TLDR Activating δ-opioid receptors can help hair grow.
The study "Hair Growth Promotion by δ-Opioid Receptor Activation" found that activating δ-opioid receptors (DOR) can promote hair growth. This was tested on mice and human hair follicles in vitro. The activation of DOR led to an increase in the anagen phase of hair growth, the active growth phase, by using a DOR agonist, UFP-512. This agonist increased the proliferation of hair follicle cells and decreased their apoptosis. The study also found that UFP-512 activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is important for hair follicle regeneration and hair shaft growth. The results suggest that DOR plays a key role in regulating the hair growth cycle and that DOR agonists could potentially be used to promote hair growth.
4 citations,
January 2019 in “Dermatology Online Journal” Low-dose naltrexone might be a cheap and effective additional treatment for hair loss with scalp discomfort due to its anti-inflammatory effects and few side effects.
207 citations,
March 2012 in “Development” Skin needs dermal β-catenin activity for hair growth and skin cell multiplication.
128 citations,
October 2011 in “Development” Activating a protein called β-catenin in adult skin can make it behave like young skin, potentially helping with skin aging and hair loss.
829 citations,
May 2007 in “Nature” Hair follicles can regrow in wounded adult mouse skin using a process like embryo development.
140 citations,
February 2014 in “Neuron” Delta opioid receptors help regulate touch sensation by reducing neurotransmitter release in the spinal cord.
Delta-opioid receptors affect skin cell circadian rhythms, possibly impacting wound healing and cancer.
3 citations,
October 2023 in “Military Medical Research/Military medical research” Regulatory T cells help heal skin and grow hair, and their absence can lead to healing issues and hair loss.
October 2020 in “Authorea (Authorea)” Men and women react differently to opioids, with hormones potentially influencing these differences.
111 citations,
August 1998 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” μ-opiate receptors in skin cells may affect skin health and healing.
