Exosome Loaded in Microneedle Patch Ameliorates Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in a Mouse Model

Introduction: Renal dysfunction due to ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common problem after kidney transplantation. In recent years, studies on animal models have shown that exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-Exo) play an important role in treating acute kidney injury (AKI) and promoting tissue repair. The microneedle patch provides a noninvasive and targeted delivery system for exosomes. The purpose of this innovative approach is to combine MSC-Exo with microneedle patches. Method: Exosomes were isolated from MSCs, characterized, and placed in the prepared microneedle patch. Then this construct was applied to the IRI mice model. After 7 days, the gene expression of miR-34a and its targets B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) and BCL-2-associated X (BAX), along with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) production, was investigated. Additionally, renoprotection was evaluated for measuring blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) and histopathology detection. Results: After using microneedle patches containing exosomes, the reduction of miR-34a and BAX and enhancement of BCL-2 were observed. Moreover, treatment by this construct decreased the production of ROS, LPO, BUN, and Cr and improved tissue damage. Conclusion: The use of a microneedle patch containing exosomes is a noninvasive method that enables the release of exosomes in a slow manner. In comparison to exosome injection alone, microneedle patch-exosome treatment offers a longer and more targeted effect that improves renal IRI dysfunction and reduces tissue damage, potentially facilitating the clinical application of exosomes and improving graft survival.