Human Platelet Lysate Versus Minoxidil Stimulates Hair Growth by Activating Anagen Promoting Signaling Pathways

In 2016, a study was conducted on mouse hair follicles to compare the effects of human platelet lysate (HPL) and minoxidil on hair growth. The study found that both HPL and minoxidil promoted hair growth by activating anagen-inducing signaling pathways, but they affected different genes and cell survival rates. Minoxidil increased the expression of Kras, Erk, and Akt genes, and decreased apoptosis in bulge and dermal papilla (DP) cells. HPL also decreased apoptosis in DP cells and upregulated Erk in both cell types, but did not significantly affect Kras and Akt mRNA levels. Additionally, minoxidil increased ß-catenin expression and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) mRNA levels in DP cells, while HPL induced the anagen phase by increasing ß-catenin and Shh mRNA levels in the bulge region. The study suggested that these changes may contribute to anagen transition and that the effects on Akt or Erk genes may control cell survival and proliferation.