17‐beta estradiol and prednisolone as potential stimulators of hair re‐growth in chemotherapy‐induced human hair follicle damage via ‘dystrophic catagen’ promotion?
June 2008
in “
Experimental Dermatology
”
TLDR 17-beta estradiol and prednisolone may help regrow hair damaged by chemotherapy.
The study explored the potential of 17-beta estradiol (E2) and prednisolone to stimulate hair regrowth in chemotherapy-induced human hair follicle damage. Using an in vitro model, researchers found that E2 shifted human hair follicles into the dystrophic catagen pathway, enhancing pigmentary disturbances and hair growth inhibition caused by a cyclophosphamide metabolite. This was associated with reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis of matrix keratinocytes. The effects were further enhanced by prednisolone. These findings suggested that E2 and glucocorticoids could promote hair regrowth in chemotherapy-damaged human hair follicles, similar to effects observed in murine models, indicating potential for clinical application in treating chemotherapy-induced alopecia.