The Hair Loss Encyclopedia

HMGB1 Promotes Hair Growth via the Modulation of Prostaglandin Metabolism

April 2019 in “ Scientific Reports ”

Jin Soo Hwang, Howard Chu, Young Soo Ahn, Jino Kim, Doyoung Kim

HMGB1 prostaglandin metabolism prostaglandin E2 PGE2 human dermal papilla cells hDPCs receptor for advanced glycation end-products RAGE hair shaft elongation alopecia High Mobility Group Box 1 hair growth hair follicles

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TLDR A protein called HMGB1 helps hair grow by affecting prostaglandin metabolism.

In 2019, researchers found that the High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) protein significantly promotes hair growth by regulating prostaglandin metabolism. The study used both in vitro and in vivo models, and results showed an increase in hair length and the number of hair follicles with the application of HMGB1. The protein, released from cell nuclei after tissue damage, enhanced hair shaft elongation and stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion in human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). Blocking the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), a HMGB1 receptor, inhibited HMGB1-induced PGE2 production and hair shaft elongation. The study concluded that HMGB1 promotes hair growth via PGE2 secretion from hDPCs, suggesting HMGB1 as a potential therapeutic target for alopecia treatment.

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research Double-Stranded RNA Induces Inflammation via the NF-κB Pathway and Inflammasome Activation in the Outer Root Sheath Cells of Hair Follicles

22 citations , March 2017 in “Scientific reports”

Double-stranded RNA causes inflammation in hair follicle cells, which may help understand and treat alopecia areata.

research The Dermal Papilla: An Instructive Niche for Epithelial Stem and Progenitor Cells in Development and Regeneration of the Hair Follicle

149 citations , July 2014 in “Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine”

The dermal papilla is crucial for hair growth and health, and understanding it could lead to new hair loss treatments.

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205 citations , March 2012 in “Science Translational Medicine”

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research Prostaglandin Metabolism in Human Hair Follicle

65 citations , August 2007 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Human hair follicles can make and process prostaglandins, which may affect hair growth.

research UV Light May Induce Hypertrichosis Through Production of Prostaglandin E2

7 citations , January 2007 in “Medical hypotheses”

UV light might cause excessive hair growth by increasing PGE2 in the skin.

research Paradoxical Hypertrichosis After Laser Epilation

101 citations , July 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Very few people experience increased hair growth after laser hair removal, especially those with darker skin and black hair.

research Influence of Prostaglandin F2α and Its Analogues on Hair Regrowth and Follicular Melanogenesis in a Murine Model

103 citations , April 2005 in “Experimental dermatology”

Prostaglandin F2alpha and related compounds can increase hair growth and darken hair in mice.

research Prostaglandin-Induced Hair Growth

162 citations , August 2002 in “Survey of Ophthalmology”

Latanoprost can make eyelashes longer, thicker, and darker.

research Activation of Cytoprotective Prostaglandin Synthase-1 by Minoxidil as a Possible Explanation for Its Hair Growth-Stimulating Effect

81 citations , February 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil boosts hair growth by activating PGHS-1.