Integral Roles of Specific Proteoglycans in Hair Growth and Hair Loss: Mechanisms Behind the Bioactivity of Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy with Nourkrin with Marilex in Pattern Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium

The 2020 review article highlights the significance of proteoglycans in hair follicle function and their involvement in hair growth disorders such as pattern hair loss (PHL) and telogen effluvium (TE). The authors introduce the concept of "follicular hypoglycania (FHG)," a condition where follicular cells cannot maintain necessary proteoglycan levels during the anagen phase, potentially leading to hair loss. They discuss the use of proteoglycan replacement therapy (PRT) with Nourkrin® with Marilex®, a marine-derived extract rich in specific proteoglycans, which has been clinically shown to reduce hair fall and promote hair growth in PHL patients. The review emphasizes the importance of proteoglycans in initiating and maintaining the anagen phase, supporting follicular stem cell survival, and modulating immune responses. It suggests that disturbances in proteoglycan metabolism may be central to hair growth disorders and that PRT with Nourkrin® with Marilex® could serve as an effective treatment for PHL and TE, necessitating further research into the therapeutic potential of proteoglycans in hair loss disorders.