PNExo™ Exosome-Beets(PNE-VB11)

Main Active Components in Beets and Their Effects

Beets (Beta vulgaris) are root vegetables renowned for their vibrant color and impressive health benefits. The main active components of beets include betalains, nitrates, vitamins, and minerals, each contributing uniquely to health and wellness.

• Betalains: Powerful Antioxidants. Betalains are the pigments responsible for the beet's rich red color. These compounds exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions.
• Nitrates: Enhancing Performance and Cardiovascular Health. Beets are high in nitrates, which are converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide helps relax and dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. This vasodilation effect enhances athletic performance by increasing oxygen delivery to muscles, thereby improving endurance and reducing fatigue.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Essential Nutrients. Beets are rich in vitamins such as vitamin C and folate, and minerals like potassium and manganese. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system, while folate is crucial for DNA synthesis and repair. Potassium helps maintain electrolyte balance and normal muscle function, and manganese plays a role in bone formation and nutrient metabolism.

What Are Beet-Derived Exosomes?

Beet-derived exosomes are extracellular vesicles isolated from beet cells, encapsulating bioactive compounds inherent to beets. These exosomes act as natural carriers, delivering their cargo directly to target cells, enhancing the bioavailability and effectiveness of the encapsulated substances.
Beet-derived exosomes contain a rich array of bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids (mRNA, miRNA), and small molecules such as betalains and nitrates. This composition allows them to exert various beneficial effects when introduced into biological systems.
The extraction and isolation of beet-derived exosomes involve processes like differential centrifugation, ultrafiltration, and precipitation techniques. These methods ensure the purity and integrity of the exosomes, making them suitable for various applications in therapy, diagnostics, and skincare.

Beta vulgaris juice contains biologically active exosomes. (Mahdipour E, et al., 2022)

Applications of Beet-Derived Exosomes

• Therapeutic Potential of Beet-Derived Exosomes

  Beet-derived exosomes hold significant promise in therapeutic applications due to their natural origin and biocompatibility. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make them potential candidates for treating chronic inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. The ability of these exosomes to deliver bioactive compounds directly to cells enhances their therapeutic efficacy, providing a targeted approach to treatment.

• Skincare and Cosmetic Benefits of Beet-Derived Exosomes

  Beet-derived exosomes are gaining popularity in the skincare industry due to their ability to rejuvenate and repair the skin. The antioxidants and vitamins encapsulated within these exosomes help combat oxidative stress, reducing the signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritated skin, making them beneficial for conditions like acne and rosacea. The natural compounds in beet-derived exosomes promote collagen synthesis and improve skin elasticity, resulting in healthier and more youthful-looking skin.

• Agricultural and Nutritional Enhancements

  Beyond human health, beet-derived exosomes can be utilized in agriculture to enhance crop growth and resilience. These exosomes can deliver growth-promoting molecules and stress-resistance factors to plants, improving their yield and resistance to environmental stresses. In nutrition, beet-derived exosomes can be incorporated into functional foods and supplements, providing an efficient way to deliver the health benefits of beets in a concentrated form.

References

1. Mahdipour E. Beta vulgaris juice contains biologically active exosome-like nanoparticles. Tissue and Cell. 2022. 76: 101800.
2. Cai J, Pan J. Beta vulgaris‐derived exosome‐like nanovesicles alleviate chronic doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting ferroptosis. Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology. 2024. 38(1): e23540.

Case study 1: Mahdipour E, 2022

In a groundbreaking study, researchers isolated and characterized exosome-like nanoparticles from Beta vulgaris extract (BEX). They assessed BEX's antioxidant capacity, nitrite, and total phenolic content, and evaluated its proangiogenic effects on endothelial cells using in vitro assays. The study also investigated BEX's impact on the migration and gene expression profiles of skin-derived fibroblasts, revealing its potential to modulate collagen production and hyaluronan synthase enzyme type 2. Although BEX inhibited fibroblast migration, it did not affect cancer cell viability at the tested dosage. These findings highlight BEX's antioxidative properties and its potential to promote angiogenesis, suggesting new therapeutic and cosmetic applications for Beta vulgaris in antiaging and anti-scar treatments.

Figure 1. Post-treatment evaluation of blood vessel development in a controlled laboratory setting using exosomes from Beta vulgaris. Exosomes from Beta vulgaris enhance blood vessel growth in endothelial cells and stimulate fibroblast activity, which could be beneficial for skin healing and slowing aging processes.

Case study 2: Cai J, 2024

Beta vulgaris-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (BELNV) have shown remarkable potential in mitigating the cardiotoxic effects associated with doxorubicin (Dox) treatment. In a comprehensive study, BELNV were found to significantly reduce cardiac injury, as indicated by improved echocardiographic and histological evaluations. The administration of these nanovesicles effectively lowered the levels of malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress, while simultaneously enhancing the protective glutathione ratio and the expression of system xc- and glutathione peroxidase 4, key players in the defense against ferroptosis—a form of regulated cell death triggered by Dox.
Importantly, BELNV's application did not result in any observable toxicity to vital organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, underscoring their safety profile. These findings collectively suggest that BELNV could serve as a novel and safe therapeutic intervention for managing cardiotoxicity induced by Dox, potentially by inhibiting the process of ferroptosis. This discovery opens up new avenues for the development of adjuvant therapies that could improve the safety and efficacy of Dox-based chemotherapy regimens, offering hope for patients requiring this potent but cardiotoxic drug.

Figure 1. The microscopic examination of tissue samples has unveiled the protective role of Beta vulgaris-derived exosomes in reducing the cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin when administered in vivo. These exosomes, which are nanoscale vesicles secreted by cells, have been observed to exert a mitigating influence on the harmful impacts of doxorubicin on cardiac tissues. The histological findings indicate a significant reduction in the severity of tissue damage, suggesting that these exosomes possess the capacity to shield the heart from the detrimental effects of the chemotherapy drug. This protective mechanism is evidenced by the preservation of tissue integrity and a decrease in the signs of cellular injury typically associated with doxorubicin treatment.

References

1. Mahdipour E. Beta vulgaris juice contains biologically active exosome-like nanoparticles. Tissue and Cell. 2022. 76: 101800.
2. Cai J, Pan J. Beta vulgaris‐derived exosome‐like nanovesicles alleviate chronic doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting ferroptosis. Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology. 2024. 38(1): e23540.

• How are beet exosomes isolated?

  They are typically isolated using ultracentrifugation, size exclusion chromatography, or immunoaffinity capture techniques to ensure high purity and integrity of the exosomes. Our advanced isolation methods allow us to harvest exosomes that retain their biological function effectively.

• What quality control measures are implemented during the production of beet exosomes to ensure their purity and efficacy?

  We implement stringent quality control measures across multiple stages of production. These include rigorous characterization of exosomes using techniques like nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry. Additionally, we perform sterility testing, endotoxin level assessment, and functional assays to validate the purity and biological activity of the exosomes, ensuring they meet high standards for research use.

• What evidence supports the bioavailability and effectiveness of beet exosomes in therapeutic applications?

  Studies have demonstrated the ability of beet exosomes to deliver bioactive molecules effectively to target cells, enhancing their therapeutic potential in conditions like cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory disorders.

• Can beet exosomes be customized or modified for specific research purposes?

  While beet exosomes can be standardized for general applications, customization for specific purposes involves optimizing their cargo or surface modifications to target particular cells or tissues.

• How do beet exosomes compare to other synthetic alternatives in terms of efficacy and safety?

  Compared to synthetic alternatives, beet exosomes offer natural biocompatibility and potentially lower immunogenicity, making them appealing for therapeutic applications.

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