Macrophage-Stimulating Protein Promotes Hair Growth Ex Vivo and Induces Anagen from Telogen Stage Hair Follicles In Vivo

    Kevin J. McElwee, Andrea Huth, Sabine Kissling, Rolf Hoffmann
    Image of study
    TLDR Macrophage-stimulating protein helps hair grow and can start hair growth phase in mice and human hair samples.
    In the 2004 study by McElwee et al., macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) was shown to promote hair growth in human hair follicles ex vivo and to induce the anagen phase in telogen stage hair follicles in vivo. MSP was found in cultured human dermal papilla and dermal sheath cells, and its receptor RON was expressed in hair follicles. In vitro, human hair follicles treated with MSP for 8 days grew significantly longer than controls. In vivo, mice injected with MSP showed visible hair growth by day 16, unlike control mice. The study suggests MSP could be a modulator of hair growth and might be used to treat hair loss. The ex vivo experiments used hair follicles from five human volunteers, while the in vivo experiments used groups of C3H/HeJ mice, with specific numbers detailed in the methods section.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    2 / 2 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    3 / 3 results

      community The Worst Hair Loss Condition You (MAY) have: LPP

      in Research/Science  43 upvotes 2 months ago
      Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is an autoimmune condition causing permanent hair loss and fibrosis, often misdiagnosed. Treatments include pioglitazone, topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medication, and Jak inhibitors.
      Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

      community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

      in Research  692 upvotes 3 months ago
      Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

      community Verteporfin and Microneedling

      in Treatments 5 months ago
      Clinical studies by Dr. Barghouthi and Dr. Bloxham indicate that Verteporfin, when used with FUE and FUT hair transplantation methods, shows promise in hair follicle regeneration and minimal scarring due to its ability to inhibit Yes-associated protein (YAP). Microneedling at depths of 3-3.5mm, combined with Verteporfin, could potentially reactivate dormant follicles, although the optimal dosage and application method are still under investigation. Concerns remain about the DHT sensitivity of regenerated follicles, highlighting the need for further research to optimize trauma levels and Verteporfin concentrations to achieve effective and scar-free hair regeneration.

    Related Research

    4 / 4 results