New Non-Synthetic Molecules Inhibit Apoptosis in Dermal Papilla Cells of Hair Bulb

The study investigated the effects of new therapeutic molecules on apoptosis in hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC) during the catagen phase of the hair cycle. Apoptosis was induced using staurosporin, which activated Caspase-3 and caused cellular damage. The addition of spermidin or rutine reduced caspase activity by over 50%, and when combined, they achieved similar inhibition at lower concentrations. Zeaxantine alone was ineffective, but when added to the spermidin and rutine combination, it nearly completely counteracted caspase activity and prevented cellular damage. The combined treatment preserved cell structure and counteracted caspase-3 over-expression, suggesting these molecules could effectively prevent apoptosis in the catagen phase.