DNA Microarray and Bioinformatic Analysis Reveals the Potential of Whale Oil in Enhancing Hair Growth in a C57BL/6 Mice Dorsal Skin Model

May 2024 in “ Genes ”

Junko Shibato, Fumiko Takenoya, Ai Kimura, Michio Yamashita, Satoshi Hirako, Randeep Rakwal, Seiji Shioda

whale oil hair growth C57BL/6 mice minoxidil hair follicles subcutaneous tissue DNA microarray bioinformatic analysis Fgf7 Vegf Fgf21 stress response inflammatory response WO MXD

TLDR Whale oil significantly promotes hair growth and may be a safe, effective alternative to minoxidil.

The study investigated the potential of whale oil (WO) in promoting hair growth using a C57BL/6 mice dorsal skin model. Results showed that WO significantly enhanced hair growth compared to vehicle control and minoxidil (MXD), with increased hair follicles and subcutaneous tissue thickness. DNA microarray and bioinformatic analyses revealed upregulation of hair growth-related genes such as Fgf7, Vegf, and Fgf21, and suggested that WO may reduce stress and inflammatory responses more effectively than MXD. These findings indicate that WO could be a promising and safe alternative for hair growth treatments.

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