Glycogen Phosphorylase Inhibitor Promotes Hair Growth via Protecting from Oxidative Stress and Regulating Glycogen Breakdown in Human Hair Follicles

The study developed a new glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor, Hydroxytrimethylpyridinyl Methylindolecarboxamide (HTPI), to promote hair growth by protecting human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) from oxidative stress and regulating glycogen breakdown in human outer root sheath cells (hORSCs). HTPI reduced oxidative damage, prevented cell death, restored anagen marker ALP levels in hDPCs, inhibited glycogen degradation, and induced cell survival under glucose starvation in hORSCs. In ex-vivo culture, HTPI significantly enhanced hair growth, showing results comparable to minoxidil, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for hair loss prevention and treatment.