Abstract
Finasteride (FN) has been widely used to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA). This study aimed at exploring the effect of FN on DP stem cell properties. Effect of FN on stem cell properties was tested in a DP cell line and 2 human primary DP cells (HDPCs1 and HDPCs2). Cell toxicity and growth were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The aggregation behavior was observed by phase-contrast microscopy and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Effects of FN on cell signaling were determined by western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Treatment of DPCs with FN was able to significantly increase their aggregation behavior and the expression of stem cell transcription factors Nanog and Sox-2, when compared to the non-treated control. FN up-regulated stem cell regulatory proteins through the activation of protein kinase B (AKT), β-catenin, and integrin-β1. FN had an interesting biological effect on stem cell induction. These findings support the use of this drug for hair loss control and the development of regeneration approaches.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have