Topical Tacrolimus Suppresses the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 in Late Anagen

In this study, topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment was applied to the skin of depilated C57BL/6 mice to investigate its effects on hair follicles during the anagen phase of the hair cycle. The research focused on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) mRNAs. While no significant differences were observed in skin color, hair cycling, or histological features between treated and untreated skin, the study found that the levels of Vegf and Igf-1 mRNA were significantly reduced in the treated skin during late anagen. This suggested that tacrolimus might suppress these growth factors, potentially influencing hair growth processes.