FASEB J. 2009 Dec 21.

Identification of novel hair-regrowth inducers by means of connectivity mapping.

Ishimatsu-Tsuji Y,et al

The aim of this study was to identify novel inducers of hair regrowth using gene expression profiling at various stages of hair-growth induction. First, we analyzed gene expression at the onset of hair growth in mice induced by cyclosporin A (CsA), a well-known hair-growth inducer, using DNA microarray analysis. The results unveiled genes involved in the step-by-step progression of hair regrowth, including increases in melanin biosynthesis and decreases in immune response at d 2 and the subsequent stimulation of cell proliferation at d 4, followed by the up-regulation of hair specific keratins at d 7 after CsA treatment. With the use of the connectivity map (Cmap), agents that had a similar “gene signature” to that of the profiles of CsA-treated mice were identified. Several agents, including CsA, were identified by the Cmap and were evaluated for hair induction activity in vivo. One of the proposed agents, fluphenazine (from the d 2 signature) actually induced hair growth in vivo, and the subsequent application of 5 mM iloprost (from the d 4 signature) significantly enhanced the hair-growth effect of fluphenazine. From these results, Cmap analysis was proven to be a useful method that connects gene expression profiles of complicated biological processes, such as hair-regrowth induction, to effective agents for hair loss treatment.

Edited for hair loss treatment and regrowth blog

Clin Genet.2009;76:332
Hereditary hair loss and the ancient signaling pathways that regulate ectodermal appendage formation.

Van Raamsdonk CD.

Epidermal appendages such as hair, teeth, and nails, begin with ectodermal thickening. This placode arises from a primary induction signal sent from the underlying mesenchyme to the overlying epidermis. In mammals, the precise arrangement of hair follicles is due to the amount and distribution of signals that promote and inhibit hair placode formation. Continued development of a hair follicle after placode formation requires a complex cross-talk between the mesenchyme and epidermis. Here, I will review recent studies in humans and mice that have increased our understanding of the role of these signaling pathways in normal development and in hereditary hair loss syndromes. The study of normal hair development and regrowth may suggest ways to restore or eliminate hair and might identify possible targets for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, a cancer which strongly resembles embryonic hair follicles.

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2010 Jan 5

Fluorine-Induced Apoptosis and Lipid Peroxidation in Human Hair Follicles In Vitro.
Wang ZH, et al

edited for hair loss treatment blogs

Fluoride is an essential for human body; however, exposure to high amounts of fluoride is correlated with hair loss. To date, little is known about the mechanism(s) of how fluoride affects hair follicles. Here, we demonstrated that sodium fluoride (NaF) significantly inhibited hair regrowth, but low NaF showed little influence. Moreover, treatment with high levels of NaF resulted in a marked increase in terminal dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells in the outer layer of the outer root sheath, the dermal sheath, and the lower bulb matrix surrounding dermal papilla. Furthermore, the enhanced apoptosis was coupled with an increased oxidative stress manifested as higher malondialdehyde content. Additionally, the presence of selenium considerably antagonized the effects of middle NaF on hair follicles, with regard to either the suppression of hair regrowth or the induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis. In conclusion, exposure to high levels of fluoride compromises hair regrowth…. .