Transplanted Hair Follicle Stem Cells Migrate to the Penumbra and Express Neural Markers in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion

The study explored the use of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) for treating ischaemic stroke in a rat model, involving 48 rats divided into four groups. HFSCs were administered intravenously and demonstrated the ability to migrate to the penumbra, express neuron-specific markers, and reduce infarct volume from 44.20% to 29.80%. This led to improved neurological recovery, suggesting HFSCs' potential as a regenerative therapy due to their abundance, accessibility, and pluripotency. The findings indicated that HFSCs could be a promising alternative for stroke treatment, though further research was needed to understand the underlying mechanisms before clinical application.