Hypoxia Enhances the Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Via NADPH Oxidase 4

The study found that human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hES-MSCs) promote hair growth by increasing the length of mouse and human hair follicles and accelerating the transition from the resting phase (telogen) to the growth phase (anagen) in mice. This effect was enhanced under hypoxic, or low oxygen, conditions. Hypoxia also increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), which in turn increased the secretion of growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), interleukin 12B (IL-12B), and teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor 1 (TDGF1). These factors contributed to increased hair length and the induction of the telogen-to-anagen transition. However, hES-MSCs did not produce new hair, suggesting they promote hair growth through paracrine effects.