Hair Growth Promoting Effect of 4HGF Encapsulated with PGA Nanoparticles by β-Catenin Activation and Related Cell Cycle Molecules

The study explored the effects of 4HGF, an herbal mixture, when encapsulated with poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA) nanoparticles, referred to as PGA-4HGF, on hair growth. The encapsulated 4HGF had an average size of ~400 nm and demonstrated a continuous release under simulated physiological conditions. In experiments with C57BL/6N mice, PGA-4HGF treatment led to increased hair length, earlier and prolonged anagen phase of hair growth, and enhanced dermal papilla cell proliferation. This was attributed to increased expression of β-catenin, cyclinD1, and CDK4 proteins, which are associated with cell cycle progression and hair cycle regulation. Additionally, PGA-4HGF increased the production of type II keratin proteins, essential for hair strength and structure. The study concluded that PGA-4HGF could be a potential therapeutic agent for hair growth disorders by promoting the transition from the telogen to anagen phase and activating hair growth-related pathways. The number of mice used in the study was not specified.