Activation of Hair Cell Growth Factors by Linoleic Acid in Malva verticillata Seed

Abstract

Hair loss by excessive stress from work and lifestyle changes has become a growing concern, particularly among young individuals. However, most drugs for alopecia impose a plethora of side effects. We have found the powerful impact of Malva verticillata seed extracts on alleviating hair loss. This study further isolated effective chemicals in M. verticillata seed extracts by liquid silica gel column chromatography. Under the screening for the growth rate (%) of human follicles dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs), we identified linoleic acid (LA) and oleic acid in n-hexane of M. verticillate (MH)2 fraction. LA treatment activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling and induced HFDPCs growth by increasing the expression of cell cycle proteins such as cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 2. LA treatment also increased several growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, hepatocyte growth factor, and keratinocyte growth factor, in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, LA significantly inhibited Dickkopf-related protein expression (DKK-1), a primary alopecia signaling by dihydrotestosterone. Our findings suggest that LA treatment may alleviate a testosterone-induced signaling molecule and induces HFDPCs growth by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Role of the soluble epoxide hydrolase in the hair follicle stem cell homeostasis and hair growth

“…PUFA-derived eicosanoids have not been explored extensively with respect to their effects on hair follicle stem cell and hair matrix cell proliferation to regulate hair growth. Nevertheless, animal and plant oils enriched with ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs have potential use for the treatment of hair loss and hair growth [ 40 – 42 ]. Although mechanisms have not been studied in great detail, arachidonic acid and linoleic acid have been reported to increase the expression of a series of growth factors that promote hair growth [ 41 , 42 ].…”

“…Nevertheless, animal and plant oils enriched with ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs have potential use for the treatment of hair loss and hair growth [ 40 – 42 ]. Although mechanisms have not been studied in great detail, arachidonic acid and linoleic acid have been reported to increase the expression of a series of growth factors that promote hair growth [ 41 , 42 ].…”

Modulation of Hair Growth Promoting Effect by Natural Products

“…Treatment with IS upregulated cyclin E and CDK2 expression in cultured DPCs [41]. LA in MV seeds increased the mRNA levels of cyclin D1 and CDK2 in vitro [33]. EGCG treatment increased the number of cells in S phase, and upregulated the protein levels of cyclin D1 and cyclin B1 [55].…”

“…MV seed extract treatment upregulated the mRNA expression of growth factors, including IGF-1, KGF, VEGF, and HGF [32]. In another study, LA in MV seeds also elevated IGF-1, KGF, VEGF, and HGF mRNA expression in cultured hDPCs [33]. Liposomal honokiol is a natural extract from Magnolia officinalis [122,123] and mainly possesses anticancer effects [124,125].…”

“…Myristoleic acid, an active compound of MV, upregulates Wnt reporter activity [32]. Another study showed that LA in MV seeds increased cell proliferation and phosphorylation of GSK-3 and β-catenin in DPCs [33]. Salvia plebeia (SP) belongs to the family Labiaceae and is used for its antioxidant [169], anti-inflammatory [170,171], and anti-influenza [172] effects.…”