Adenosine Stimulates Fibroblast Growth Factor-7 Gene Expression Via Adenosine A2b Receptor Signaling in Dermal Papilla Cells

The study demonstrated that adenosine significantly increased Fibroblast Growth Factor-7 (FGF-7) gene expression and protein levels in dermal papilla cells (DPCs) via the adenosine A2b receptor signaling pathway. This upregulation was linked to increased intracellular cAMP levels. FGF-7 promoted hair elongation in human scalp hair follicle organ cultures, suggesting that adenosine might stimulate hair growth by enhancing FGF-7 levels in DPCs. A clinical test with 102 Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia showed that a topical adenosine lotion significantly promoted hair growth compared to a control lotion, indicating adenosine's potential as a hair growth treatment.