Unlocking the potential of the secretome in hair growth enhancement

Abstract

Hair growth and its regulation are critical in biomedical research due to the widespread issue of hair loss. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of hair follicle development, cycling, and regeneration is essential for identifying therapeutic targets for hair growth disorders. This comprehensive literature review examined research on the biological pathways of hair follicle development, the role of the secretome in hair regeneration, and the efficacy of current hair loss treatments. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were meticulously searched for relevant studies, with a particular focus on the effects of the secretome on hair growth. The review highlights the significant role of hair follicle stem cells in wound healing through re-epithelialization and neogenesis, influenced by inflammatory cells. Exosomes from hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells containing lncRNA H19 enhanced diabetic wound healing by promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting pyroptosis. Hair follicle transplantation demonstrated the activation and differentiation of stem cells, with molecular signaling pathways between epithelial and mesenchymal cells being crucial for hair follicle regeneration. PlncRNA-1 promoted hair follicle stem cell differentiation via the EZH2/ZEB1/MAPK1 axis, enhancing wound healing. Secretome-based therapies offer a promising multifaceted approach to stimulating hair follicles and promoting hair regeneration, potentially overcoming the limitations and side effects of current treatments like minoxidil and finasteride. Understanding these mechanisms provides valuable insights for future therapeutic development in hair growth disorders.