Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) are gaining popularity in hair restoration due to their regenerative qualities, which could aid in hair repair and growth. Here’s a summary of how UC-MSCs promote hair repair and growth:
1. Activation of hair follicle stem cells.
• UC-MSCs produce growth factors such as VEGF, FGF, and IGF, which induce the activation of dormant hair follicle stem cells.
• UC-MSCs help to initiate the hair development cycle by reactivating these hair follicles, which is especially important in areas with thinning or hair loss.
2. Promoting the Anagen (Growth) Phase
• UC-MSCs can prolong the anagen phase of hair follicles, leading to longer and thicker hair strands.
• This impact is achieved via the release of cytokines and signalling molecules, which keep the hair follicle in a growth-promoting environment.
3. Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.
• UC-MSCs suppress inflammation surrounding hair follicles, which is commonly linked to hair loss diseases such as alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia.
• By lowering inflammation and inhibiting cell apoptosis (cell death), UC-MSCs contribute to a better scalp environment that promotes hairdevelopment.
4. Improved Blood Supply and Scalp Health
• UC-MSCs promote angiogenesis, which improves blood circulation to the scalp.
• A better blood flow guarantees that hair follicles receive necessary nutrients and oxygen, resulting in stronger and more resilient hair growth.
5. Exosome-mediated effects.
• UC-MSCs secrete exosomes including microRNA, proteins, and lipids, which aid in cellular repair and follicle regeneration.
• These exosomes are very useful in hair restoration because they can signal and improve communication with neighbouring cells, thereby accelerating the entire repair and growth process.
UC-MSCs can be used for hair restoration in a variety of novel methods, taking use of their regenerative capacity. Here are the key applications that are currently being developed or used in clinical settings:
Direct Scalp Injections:
• UC-MSCs are isolated and processed in a lab before being injected into the scalp. These injections are typically administered to regions of thinning or hair loss.
• Mechanism: Stem cells produce growth factors and other bioactive compounds, which stimulate dormant hair follicles, reduce inflammation, and enhance blood circulation.
• Applications: This procedure is commonly used to treat androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and age-related hair thinning.
Stem Cell-Derived Therapy
• UC-MSCs are isolated and processed in a lab before being injected into the scalp. These injections are typically administered to regions of thinning or hair loss.
• Mechanism: Stem cells produce growth factors and other bioactive compounds, which stimulate dormant hair follicles, reduce inflammation, and enhance blood circulation.
• Applications: This procedure is commonly used to treat androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and age-related hair thinning.
Conclusion
UC-MSC-based therapies have a wide range of uses in hair restoration, from injections and topical treatments to combined therapies involving microneedling and hair transplantation. These methods use stem cells’ anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and growth-stimulating characteristics to promote healthier and more plentiful hair growth, representing a substantial improvement in hair loss treatment.
