Exosome-Like Vesicles from Lithospermum erythrorhizon Callus Enhanced Wound Healing by Reducing LPS-Induced Inflammation

Abstract

Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LE), a medicinal plant from the Boraginaceae family, is traditionally used in East Asia for its therapeutic effects on skin conditions, including infections, inflammation, and wounds. Recently, the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as mediators of intercellular communication that regulate inflammation and promote tissue regeneration has garnered increasing attention in the field of regenerative medicine. This study investigates exosome-like vesicles derived from LE callus (LELVs) and their potential in enhancing wound healing. In vitro studies using normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) demonstrated that LELVs significantly improved cell viability, proliferation, and wound closure, while also enhancing collagen type I synthesis, indicating anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. For in vivo analysis, LELVs were applied to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- induced wounds in mice, where wound healing progression was monitored over 14 days. LELVtreated wounds exhibited accelerated re-epithelialization, reduced inflammation, and improved tissue remodeling, with histological analysis revealing enhanced collagen deposition and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. These results highlight the ability of LELVs to modulate the inflammatory response and promote wound healing. With their natural origin, low immunogenicity, and ease of production, LELVs represent a promising alternative to synthetic treatments for inflammation-associated skin injuries and hold significant potential for clinical applications in wound care.