TLDR Dexamethasone affects hair growth by altering levels of proteins that either promote or inhibit hair follicle growth.
This study investigates the effects of dexamethasone (DEX) on the expression of Wnt antagonists SFRP2 and SFRP3 in human dermal papilla (DP) cells, which are crucial for hair follicle growth. DEX was found to downregulate SFRP2, which promotes hair keratinocyte proliferation, and upregulate SFRP3, which inhibits it, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. These effects are mediated by glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). The study used human ex vivo organ culture and various assays to measure hair length, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, confirming that SFRP2 increased hair length and cell proliferation, while SFRP3 decreased hair length and increased apoptosis. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
2 citations,
January 2022 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology” Dexamethasone increases the activity of androgen receptors in human skin cells, which may link it to certain types of hair loss.
76 citations,
August 2018 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Dermal Papilla cells are a promising tool for evaluating hair growth treatments.
17 citations,
February 2016 in “Experimental Dermatology” SFRP2 boosts Wnt3a/β-catenin signals in hair growth cells, with stronger effects in beard cells than scalp cells.
61 citations,
September 2010 in “Journal of Dermatological Science” Stress hormones and autoimmune reactions can cause hair loss.
171 citations,
July 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” A substance called DKK-1 increases in balding areas and causes hair cells to die when exposed to DHT.
375 citations,
July 2006 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Stress can worsen skin and hair conditions by affecting the skin's immune response and hormone levels.
745 citations,
February 1992 in “Trends in genetics” Hair follicles create different cell layers and proteins, controlled by various molecules.
12 citations,
October 2021 in “Cells” Targeting a protein that blocks hair growth with microRNAs could lead to new hair loss treatments, but more research is needed.
October 2023 in “Biomaterials” Nanotechnology could improve hair regrowth but faces challenges like complexity and safety concerns.
68 citations,
May 2018 in “PLOS Biology” Cyclosporine A may help treat hair loss by blocking a protein that inhibits hair growth.
59 citations,
February 2012 in “Journal of Dermatological Science” Environmental factors at different levels control hair stem cell activity, which could lead to new hair growth and alopecia treatments.
408 citations,
January 2017 in “Science” Some wound-healing cells can turn into fat cells around new hair growth in mice.
