TLDR Using defensins to activate stem cells may improve skin aging signs without causing inflammation.
The document from 2018 examines the use of stem cells in dermatology for anti-aging and skin repair, focusing on the potential of defensins to activate Lgr6+ stem cells for healthier skin regeneration. It discusses the challenges associated with stem cell use, including tumorigenicity and ethical concerns. A pilot study with 22 subjects and a 12-week study with 45 subjects demonstrated that a skin care regimen with synthetic alpha-defensin 5 and beta-defensin 3 improved signs of skin aging, such as wrinkle reduction and decreased skin oil production, without causing inflammation. The treatment increased epidermal thickness and improved various skin quality metrics, although some changes were not statistically significant. The findings indicate that defensins could be a promising targeted treatment for skin aging, but more research is needed to understand their mechanisms.
39 citations,
October 2013 in “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery” Human alpha defensin 5 helps heal wounds, reduce bacteria, and grow hair on burned skin.
156 citations,
October 2012 in “Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology” Different types of stem cells in hair follicles play unique roles in wound healing and hair growth, with some stem cells not originating from existing hair follicles but from non-hair follicle cells. WNT signaling and the Lhx2 factor are key in creating new hair follicles.
835 citations,
October 2008 in “Nature Genetics” Lgr5 is a marker for active, long-lasting stem cells in mouse hair follicles.
829 citations,
May 2007 in “Nature” Hair follicles can regrow in wounded adult mouse skin using a process like embryo development.
September 2016 in “Springer eBooks” Fat-derived stem cells may help treat skin aging and hair loss.
359 citations,
January 2015 in “Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine” Hair growth phase and certain genes can speed up wound healing, while an inflammatory mediator can slow down new hair growth after a wound. Understanding these factors can improve tissue regeneration during wound healing.
35 citations,
April 2008 in “Human Molecular Genetics” Skin and hair can help us understand organ regeneration, especially how certain stem cells might be used to form new organs.
