Stimulation of the Follicular Bulge LGR5+ and LGR6+ Stem Cells with the Gut-Derived Human Alpha Defensin 5 Results in Decreased Bacterial Presence, Enhanced Wound Healing, and Hair Growth from Tissues Devoid of Adnexal Structures

The study from 2013 focused on the impact of human alpha defensin 5 on wound healing, bacterial reduction, and hair growth in a murine model with third-degree burn wounds. The experiment involved 17 C57BL/6J mice and compared the effects of human alpha defensin 5 with human beta defensin 1, sulfadiazine, and a control. The results indicated that human alpha defensin 5 significantly reduced bacterial load and enhanced wound healing, with almost complete closure by day 10. Additionally, it was the only treatment that led to hair growth in the wound area. The treatment increased the expression of LGR5 and LGR6 stem cell markers and up-regulated genes involved in the Wnt pathway and wound healing. The study concluded that human alpha defensin 5 could be a potential therapeutic agent for burns and wounds due to its antimicrobial properties and ability to stimulate wound healing and hair growth.