topical stem cell treatment for hair loss

In the past decade, hair regeneration research has plummeted, including the discoveries regarding stem-cell based therapies leading to many preclinical and some clinical studies with encouraging outcomes. Providing adequate signals and environment to reactivate HFSCs and regrow a hair follicle is of particular interest to the hair regeneration scientific and clinical community. This notion in particular makes PHL a reversible condition 7, 8, and current and novel treatment modalities attempt to utilize the existent viability and responsiveness of HFSCs as to reverse hair loss pathology and promote hair growth. PHL is characterized by defects in and loss of hair progenitor cells, while hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) remain viable. However, these medications have been far from perfect both have been associated with limited efficacy, duration of effect, and several important side effects 5, 6. 4 To date, there are only 2 FDA approved medications for treatment of hair loss, minoxidil (a vasodilator) and finasteride (a selective inhibitor of the type II and III isoforms of 5α-reductase).

It is thought that the Wnt- β-catenin pathway plays a major role in pathogenesis of hair loss. Furthermore, some postulate early onset of AGA to be associated with a heightened risk of development of myocardial infarction and metabolic syndrome 3. Hair is considered a major feature of beauty and esthetic appearance hence hair loss has a major impact on one’s self-perception, self-esteem, and can lead to depression and other mood disorders 2. It is believed that over 80% of Caucasian men and up to 42% of Caucasian women at the age of 70 are affected by male pattern hair loss/androgenetic alopecia (MPHL/AGA) and female pattern hair loss (FPHL), respectively 1. Hair loss, particularly, pattern hair loss (PHL) as its most common form, occurs quite commonly in both women and men, and often leads to a significant decrease in quality of life 1.

Topical stem cell treatment for hair loss