5-Fluorouracil Induces Hair Loss by Inhibiting Beta-Catenin Signaling and Angiogenesis

The study reveals that 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) induces hair loss by disrupting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and inhibiting angiogenesis, crucial for hair growth. In C57BL/6 mice, 5-FU delays the anagen phase and reduces follicular size by decreasing VEGF and Flk-1 levels, essential for angiogenesis. It also causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in rat dermal papilla and HaCaT cells by altering the β-catenin pathway. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced alopecia and suggest potential targets for developing hair loss treatments for patients undergoing 5-FU chemotherapy. Further research is needed to explore these pathways and validate the mechanisms using a 3D culture model of hair follicle cells.