Abstract
UVB-induced photoaging is characterized by wrinkle formation, slackness and senile plaques, affecting the health and beauty of human being. Our previous study revealed that exosomes derived from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) could efficiently alleviate UVB-induced photodamage. However, the functional ingredients in exosomes were undefined. LncRNA H19, one of the well-researched lncRNAs in exosomes, exhibits multiple physiological effects. This study aims to demonstrate the photo-protective role of lncRNA H19 on skin photoaging in UVB-irradiated human skin fibroblasts cells (HSFs) and Kunming mice. LncRNA H19-overexpressing exosomes (H19-Exo) were isolated from the supernatant of ADSCs infected with lncRNA H19-loaded lentivirus. The results showed that H19-Exo significantly inhibited MMPs production, DNA damage and ROS generation while enhancing procollagen type I synthesis in UVB-irradiated HSFs. Meanwhile, H19-Exo markedly reversed epidermal thickening and collagen degradation in UVB-irradiated mice. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assays indicated that lncRNA H19 acted as a sponge for miR-138 expression, and SIRT1 was targeted by miR-138. Evidence from both in vitro and in vivo studies also revealed that H19-Exo could enhance SIRT1 expression by knocking down miR-138. In conclusion, lncRNA H19 served as a therapeutic candidate in treating UVB-induced skin photoaging by upregulation of SIRT1 via miR-138.