Minoxidil Promotes Hair Growth in a Mouse Model of Telogen Effluvium Induced by Lipopolysaccharide

This study establishes a novel mouse model for telogen effluvium (TE) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic the cytokine storm associated with TE, a condition often linked to stress and recently noted as a sequela of COVID-19. The model demonstrated an accelerated transition from the anagen to telogen phase, reflecting the pathophysiology of post-infection TE. The study evaluated the therapeutic effects of 5% topical minoxidil (tMXD) on this model, finding that tMXD significantly promoted hair regrowth, as evidenced by increased hair regrowth area and earlier transition from telogen to anagen phase. Despite limitations, such as partial recapitulation of human TE pathophysiology and lack of safety evaluation, the findings support the potential of tMXD as a treatment for TE. Further research and clinical trials are needed to substantiate these results.