Attenuation of Dickkopf 1-Induced Hair Growth Inhibition in Cultured Human Hair Follicles by Tianeptine
January 2017
in “
Annals of Dermatology
”
TLDR Tianeptine may help prevent hair loss by promoting hair growth and reducing cell death.
The study explored the impact of tianeptine, an anti-depressant, on counteracting hair growth inhibition caused by dickkopf 1 (DKK-1) in cultured human hair follicles. DKK-1, known to be elevated in balding scalps, inhibited hair shaft elongation and increased apoptosis in follicular keratinocytes. Tianeptine treatment mitigated these effects, promoting hair shaft growth and reducing apoptosis. Additionally, tianeptine improved the viability of dermal papilla cells and increased levels of growth factors like IGF-1, HGF, VEGF, and KGF. These results indicated that tianeptine or its derivatives might be used to treat and prevent hair loss by influencing hair cycling.
