Recombinant Humanized Collagen Combined With Nicotinamide Increases Expression of Rat Basement Membrane Proteins and Promotes Hair Growth

The study explores the effects of a recombinant humanized collagen (RHC) complex combined with nicotinamide on hair growth in 35 Wistar rats. The RHC complex, containing types III, XVII, and XXI collagen, was applied to rat skin, resulting in increased expression of basement membrane proteins like laminin and integrin, and improved hair growth compared to controls. Nicotinamide enhanced cell viability, particularly at higher RHC concentrations, indicating a synergistic effect. The RHC complex also upregulated proteins crucial for hair growth, such as VEGF and β-integrin, and increased hair follicle density, with effects comparable to 5% minoxidil. The optimal concentration for hair growth was 0.1 mg/mL. These findings suggest that the RHC complex with nicotinamide could be a promising treatment for promoting hair growth and improving hair health, offering a potential alternative for treating androgenic alopecia.