What's New in Aesthetic Medicine? Polynucleotides, Exosomes and Stem Cells

Polynucleotides are highly purified molecules extracted from tout. It is short term filler that promotes natural regeneration of skin, wound healing and healthier looking skin. It can help with skin tone, pore size, wrinkles, skin sagging, pigmentation and toning.

Polynucleotide formulations based on Polynucleotides HPT™ (Polynucleotides Highly Purified Technology™) was first developed by and Italian based pharmaceutical company. As more and more evidence emerges to support this method of rejuvenation, we see more case reports and clinical studies being published to support the high safety profile and effectiveness of this type of filler.

This treatment targets skin ageing, hydrates skin, improves scars and stretch marks, and helps hair growth. There are some studies supporting healing of skin ulcers following polynucleotides application.

Usually small amounts of filler injected into the skin superficially every 2-3 weeks, and four sessions are usually recommended. Also, polynucleotides can be used for "priming" the skin prior to more invasive procedures such as chemical peeling, laser resurfacing, needling and surgery.

Exosomes are small bubbles (vesicles) produced by almost any type of cells in the body. They play a very important role in cell to cell communication and contain proteins, lipids and bioactive substances. When injected locally they provide a variety of effects on skin regeneration and healing.

"In 2023, we had an explosion of publications about exosome use and applications in aesthetic medicine and wound healing, but the first mention of them was in the 1980s," said Dr. Volha.

"Initially it was thought that they were waste containing vesicles and played no role in cell life," she added.

At present, there are studies looking at exosomes delivering medications to certain part of the body and certain type of cells to treat cancer and tissue damage (heart attack and brain damage, role in dementia treatment for example). Some studies also looked at the exosomes’ role in the anti-ageing process. There are promising findings that exosomes protect against UV damage, slow down skin ageing, reduce hyperpigmentation and much more.

A stem cell is a cell that has not differentiated in a particular type of cell. They are able self-renew and can be found in fat cells, blood, umbilical cord and bone marrow for instance. Such cells have huge potential to differentiate and regenerate tissue. For example, bone marrow stem cells (transplant) are used for treatment of blood cancer (leukaemia). Stem cells have no capacity to survive for long outside the body (unless cultivated in the lab under strict conditions resembling body) and hence cannot be packaged in a bottle or be preserved. So often exosomes or growth factors are used to promote healing, rejuvenation or hair growth, but referred to as stem cells.

There are ongoing studies and research projects and we shall see more information emerging soon.

Authored by Dr. Volha Shpadaruk, Consultant Dermatologist at Mediclinic City Hospital.

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