PNExo™ Exosome-Cabbage(PNE-VC15)

Active Compounds in Cabbage and Their Impacts

Cabbage, a cruciferous vegetable, is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits attributed to its rich composition of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Key active components in cabbage include glucosinolates, flavonoids, and vitamins C and K. These compounds exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.

• Glucosinolates: These sulfur-containing compounds are converted into isothiocyanates during digestion, which have been shown to inhibit the development and progression of cancer. They play a crucial role in detoxifying carcinogens and enhancing the immune response.
• Flavonoids: Cabbage is abundant in flavonoids such as kaempferol and quercetin, which exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These compounds help in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby protecting cells from damage.
• Vitamins C and K: Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and immune function, while vitamin K plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone health.

What Are Cabbage-Derived Exosomes?

Exosomes are small, extracellular vesicles released by various cell types, including plants. They play a critical role in intercellular communication by transporting proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Cabbage-derived exosomes are nano-sized vesicles isolated from cabbage cells. These exosomes are not only biocompatible and non-toxic but also carry bioactive molecules that can modulate cellular functions.
Recent research highlights the potential of cabbage-derived exosomes in promoting cell proliferation, reducing inflammation, and protecting cells from apoptosis. Their ability to encapsulate and deliver therapeutic molecules to target cells makes them a promising tool in medical and cosmetic applications.

The biological activities of cabbage-derived exosomal vesicles within human cellular environments. (You J Y, et al., 2021)

Applications of Cabbage-Derived Exosomes

• Cabbage-Derived Exosomes in Therapeutics

  1. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
  Cabbage exosomes have shown significant anti-inflammatory properties. They inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory transcripts in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophages and down-regulate the protein levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and COX-2. These actions help in reducing inflammation and protecting tissues from inflammatory damage.
  2. Cell Protection and Proliferation
  Studies have demonstrated that cabbage exosomes are non-toxic to human epidermal keratinocytes, human dermal fibroblasts, and murine macrophages. They promote the proliferation of these cells and protect them from stress-induced apoptosis. For instance, cabbage exosome supplementation reduced staurosporine-induced apoptosis in human epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts by significantly inhibiting caspase-3 activation.
  3. Cancer Therapy
  Cabbage exosomes show potential in cancer therapy by efficiently encapsulating and delivering therapeutic molecules. Research indicates that cabbage exosomes can encapsulate miR-184 and deliver it into colon cancer cells, thereby regulating their target miRNA levels. Additionally, cabbage exosome-loaded chemotherapeutic drugs have shown efficacy in in vitro experiments, indicating their potential in enhancing the delivery and effectiveness of cancer treatments.

• Diagnostic Applications of Cabbage-Derived Exosomes

  The unique properties of cabbage exosomes, such as their ability to carry and protect bioactive molecules, make them ideal candidates for diagnostic applications. They can be engineered to carry specific biomarkers for early detection of diseases, including cancers and inflammatory conditions. The stability and biocompatibility of cabbage exosomes enhance their potential as reliable diagnostic tools.

• Skin Care Applications of Cabbage-Derived Exosomes

  1. Anti-Aging and Skin Repair
  The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cabbage exosomes make them valuable in skincare. They can help in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are major contributors to skin aging. By promoting the proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, cabbage exosomes can aid in skin repair and regeneration.
  2. Hydration and Protection
  Cabbage exosomes can enhance skin hydration by promoting the retention of moisture in the skin. Their ability to protect cells from apoptosis and reduce inflammation further contributes to maintaining healthy and youthful skin. Incorporating cabbage exosomes into skincare formulations can provide a natural and effective approach to skin care.

References

1. You J Y, Kang S J, Rhee W J. Isolation of cabbage exosome-like nanovesicles and investigation of their biological activities in human cells. Bioactive Materials. 2021. 6(12): 4321-4332.

Case study 1: You J Y, 2021

In this study, cabbage-origin exosomal vesicles were utilized as a source of nanovesicles due to their straightforward cultivation process. A proficient technique for the extraction of these vesicles from cabbage has been established, termed Cabex. The isolated Cabex was then subjected to a comprehensive characterization to elucidate its biological properties. Notably, Cabex was found to enhance the proliferation of mammalian cells and, more intriguingly, to mitigate inflammatory responses in immune cells as well as to inhibit apoptosis in human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Subsequently, therapeutic agents were encapsulated within Cabex and were then effectively delivered to human cells, showcasing their efficacy as alternative drug carriers. In conclusion, the findings presented herein constitute compelling evidence for the broad application of Cabex as innovative biomaterials for therapeutic purposes.

Figure 1. Cabex-mediated reduction of inflammation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. (A-C) Concentration-dependent effects of cabbage-derived exosomal vesicles on the mRNA levels of (A) interleukin-6 (IL-6), (B) interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and (C) cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), as determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RAW264.7 cells were treated with varying amounts of the vesicles prior to the introduction of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to initiate an inflammatory response.

Figure 2. Fluorescence microscopy images demonstrate the capability of these vesicles to transport DNA oligonucleotides, as evidenced by red fluorescence. The DNA oligonucleotides, tagged with a fluorescent marker, were encapsulated within the Cabex, which were subsequently introduced to cells to facilitate the delivery process. Nuclear staining was performed using Hoechst 33342, which is visualized in blue. The scale bar represents a length of 50 micrometers.

Figure 3. The transference of miRNA molecules to SW480 cells via cabbage-derived exosomal vesicles (Cabex) was examined. Quantitative analysis of intracellular miRNA content, conducted before and subsequent to the miRNA transference facilitated by Cabex, was performed employing reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). To ascertain the miRNA enrichment, the miRNA levels in cells treated with Cabex containing miR-184 were compared against those in cells treated with miR-184-free Cabex, serving as a control.

Figure 4. The tumor-inhibitory activity of doxorubicin-encapsulated cabbage-derived exosomal vesicles (Cabex) was evaluated. SW480 cells were subjected to treatment with Cabex alone, free doxorubicin, and doxorubicin-encapsulated Cabex for a duration of 72 hours. Subsequently, the cell viability was assessed using the WST-1 colorimetric assay. Data are presented as the mean ± standard deviation (SD). Statistical significance is denoted by asterisks: * for p < 0.05, ** for p < 0.01, and *** for p < 0.001, with 'NS' indicating no significant difference; the experiments were conducted in triplicate (n = 3).

References

1. You J Y, Kang S J, Rhee W J. Isolation of cabbage exosome-like nanovesicles and investigation of their biological activities in human cells. Bioactive Materials. 2021. 6(12): 4321-4332.

• How are cabbage-derived exosomes isolated and purified?

  Cabbage exosomes can be isolated using a combination of differential centrifugation, ultrafiltration, and size-exclusion chromatography. This ensures high purity and concentration of our exosome products.

• What is the average size and concentration of cabbage-derived exosomes in your product?

  The average size of our cabbage-derived exosomes is approximately 100-150 nm in diameter, and the concentration is typically around 1x10^12 particles per mL, though exact specifications can vary between batches.

• Can cabbage-derived exosomes be used for drug delivery, and if so, what is their loading capacity?

  Yes, they can be used for drug delivery. They have been shown to efficiently encapsulate and deliver miRNAs and chemotherapeutic agents. The exact loading capacity depends on the specific molecule but is generally comparable to other exosomal systems.

• What storage conditions are required to maintain the stability and bioactivity of cabbage-derived exosomes?

  To maintain stability and bioactivity, cabbage-derived exosomes should be stored at -80°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as this can compromise their integrity and functionality.

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