In Vitro and In Vivo Models for the Development of Hair Growth Materials By Regulating the ß-Catenin Signaling Pathways.

Although hair loss contributes to various social and economic, research methods for material development are currently limited. In this study, we established a research model for developing materials for hair growth through the regulation of ß-catenin. We confirmed that 100 nM tegatrabetan (TG), a ß-catenin inhibitor, decreased the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) at 72 h. In addition, TG-induced apoptosis suppressed the phosphorylation of GSK-3ß and Akt, translocation of ß-catenin from the cytosol to the nucleus, and the expression of cyclin D1. Interestingly, TG significantly increased the G2/M arrest in HFDPCs. Subcutaneous injection of TG suppressed hair growth and the number of hair follicles in C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, TG inhibited the expression of cyclin D1, ß-catenin, keratin 14, and Ki67. These results suggest that TG-induced inhibition of hair growth can be a promising model for developing new materials for enhancing ß-catenin-mediated hair growth.

Telogen Effluvium - a review of the science and current obstacles.

Telogen effluvium (TE) is a common cause of diffuse non-scarring hair loss that is usually precipitated by physiological stress such as childbirth or sudden weight loss. Despite its high rate of remission, this phenomenon of sudden excessive hair loss can be very worrisome and upsetting for affected individuals and may significantly impact their quality of life. Due to the multifactorial causes and precipitants of TE, it is often challenging to diagnose and manage. Further, the mechanisms through which physiological stress influences the human hair cycle is unknown, and there are no targeted treatments for the management of TE. This review will describe the approach in making a diagnosis of TE, summarize the latest developments made in understanding the mechanisms of TE, outline the treatments tried, and recommend ways for advancing the study of this dermatological condition.

Evaluation of platelet-rich plasma on hair regrowth and lesional T-cell cytokine expression in alopecia areata: A randomized observer-blinded, placebo-controlled, split-head pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma has shown some promise in the treatment of alopecia areata. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma on hair regrowth and lesional T-cell cytokine expression in alopecia areata. METHODS: This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, split-head study involving 27 patients with alopecia areata (Severity of Alopecia Tool score ≥25%). Alopecia patches on either side of the scalp were randomized to receive 3 intradermal injections of platelet-rich plasma or normal saline at monthly intervals and evaluated 3 months after the last session. Lesional T-cell cytokine messenger RNA expression was compared pre- and posttreatment in the platelet-rich plasma-treated sites. RESULTS: The mean Severity of Alopecia Tool score did not change significantly compared with baseline with either platelet-rich plasma or placebo injections at any visit; however, the mean percentage reduction in the score in the platelet-rich plasma arm was more than in the placebo arm (9.05% ± 36.48% vs 4.99% ± 33.88%; P = .049) at final assessment. The mean interferon gamma (P = .001) and interleukin 17 cytokine (P = .009) messenger RNA expression decreased, whereas the mean interleukin 10 (P = .049) and FOXP3 (P = .011) messenger RNA expression increased significantly after platelet-rich plasma treatment. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and a relatively short follow-up. CONCLUSION: Platelet-rich plasma was found to have limited efficacy in alopecia areata. However, it may play a role in restoring immune balance in the alopecic patches.

Hair Growth Activity of Three Plants of the Polynesian Cosmetopoeia and Their Regulatory Effect on Dermal Papilla Cells.

Hair loss is becoming increasingly prevalent as dietary and living habits change. The search for natural products to limit hair loss has led to tapping into traditional cosmetic knowledge. We studied three plants of the Polynesian cosmetopoeia, Bidens pilosa, Calophyllum inophyllum and Fagraea berteroana, to determine their ability to promote hair growth. Their chemical content was characterized by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Their proliferative activity on dermal papilla cells (DPCs) was assessed via MTT assay and molecular targets were evaluated by RT-qPCR analysis of seven factors involved in the modulation of the hair cycle, CCND1, LEF1, DKK1, WNT5A PPARD, TGFΒ1, PPARD and RSPO2. Our results show that our extracts significantly increased proliferation of dermal papilla cells. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a diversity of molecules, flavonoids, iridoids and organic acids, some known for hair-inducing properties. Finally, specific extracts and fractions of all three plants either upregulated CCND1, LEF1 and PPARD involved in stimulating hair follicle proliferation and/or lowered the gene expression levels of hair growth inhibiting factors, DKK1 and TGFB1. Our findings suggest that extracts from B. pilosa, C. inophyllum and F. berteroana are interesting candidates to stimulate hair growth.

The Effects of Ischemia and Hyperoxygenation on Hair Growth and Cycle.

Alopecia has several causes, but its relationship with ischemia/hypoxia has not yet been investigated in detail. In this study, we studied the changes of hair follicles induced by ischemia and potential effects of normobaric hyperoxygenation (NBO) on the hair cycle and growth. We found that skin ischemia reduced hair growth rate, hair shaft size, and its pigmentation in the anagen phase of mice, which may reflect an aspect of pathophysiology of hair loss (alopecia) and depigmentation (gray/white hairs). Hyperoxygenation increased hair growth rate in organ culture of both human and murine hair follicles. Systemic NBO promoted hair growth in early anagen and mid-anagen, and delayed catagen onset in mice. However, telogen-to-anagen transition was not affected by NBO as far as non-ischemic skin is concerned. The results of this study indicated that the hair follicle is very sensitive to oxygen tension and oxygen tension affects the regulation of hair growth and cycle in vitro and in vivo. It was suggested that systemic NBO can be safely applied for a long period and can be a noninvasive therapeutic approach to alter hair growth and cycle by manipulating the microenvironment of hair follicles.

Hair growth potential of Salvia plebeia extract and its associated mechanisms.

Context: Although Salvia plebeia (SP) R. Brown (Labiatae) is known to possess various biological activities, the effects of SP on hair growth have not been elucidated.Objective: To investigate the hair growth potential of SP extract by using human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and C57BL/6 mice.Materials and methods: The entire SP plant sample was ground into powder and extracted with 99.9% methyl alcohol. Various concentrations of SP extract were added to hDPCs to evaluate the proliferation, migration, and factors related to hair growth and cycling. Effect of topical SP administration on hair regrowth was tested in vivo in male C57BL/6 mice for 21 days.Results: SP extract significantly increased the proliferation of cultured hDPCs at doses of 15.6 and 31.3 µg/mL compared to control group by 123% and 132%, respectively. Expression of hepatocyte growth factor increased while the level of TGF-ß1 and SMAD2/3 decreased when treated with SP extract. At the molecular level, the extract activated Wnt/ß-catenin signalling by raising ß-catenin and phospho-GSK3ß expression. SP extract also exerted anti-apoptotic and proliferative effects in hDPCs by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and activating cell proliferation-related proteins, ERK and Akt. Finally, the extract caused an induction of the anagen phase leading to significantly enhanced hair growth in treated male mice.Discussion and conclusion: Our results indicate that SP extract has the capacity to activate hDPCs into a proliferative state to promote hair growth. Further research is necessary to determine the bioactive components and their mechanisms of action responsible for SP-related hair growth effect.

Protective Role of Nutritional Plants Containing Flavonoids in Hair Follicle Disruption: A Review.

Hair loss is a disorder in which the hair falls out from skin areas such as the scalp and the body. Several studies suggest the use of herbal medicine to treat related disorders, including alopecia. Dermal microcirculation is essential for hair maintenance, and an insufficient blood supply can lead to hair follicles (HF) diseases. This work aims to provide an insight into the ethnohistorical records of some nutritional compounds containing flavonoids for their potential beneficial features in repairing or recovering from hair follicle disruption. We started from a query for "alopecia" OR "hair loss" AND "Panax ginseng C.A. Mey." (or other six botanicals) terms included in Pubmed and Web of Sciences articles. The activities of seven common botanicals introduced with diet (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., Malus pumila Mill cultivar Annurca, Coffea arabica, Allium sativum L., Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, Rosmarinum officinalis L., Capsicum annum L.) are discussed, which are believed to reduce the rate of hair loss or stimulate new hair growth. In this review, we pay our attention on the molecular mechanisms underlying the bioactivity of the aforementioned nutritional compounds in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro studies. There is a need for systematic evaluation of the most commonly used plants to confirm their anti-hair loss power, identify possible mechanisms of action, and recommend their best adoption.

Effect of melatonin administration to lactating cashmere goats on milk production of dams and on hair follicle development in their offspring.

Melatonin treatment in adult cashmere goats can increase cashmere yield and improve cashmere fibre quality by inducing cashmere growth during cashmere non-growth period, of which time cashmere goats are in the mid and late stages of lactation. However, whether melatonin treatment in adult cashmere goats affects their offspring's growth performance remains unknown. Therefore, the objectives of the current study were to determine the effects of melatonin treatment in adult cashmere goats on cashmere and milk production performance in dams and on hair follicle development and subsequent cashmere production in their offspring. Twenty-four lactating Inner Mongolian Cashmere goat dams (50 ± 2 days in milk, mean ± SD) and their single-born female offspring (50 ± 2 days old, mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to one of two groups supplemented with melatonin implants (MEL; n = 12) or without (CON; n = 12). The melatonin implants were subcutaneously implanted behind the ear at a dose of 2 mg/kg live weight on two occasions - 30 April and 30 June 2016. The results demonstrated that melatonin treatment in adult cashmere goats increased cashmere production and improved cashmere fibre quality as indicated by greater cashmere yield, longer cashmere fibre staple length, finer cashmere fibre diameter and thicker cashmere fibre density. The milk fat content was higher in MEL compared with CON cashmere goats. The daily yields of milk production, milk protein and milk lactose were lower in MEL compared with CON cashmere goats. Serum melatonin concentrations were greater, serum prolactin concentrations were lower and milk melatonin concentrations and yields were greater in MEL compared with CON cashmere goats. With regard to offspring, there were no differences in cashmere yield, fibre staple length, fibre diameter and fibre density at yearling combing, and the primary and secondary hair follicles population and maturation between treatments. In conclusion, melatonin treatment in adult cashmere goats during cashmere non-growth period is a practical and an effective way in cashmere industry as indicated by not only increasing cashmere yield and improving cashmere fibre quality in adult cashmere goat dams but also having no impairment in hair follicle development and the subsequent cashmere production in their single-born offspring.

Poly(γ-Glutamic Acid)/Chitosan Hydrogel Nanoparticles For Effective Preservation And Delivery Of Fermented Herbal Extract For Enlarging Hair Bulb And Enhancing Hair Growth.

INTRODUCTION: Hair growth-promoting herbal extract mixtures (4HGF) exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activities relevant to promoting hair growth; however, its efficacy in patients with hair loss has been limited majorly due to its low penetration ability into hair follicles. Herein, we prepared hydrogels via dropwise addition of poly(γ-glutamic acid) (PGA) solution containing 4HGF into chitosan (CS) solution, resulting in quick formation of ~400 nm-sized hydrogel particles through electrostatic interaction-derived ionic gelation with over 50% encapsulation efficiency of 4HGF (PGA-4HGF). METHODS: The size and morphology of PGA-4HGF were characterized by TEM, SEM, and dynamic light scattering analyses. Encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of 4HGF within PGA-4HGF, as well as in vitro release profiles were determined by simply measuring the characteristic absorbance of 4HGF. Penetrating efficiency of PGA-4HGF was evaluated by tracking the respective fluorescence through model porcine skin with confocal laser microscope system. By treating PGA-4HGF on telogenic mice and dermal papilla cells (DPCs), we evaluated the size of hair bulbs in mice, as well as morphological changes in DPCs. RESULTS: Negligible and sustained release of entrapped 4HGF from the hydrogel nanoparticles were observed under acidic and physiological pH conditions, respectively, which is quite advantageous to control their release and prolong their hair growth-promoting effect. The hydrogel nanoparticles were penetrable through the porcine skin after incubation with or without shaking. After treating telogenic mice and DPCs with PGA-4HGF, we detected enlargement of hair bulbs and remarkable shape changes, respectively, thereby showing its potential in induction of hair growth. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the hydrogel nanoparticle formulation developed in this study can be employed as a potential approach for the preservation of hair growth-promoting compounds, their delivery of into hair follicles, and enhancing hair growth.

The mechanism of activated platelet-rich plasma supernatant promotion of hair growth by cultured dermal papilla cells.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an innovative treatment of androgenic alopecia in the early stages of development, and its mechanism of action is not well investigated. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate the promotion of hair growth by activated PRP supernatant in cultured dermal papilla cells (DPCs). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Human DPCs were isolated and grown in culture with or without activated PRP supernatant. The expression of phosphorylated growth factor receptors (GFRs) in cultured DPCs was assayed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Signal pathways mediated by GFRs were identified by a human phosphokinase array. RESULTS: Activated PRP supernatant enhanced the expression of phosphorylated fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-1, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)α, and PDGFRß in cultured DPCs. Activated PRP supernatant activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways that promoted proliferation of DPCs. Downregulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 was consistent with the involvement of Wnt signaling. Activated PRP supernatant increased the hair growth promoting ability of DPCs by activating the Wnt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Autologous activated PRP supernatant promoted signaling in cultured human DPCs via pathways known to be involved in hair growth. The results warrant further study of PRP for the clinical treatment of androgenic alopecia.

Impact of Preservation Solutions on the Trichogenicity of Hair Micrografts Ascertained by Dermal Papilla Gene Expression.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate storage of human hair follicle (HF) grafts during follicular unit excision (FUE) is crucial toward successful hair shaft implantation. Several commercial storage solutions are currently used to ensure ex vivo maintenance of follicular grafts viability and trichogenicity. However, quantitative experimental evidence demonstrating molecular changes in HF cells associated with the usage of different storage solutions is largely missing. OBJECTIVE: To identify gene expression changes in HF cells caused by ex vivo storage of hair grafts in different preservation conditions. METHODS: The authors performed gene expression analysis in dermal papilla (DP) isolated from HF stored under different temperatures and solutions. The expression signature of key genes controlling hair growth and cycling, apoptosis, inflammation, and senescence was assessed for (1) chilled versus room temperature (RT) and (2) DP cell medium, saline, Hypothermosol, platelet-rich plasma, and ATPv-supplemented saline. RESULTS: The authors found chilled versus RT to prevent inflammatory cytokine signaling. Under chilled conditions, ATPv-supplemented saline was the best condition to preserve the expression of the trichogenic genes HEY1 and LEF1. CONCLUSION: Data disclose DP gene expression analysis as a useful methodology to ascertain the efficacy of preserving solutions and elucidate about the best currently available option for FUE clinical practice.

Evaluating hair growth promoting effects of candidate substance: A review of research methods.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss disorder. As the prevalence of AGA rises, the demand for AGA treatments is rising accordingly, prompting research to identify therapeutic candidates to treat AGA. Because AGA is caused by crosstalk among multiple hair follicle (HF) cell components, understanding the effects of candidate molecules on HF cells is essential to determining therapeutic candidates for treatment. To date, research has centered on HF dermal papilla and outer root sheath cells and has indicated that the hair growth effects of candidate substances may be mediated via alterations in several signaling pathways and signature genes in these HF cells. In more integrative evaluations, the HF unit is used as an ex vivo organ culture model to verify the effects of therapeutic candidates. Animal models have also been used to evaluate the effects of candidate substances. The main outcomes used to evaluate the effects of candidate substances are 1) changes in HF growth rates in vitro, 2) anagen induction capabilities, and 3) the effects of androgen modulation. This article reviews a series of methods used to evaluate the hair growth-promoting effects of candidate substances, providing an overview of cell assays, organs, and animal models used in AGA research in order to facilitate AGA research moving forward.

Eclipta prostrata promotes the induction of anagen, sustains the anagen phase through regulation of FGF-7 and FGF-5.

CONTEXT: Eclipta prostrata L. (Asteraceae) (EP) has been widely used for the treatment of skin disease in Asian traditional medicine. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the potency of EP in promoting hair growth in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57BL/6N mice were divided into four groups (n = 4) as follows: control (topical treatment of normal saline), topical 3% minoxidil to the dorsal skin of mice for 14 days, and low (1 mg/day) and high (10 mg/day) doses of EP orally administered once a day for 14 days. Dorsal hairs of C57BL/6N mice were depilated to synchronize anagen induction. Hair growth activity was evaluated by gross and microscopic observations. Sections of dorsal skin were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. We also treated the various concentrations of EP (5, 10 and 50 µg/mL) for 24 h on the human dermal papilla cells (HDPs) and examined the effects of EP on the expression of FGF-7 and mTOR signalling. RESULTS: EP enhanced the induction of anagen in the dorsal skin of mice, characterized by the appearance of inner root sheath along with hair shaft, the emergence of hair shaft through the epidermis. EP increased the expression of FGF-7, while decreased the level of FGF-5 in C57/BL6 mice. EP also increased the expression of FGF-7, activated the mTOR signalling in HDPs. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that EP has a potency to enhance the growth of hair follicle, promoting hair growth through regulation of FGF-7 and FGF-5.

Hair-Growth Potential of Ginseng and Its Major Metabolites: A Review on Its Molecular Mechanisms.

The functional aspect of scalp hair is not only to protect from solar radiation and heat/cold exposure but also to contribute to one's appearance and personality. Progressive hair loss has a cosmetic and social impact. Hair undergoes three stages of hair cycle: the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases. Through cyclical loss and new-hair growth, the number of hairs remains relatively constant. A variety of factors, such as hormones, nutritional status, and exposure to radiations, environmental toxicants, and medications, may affect hair growth. Androgens are the most important of these factors that cause androgenic alopecia. Other forms of hair loss include immunogenic hair loss, that is, alopecia areata. Although a number of therapies, such as finasteride and minoxidil, are approved medications, and a few others (e.g., tofacitinib) are in progress, a wide variety of structurally diverse classes of phytochemicals, including those present in ginseng, have demonstrated hair growth-promoting effects in a large number of preclinical studies. The purpose of this review is to focus on the potential of ginseng and its metabolites on the prevention of hair loss and its underlying mechanisms.

Effects of all-trans retinoic acid on goat dermal papilla cells cultured in vitro

Background: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a vitamin A-derived active metabolite, exerts important functions in hair biology. Previous studies indicated that excess ATRA hampered hair follicle morphogenesis and cyclic regeneration in adulthood, but other studies stated that ATRA promoted hair growth. Dermal papilla (DP), a cluster of specialized fibroblasts, plays pivotal roles in controlling development and regeneration of hair follicle. Several lines of evidence indicated that DP might be the target cells of ATRA in the hair follicle. To confirm this hypothesis, the present study was performed to explore the biological effects of ATRA on goat dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and clarify the roles of ATRA in hair biology. Results: Our experimental results indicated that key signaling transducers of ATRA were dynamically expressed in distinct stages of goat cashmere growth cycle, and high-dose ATRA treatment (10-5 M) significantly impaired the viability of goat DPCs and lowered the ratio of proliferating cells. Otherwise, goat DPCs were stimulated to enter apoptosis and their cell cycle progression was severely blocked by ATRA. Moreover, the expression of fibroblast growth factor 7 (Fgf7), one of the potent hair growth stimulators secreted by DPCs, was transcriptionally repressed following ATRA treatment. Conclusion: DPCs are the targets of ATRA in the hair follicle, and ATRA negatively regulates hair growth by the targeted suppression of cell viability and growth factor expression of goat DPCs. Through these observations, we offer a new mechanistic insight into the roles of ATRA in hair biology.

Effect of Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens Flower Extract on Proliferation and Molecular Regulation in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and Stressed C57BL/6 Mice.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the hair growth-promoting effect of Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens (MSP) flower extracton on in vitro and in vivo models. METHODS: MSP flower extract was extracted in 99.9% methanol and applied to examine the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) in vitro at the dose of 3.92-62.50 µg/mL and hair growth of C57BL/6 mice in vivo at the dose of 1000 µg/mL. The expression of transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), ß-catenin, substance P was measured by relative quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. RESULTS: MSP (7.81 µg/mL) down-regulated TGF-ß1 and up-regulated HGF and ß-catenin in hDPCs (P<0.01). MSP (1000 µg/mL)-treated mice showed the earlier transition of hair follicles from the telogen to the anagen phase. The number of mast cells was lower in the MSP-treated mice than in other groups (P<0.05 vs. NCS group). Substance P and TGF-ß1 were expressed in hair follicles and skin of the MSP group lower than that in negative control. Stem cell factor in hair follicles was up-regulated in the MSP-treated mice (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The MSP flower extract may have hair growth-promotion activities.

Hair Regenerative Mechanisms of Red Ginseng Oil and Its Major Components in the Testosterone-Induced Delay of Anagen Entry in C57BL/6 Mice.

Hair loss (alopecia) is a universal problem for numerous people in the world. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of red ginseng oil (RGO) and its major components on hair re-growth using testosterone (TES)-induced delay of anagen entry in C57BL/6 mice and their mechanisms of action. Seven-week-old C57BL/6 mice were daily treated with TES for 1 h prior to topical application of 10% RGO, 1% linoleic acid (LA), 1% ß-sitosterol (SITOS), or 1% bicyclo(10.1.0)tridec-1-ene (BICYCLO) once a day for 28 days. Hair regenerative capacity was significantly restored by treatment of RGO and its major compounds in the TES-treated mice. Histological analysis showed that RGO along with LA and SITOS but not BICYCLO promoted hair growth through early inducing anagen phase that was delayed by TES in mice. Treatment of mice with RGO, LA, or SITOS up-regulated Wnt/ß-catenin and Shh/Gli pathways-mediated expression of genes such as ß-catenin, Lef-1, Sonic hedgehog, Smoothened, Gli-1, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin E in the TES-treated mice. In addition, RGO and its major components reduced the protein level of TGF-ß but enhanced the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. These results suggest that RGO is a potent novel therapeutic natural product for treatment of androgenic alopecia possibly through hair re-growth activity of its major components such as LA and SITOS.

ß-Catenin is involved in oleanolic acid-dependent promotion of proliferation in human hair matrix cells in an in vitro organ culture model.

Oleanolic acid (OA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound which can be found in >1600 plants, has been shown to promote hair growth. To study the mechanisms of OA on hair growth, we investigated hair follicle (HF) growth on four different concentration OA using human hair follicle organ culture model. We found that HFs treated with 1 or 10µg/mL OA showed statistically enhanced elongation of the hair shaft and anagen-like stage. Moreover, higher positive rate of Ki-67, a matrix cellular marker of proliferation, was detected in the same groups treated with 1 or 10µg/mL than those treated with vehicle. We further demonstrated that ß-catenin, a key Wnt signaling transducer, was highly expressed in the OA treated groups using immunofluorescence stain assay. These results suggest that OA may promote human hair growth by stimulating hair matrix cell proliferation through the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

Low-level laser treatment stimulates hair growth via upregulating Wnt10b and ß-catenin expression in C3H/HeJ mice.

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the role of low-level laser treatment (LLLT) in hair growth in C3H/HeJ mice. Healthy C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups: with and without low-level laser treatment. The skin color of each mouse was observed each day. Skin samples were collected for H&E, immunofluorescence, PCR, and western blot analysis, to observe the morphology of hair follicles and detect the expression levels of Wnt10b and ß-catenin. Observation of skin color demonstrated that black pigmentation started significantly earlier in the laser group than in the control group. Hair follicle number in both groups showed no difference; however, the hair follicle length presented a significant difference. Wnt10b protein was detected on the second day in hair matrix cells in the LLLT group but not in the control group. PCR and western blot results both illustrated that expression of Wnt10b and ß-catenin was significantly higher in the LLLT group than in the control group. Our study illustrated that low-level laser treatment can promote hair regrowth by inducing anagen phase of hair follicles via initiating the Wnt10b/ß-catenin pathway.

Icariin promotes mouse hair follicle growth by increasing insulin-like growth factor 1 expression in dermal papillary cells.

BACKGROUND: Icariin is a major flavonoid isolated from Epimedium spp. leaves (Epimedium Herba), and has multiple pharmacological functions, including anti-angiogenesis, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunoprotective effects. AIM: To investigate whether icariin can stimulate growth of hair follicles in mice and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: In vitro, the effect of icariin on hair growth was assessed by using a vibrissae hair follicle (VHF) organ-culture model. The proliferation of hair matrix keratinocytes and the expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 in follicles were examined by double immunostaining for 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine and IGF-1, in the presence or absence of icariin. Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) were cultured and IGF-1 level was measured by reverse transcription-PCR and ELISA after icariin treatment. In vivo, the effect of icariin on hair growth was examined by gavage feeding of icariin to mice whose backs had been depilated, and the conversion of telogen to anagen hair was observed. RESULTS: Treatment with icariin promoted hair shaft elongation, prolonged the hair cycle growth phase (anagen) in cultured VHFs, and accelerated transition of hair cycle from telogen to anagen phase in the dorsal skin of mice. There was significant proliferation of matrix keratinocytes and an increased level of IGF-1 in cultured VHFs. Moreover, icariin treatment upregulated IGF-1 mRNA expression in DPCs and increased IGF-1 protein content in the conditioned medium of DPCs. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that icariin can promote mouse hair follicle growth via stimulation of IGF-1 expression in DPCs.