Bee Venom Stimulates Growth Factor Release from Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to Promote Hair Growth

The study investigates the potential of bee venom (BV) to stimulate hair growth through adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). BV was found to be non-toxic to ASCs at concentrations up to 2500 ng/mL. Pretreatment of ASCs with BV significantly promoted hair growth in mice, as evidenced by increased hair follicle development and Ki67+ cell proliferation. BV also enhanced ASC migration and angiogenesis in vitro. Additionally, BV increased the expression of growth factors such as PDGF-C, ECGF, FGF-1, FGF-6, and ALP, which are crucial for hair follicle activity and the anagen phase. The study further demonstrated that BV activates the ERK pathway in ASCs, suggesting a mechanism for its effects. These findings indicate that BV can effectively promote hair growth by enhancing ASC function and growth factor release.