Neonatal derived mesenchymal stem cell mesotherapy in androgenetic alopecia: a retrospective observational study and review of literature

Abstract

Background: Androgenetic alopecia has been a stressful condition for the patients and treating dermatologists alike. With the advent of stem cell therapy in various diseases, and lot of controversies and ethical issues related to it, mesenchymal stem cells MSC have passed the acid test successfully, though with many challenges. Since the stem cells in the hair follicle bulge and the dermal papilla play an important role in hair cycle and growth, introducing an external source of neonatal mesenchymal stem cells seems to be a possibility in the treatment of AGA. Aims: To know the benefits and safety of stem cell treatment in patients who underwent mesotherapy with neonatal MSC in order to establish the safety and efficacy in the treatment of AGA. Methods: We collected data of 40 patients treated with mesoinjections of commercially prepared neonatal MSC, with AGA of grade 2 to 7. Before and after photographs, Patient (PtGA) and Physician (PGA) Global assessment scores were used to evaluate the treatment response. Results: We found that 70% of the patients showed a mild response and 25% of them showed a moderate improvement in the hair growth and reduction in hair loss after 4 sittings of monthly duration. One subject showed an improvement of 72%. Patients had 6 month follow up. No major adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Since this is an observational study, large randomized controlled studies, with longer follow ups is recommended to make MSC therapy a novel treatment option for AGA. Keywords: Mesenchymal stem cells, Mesotherapy, Androgenetic alopecia