Mechanical Stretch Induces Hair Regeneration Through the Alternative Activation of Macrophages

    April 2019 in “ Nature Communications ”
    Szu-Ying Chu, Chih‐Hung Chou, Hsien-Da Huang, Meng-Hua Yen, Hsiao-Chin Hong, Po-Han Chao, Yu-Hsuan Wang, Po‐Yu Chen, Shi-Xin Nian, Yu-Ru Chen, Li-Ying Liou, Yu‐Chen Liu, Huimei Chen, Feng-Mao Lin, Yun-Ting Chang, Chih-Chiang Chen, Oscar K. Lee
    Image of study
    TLDR Mechanical stretching of the skin can promote hair growth by activating certain immune cells.
    The study demonstrated that mechanical stretching of the skin could induce hair regeneration by promoting the alternative activation of macrophages, specifically the M2 phenotype, which is associated with tissue repair. Using 8-week-old mice, researchers found that a 33% strain applied for 7 days was optimal for initiating hair growth. This process involved the release of growth factors like HGF and IGF-1 by M2 macrophages, which activated hair stem cells. The study highlighted the balance between WNT signaling and BMP-2 in controlling the hair cycle and suggested that mechanical forces could be used in regenerative medicine to manipulate cellular processes. The findings pointed to a potential therapeutic approach for hair loss by utilizing mechanical forces to modulate immune cell activity and promote hair growth.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    10 / 10 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 109 results

      community March 22 – jan 23 fin 1mg minoxidil 5% every few days . 22 male .

      in Update  614 upvotes 2 years ago
      Jamesdunn8811 has been using a combination of finasteride and minoxidil to treat his hair loss over the past four months, with successful results. He has experienced no side effects and noticed increased thickness and baby hairs growing in both temples.

      community How much DHT causes hair loss ?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  2 upvotes 1 month ago
      The user is taking 2.5 mg dutasteride and 5% minoxidil but is not seeing hair regrowth, and is considering adding RU58841. They are experiencing fatigue and low MCV/MCH, possibly related to dutasteride, and are advised to be patient, consider microneedling, and check for iron deficiency.

      community U/joaopassos444 , HATS OFF brother !!

      in Research/Science  126 upvotes 4 years ago
      A new hair loss treatment theory beyond minoxidil and finasteride is proposed, causing mixed reactions in the community, with some members eager to explore and support it, while others call for more research and evidence.

      community I am actually regrowing my hairline without minoxidil or finasteride (mechanical stimulation)

       130 upvotes 7 years ago
      Regrowing hairline without the use of Minoxidil or Finasteride, and instead using mechanical stimulation such as Derma Roller, Nizoral, Zinc Pyrithione, Scalp Massage, Scalp Exercise, Fish Oil and other topical solutions. It is cautioned that there are risks associated with not using medically-prescribed treatments, but it is suggested to consider mechanical stimulation in addition to those prescribed treatments.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results