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

ABSTRACT

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.