Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Promotes the Growth of Mink Hair Follicles Through Sonic Hedgehog and Protein Kinase B Signaling Pathways

The study from June 26, 2018, demonstrated that Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a compound found in green tea, promotes the growth of mink hair follicles at concentrations of 0.5-2.5μM. This effect is likely due to the increased proliferation of dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and outer root sheath cells (ORSCs), which are critical for hair growth. The study showed that EGCG treatment led to more cells entering the S phase of the cell cycle, with an upregulation of cyclin D1 and cyclin E1. The growth-promoting effects were associated with the activation of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) and AKT signaling pathways in hair follicles, DPCs, and ORSCs. Inhibition of these pathways partially reversed EGCG's effects, suggesting their involvement in mediating EGCG's action on hair follicle growth.