Lymphatic Remodeling and Metabolic Rescue by VEGFR-3/DHA-Coordinated Microneedles for Hair Regeneration

The study presents a novel approach to treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) using a dissolvable microneedle system (VI@MSN/MNs-DHA) that delivers a VEGFR-3 inhibitor and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This system aims to remodel lymphatic networks and normalize lipid metabolism, addressing follicle miniaturization and inflammation. In vitro, the treatment showed bioactivities such as reducing lymphatic endothelial tube formation and protecting hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) from testosterone-induced damage. In vivo, it accelerated hair regrowth in an AGA mouse model, increasing hair density by 1.37 times compared to untreated mice. The treatment upregulated SOX9 and Ki67 in HFSCs and restored specific signaling pathways, offering a promising, minimally invasive therapy for AGA.