeted immune response against cancer cells. These vaccines show potential in not only treating existing tumors but also preventing cancer recurrence [20].
Early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated that exosome vaccines can be safe and provoke strong immune responses [21].
7- Exosome Therapy and Neurological Disease — Featuring Research from Rejuve.AI Medical Advisor
One prominent challenge with developing therapeutics for different kinds of neurological diseases is the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). The BBB is a selective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream while allowing essential nutrients to pass through [22].
Due to their nanoscale size and natural ability to cross biological barriers, exosomes from different cell sources have shown potential to cross the BBB, making them promising candidates for both drug delivery and standalone therapies against neurological diseases [23].
Going a step further, researchers are exploring ways to direct exosomes to specific brain regions. Dr. Taylor Kuhn, our Medical Advisor at Rejuve.AI, recently participated in a study using low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to precisely deliver exosomes into the right hippocampus of rats. Imaging results demonstrated increased exosome localization in the targeted area following 60 minutes of LIFU [24].
Dr. Kuhn discussed the potential of this technique during our latest AMA, highlighting how it might pave the way for new therapies for neurological diseases in humans. Interestingly, the exosome-LIFU technique is also being tested in a clinical trial for treating depression [25].
Conclusion
While much more human testing is necessary to fully understand the therapeutic potential and safety of exosomes, the current evidence is promising. The field of exosome research is expanding rapidly, with new discoveries being made each month.
It’s fascinating to see how these tiny agents of intercellular communication could help longevity research move beyond the controversial ‘vampire’ stigma. Perhaps the rise of exosomes can inspire extracellular communication as well — by longevity advocates.
Effective communication about the rigorous science and exciting developments behind longevity is essential to garner public support and understanding. By doing so, we can move beyond outdated stereotypes and highlight the genuine progress being made in the quest for healthier, longer lives.
References:
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