Minoxidil Exerts Skin Rejuvenation Effects in Human Androgenetic Alopecia Xenotransplants In Vivo

In a pilot study, researchers investigated the effects of 5% topical minoxidil on scalp skin grafts from male pattern androgenetic alopecia (mpAGA) patients implanted on SCID/beige mice over four months. The treatment led to hair regrowth and significant changes in aging biomarkers. Key proteins associated with aging, such as PGC1α, SIRT1, MTCO-1, and VDAC, were upregulated, while the senescence marker p16INK4a was downregulated. Anti-aging collagen 17A and Lamin B1 were increased, and mTOR activity, linked to aging, was reduced. Antioxidant enzymes regulated by NRF2 were upregulated, and VEGF-A expression, crucial for skin rejuvenation, was significantly increased. These findings suggest minoxidil as a potential anti-aging agent by enhancing VEGF-A production in hair follicles.