The Molecular Mechanism of Natural Products Activating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway for Improving Hair Loss

Hair growth-promoting effects of Enz_MoriL on human dermal papilla cells through modulation of the Wnt/β-Catenin and JAK-STAT signaling pathways

Enz_MoriL is a naturally occurring substance extracted from the leaves of Morus alba L. through enzymatic conversion. Historically, M. alba L. has been recognized for its potential to promote hair regrowth. However, the precise mechanism by which Enz_MoriL affects human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular basis of Enz_MoriL's effect on hair growth in hDPCs. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) was used to examine the effects of Enz_MoriL on hDPCs during the anagen and catagen phases, as well as under conditions mimicking alopecia areata (AA). Enz_MoriL demonstrated the ability to promote cell proliferation in both anagen and catagen stages. It increased the levels of active β-catenin in the catagen stage induced by IFN-γ, leading to its nuclear translocation. This effect was achieved by increasing the phosphorylation of GSK3β and decreasing the expression of DKK-1. This stimulation induced proliferation in hDPCs and upregulated the expression of the Wnt family members 3a, 5a, and 7a at the transcript level. Additionally, Enz_MoriL suppressed JAK1 and STAT3 phosphorylation, contrasting with IFN-γ, which induced them in the catagen stage. In conclusion, Enz_MoriL directly induced signals for anagen re-entry into hDPCs by affecting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and enhancing the production of growth factors. Furthermore, Enz_MoriL attenuated and reversed the interferon-induced AA-like environment by blocking the JAK-STAT pathway in hDPCs.

Phloroglucinol Enhances Anagen Signaling and Alleviates H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

Phloroglucinol (PG) is one of the abundant isomeric benzenetriols in brown algae. Due to its polyphenolic structure, PG exhibits various biological activities. However, the impact of PG on anagen signaling and oxidative stress in human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs) is unknown. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of PG for improving hair loss. A non-cytotoxic concentration of PG increased anagen-inductive genes and transcriptional activities of β-Catenin. Since several anagen-inductive genes are regulated by β-Catenin, further experiments were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which PG upregulates anagen signaling. Various biochemical analyses revealed that PG upregulated β-Catenin signaling without affecting the expression of Wnt. In particular, PG elevated the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT), leading to an increase in the inhibitory phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) at serine 9. Treatment with the selective phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT inhibitor, LY294002, restored the increased AKT/GSK3β/β-Catenin signaling and anagen-inductive proteins induced by PG. Moreover, conditioned medium from PG-treated HDPCs promoted the proliferation and migration of human epidermal keratinocytes via the AKT signaling pathway. Subsequently, we assessed the antioxidant activities of PG. PG ameliorated the elevated oxidative stress markers and improved the decreased anagen signaling in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced HDPCs. The senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining assay also demonstrated that the antioxidant abilities of PG effectively mitigated H2O2-induced senescence. Overall, these results indicate that PG potentially enhances anagen signaling and improves oxidative stress-induced cellular damage in HDPCs. Therefore, PG can be employed as a novel therapeutic component to ameliorate hair loss symptoms.

β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Promotes Cell Proliferation and Hair Growth by Reducing Oxidative Stress

β-Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) has shown promising effects on intestinal health, and it is extensively applied as an anti-aging and Alzheimer's disease therapeutic, due to its medicinal properties. The effects of NMN on the growth of mouse hair were observed after hair removal. The results indicated that NMN can reverse the state of hair follicle atrophy, hair thinning, and hair sparsity induced by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), compared to that of minoxidil. In addition, the action mechanisms of NMN promoting hair growth in cultured human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs) treated with DHT were investigated in detail. The incubation of HDPCs with DHT led to a decrease in cell viability and the release of inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1Beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor Alpha (TNF-α). It was found that NMN can significantly lower the release of inflammatory factors induced by DHT in HDPCs. HDPCs cells are protected from oxidative stress damage by NMN, which inhibits the NF-κB p65 inflammatory signaling pathway. Moreover, the levels of androgen receptor (AR), dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), and β-catenin in the HDPCs were assessed using PCR, indicating that NMN can significantly enhance the expression of VEGF, reduced IL-6 levels and suppress the expression of AR and DKK-1, and notably increase β-catenin expression in DHT-induced HDPCs.

Progress on the mechanism of natural products alleviating androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has become a widespread problem that leads to considerable impairment of the psyche and daily life. The currently approved medications for the treatment of AGA are associated with significant adverse effects, high costs, and prolonged treatment duration. Therefore, natural products are being considered as possible complementary or alternative treatments. This review aims to enhance comprehension of the mechanisms by which natural products treat AGA. To achieve this, pertinent studies were gathered and subjected to analysis. In addition, the therapeutic mechanisms associated with these natural products were organized and summarized. These include the direct modulation of signaling pathways such as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, the PI3K/AKT pathway, and the BMP pathway. Additionally, they exert effects on cytokine secretion, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capabilities, as well as apoptosis and autophagy. Furthermore, the review briefly discusses the relationship between signaling pathways and autophagy and apoptosis in the context of AGA, systematically presents the mechanisms of action of existing natural products, and analyzes the potential therapeutic targets based on the active components of these products. The aim is to provide a theoretical basis for the development of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or dietary supplements.

Stem cell-derived conditioned medium for alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Alopecia is a common and distressing medical condition that has been related to psychiatric disorders. Stem cell-derived conditioned medium (CM), a novel therapy for hair regeneration, has shown effectiveness in several trials.

METHODS

This meta-analysis aims to explore the effectiveness of stem cell-derived CM in improving hair growth for patients of alopecia. We prospectively registered this systematic review and meta-analysis in PROSPERO (CRD42023410249). Clinical trials that the enrolled participants suffering from alopecia applied stem cell-derived CM were included. We calculated the mean and standard deviation for the hair density and thickness.

RESULTS

Ten clinical trials were included in our analysis. On the basis of eight clinical trials (n = 221), our pooled results indicate that stem cell-derived CM is effective in increasing hair density (mean difference [MD]: 14.93, confidence interval [95% CI]: 10.20-19.67, p < 0.0001) and thickness (MD: 18.67, 95% CI: 2.75-34.59, p < 0.0001) (μm) in patients with alopecia. Moreover, our findings suggest that longer treatment duration is associated with significantly greater improvement than shorter treatment duration (p = 0.02). Three of the included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and when we specifically analyzed these RCTs; statistical significance could also be observed in terms of hair density (MD: 9.23, 95% CI: 1.79-16.68, p < 0.00001).

KEY MESSAGES

Stem cell-derived conditioned medium can effectively increase hair density and thickness for alopecia, and there is no difference between each method (topical application, microneedling, or injection).

Potential application of PBM use in hair follicle organoid culture for the treatment of androgenic alopecia

Androgenic alopecia is a hereditary condition of pattern hair loss in genetically susceptible individuals. The condition has a significant impact on an individual's quality of life, with decreased self-esteem, body image issues and depression being the main effects. Various conventional treatment options, such as minoxidil, finasteride and herbal supplements, aim to slow down hair loss and promote hair growth. However, due to the chronic nature of the condition the financial cost of treatment for androgenic alopecia is very high and conventional treatment options are not universally effective and come with a host of side effects. Therefore, to address the limitations of current treatment options a novel regenerative treatment option is required. One promising approach is organoids, organoids are 3D cell aggregates with similar structures and functions to a target organ. Hair follicle organoids can be developed in vitro. However, the main challenges are to maintain the cell populations within the organoid in a proliferative and inductive state, as well as to promote the maturation of organoids. Photobiomodulation is a form of light therapy that stimulates endogenous chromophores. PBM has been shown to improve cell viability, proliferation, migration, differentiation and gene expression in dermal papilla cells and hair follicle stem cells. Therefore, photobiomodulation is a potential adjunct to hair follicle organoid culture to improve the proliferation and inductive capacity of cells.

The In Vivo and In Vitro Effects of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Fruit Extract on Testosterone-Induced Hair Loss

Due to the continuous increase in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, the demand for hair loss treatment and effective hair growth materials has increased. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (TBE) reportedly exerts anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects, among others, but its effects on testosterone (TS)-inhibited hair growth remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of TBE on TS-induced hair growth regression in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and C57BL/6 mice. Oral administration of TBE increased TS-induced hair growth retardation. Interestingly, effects were greater when compared with finasteride, a commercial hair loss treatment product. Histological analyses revealed that oral TBE administration increased hair follicles in the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that oral TBE administration recovered the TS-induced inhibition of cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Ki67 expression in vivo. Using in vitro proliferation assays, TBE promoted HFDPC growth, which was suppressed by TS treatment. Thus, TBE may be a promising nutraceutical for hair health as it promoted hair growth in AGA-like in vitro and in vivo models.

Astragalus membranaceus and Cinnamomum cassia Stimulate the Hair Follicle Differentiation-Related Growth Factor by the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Astragalus membranaceus and Cinnamomum cassia are used as spices and flavorful ingredients, or medicinal herbs with pharmacological effects. In this study, the hair-growth-promoting effects of the YH complex, a newly developed formula consisting of membranaceus and C. cassia, are investigated with the prediction of its molecular mechanism. The target gene of the YH complex was about 74.8% overlapped with the gene set of 'Hair growth' on the GO Biological Process database. The oral administration of the YH complex promoted hair regrowth and increased hair-shaft thickness in depilated hair loss mice. In addition, the anagen/telogen hair follicle ratio was significantly increased by the YH complex. The growth factors affecting the growth of hair follicles were dose-dependently increased by treatment with the YH complex. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway expressions in skin tissues were apparently increased by the administration of the YH complex. In conclusion, the YH complex consisting of A. membranaceus and C. cassia induced hair follicle differentiation and preserved the growing-anagen phase by increasing growth factors and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, leading to the restoration of hair loss. The YH complex can be a remedy for hair loss diseases, such as alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

BFNB Enhances Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice through the Induction of EGF and FGF7 Factors and the PI3K-AKT-β-Catenin Pathway

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential effects of a formulation derived from the bioactive fraction of nanostructured Bacopa procumbens (BFNB) on the promotion of hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. The characterization of the follicular phases and histomorphological analysis showed that the topical application of the formulation for 15 days significantly increased pigmentation and hair growth on the dorsum and head of the mice. Additionally, an acceleration of the follicular cycle phases was observed, along with an increase in the number of follicles, hair length, and diameter, compared to mice treated with minoxidil. In silico analysis and molecular characterization demonstrated that BFNB enhances the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), activating the PI3K-AKT-β-catenin signaling pathway, as well as the expression of PCNA, KI-67, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin E, regulating the cell cycle and cell proliferation, crucial events for hair regeneration. Our results strongly suggest the utility of BFNB as a therapeutic alternative to stimulate hair growth and promote hair health.

Effects of Allium hookeri Extracts on Hair-Inductive and Anti-Oxidative Properties in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

Oxidative stress and cellular senescence in dermal papilla cells (DPCs) are major etiological factors causing hair loss. In this study, the effect of the Allium hookeri extract (AHE) on hair-inductive and anti-oxidative properties was investigated in human DPCs. As a result, it was found that a non-cytotoxic concentration of the extracts increased the viability and size of the human DPC spheroid, which was associated with the increased expression of hair-growth-related genes in cells. To determine whether or not these effects could be attributed to intracellular anti-oxidative effects, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry alongside various biochemical analyses are conducted herein. An ingredient called alliin was identified as one of the main components. Furthermore, AHE treatment induced a significant decrease in H₂O₂-mediated cytotoxicities, cell death, and cellular senescence in human DPCs. Upon analyzing these results with a molecular mechanism approach, it was shown that AHE treatment increased β-Catenin and NRF2 translocation into the nucleus while inhibiting the translocation of NF-κB (p50) through p38 and PKA-mediated phosphorylations of GSK3β, an upstream regulator of those proteins. These results overall indicate the possibility that AHE can regulate GSK3β-mediated β-Catenin, NRF2, and NF-κB signaling to enhance hair-inductive properties and ultimately protect against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage in human DPCs.