TLDR HGF-modified hair follicle stem cells help brain recovery after injury in rats.
The study demonstrates that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-modified hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) significantly improve neurological outcomes in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Using 120 rats divided into various groups, the research found that HGF-modified HFSCs reduced brain infarct volume, decreased neuron apoptosis, and improved neurological function compared to unmodified HFSCs and saline treatments. The treatment also inhibited microglia activation, protected blood-brain barrier integrity, and promoted angiogenesis. These findings suggest that HGF-modified HFSCs offer a promising approach for enhancing recovery after ischemic stroke by mitigating inflammation and supporting neurological recovery.
11 citations
,
September 2019 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” A specific group of skin stem cells was found to help maintain hair follicle cells.
10 citations
,
January 2014 in “BioMed research international” Rat whisker cells can help turn other cells into nerve cells and might be used to treat brain injuries or diseases.
419 citations
,
March 2005 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” Hair-follicle stem cells can become neurons.
March 2025 in “Anatomy & Cell Biology” Hair follicle stem cell secretions may help protect brain cells and improve stroke recovery.
September 2025 in “Biomolecules” The skin microenvironment significantly affects hair growth and loss, offering potential treatment avenues.
27 citations
,
January 2020 in “Experimental Dermatology” Immune cells affect hair growth and could lead to new hair loss treatments.
245 citations
,
January 2018 in “Bone Research” TGF-β is crucial for tissue repair and can cause diseases if not properly regulated.
April 2024 in “The Journal of experimental medicine/The journal of experimental medicine” Treg cells help repair and regenerate tissues by interacting with local cells.
