Methylene Blue Protects Hair Follicle Stem Cells From Oxidative and Metabolic Stress To Enhance Hair Regeneration

This study demonstrates that methylene blue (MB), a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant, enhances hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) proliferation and viability by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activating the β-catenin signaling pathway, crucial for hair regeneration. MB significantly improved wound healing in HFSC cultures, indicating enhanced regenerative ability. While co-treatment with antioxidants like vitamins A and C reduced MB-induced β-catenin activation, minoxidil synergized with MB to further enhance HFSC viability. Additionally, MB protected HFSCs from metabolic stress and premature cell death induced by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), which are associated with hair loss. These findings suggest MB as a promising therapeutic candidate for reducing oxidative and metabolic stress and supporting HFSC-mediated hair regeneration.