Impact of Preservation Solutions on the Trichogenicity of Hair Micrografts Ascertained by Dermal Papilla Gene Expression

Abstract

BACKGROUND Appropriate storage of human hair follicle (HF) grafts during follicular unit excision (FUE) is crucial toward successful hair shaft implantation. Several commercial storage solutions are currently used to ensure ex vivo maintenance of follicular grafts viability and trichogenicity. However, quantitative experimental evidence demonstrating molecular changes in HF cells associated with the usage of different storage solutions is largely missing. OBJECTIVE To identify gene expression changes in HF cells caused by ex vivo storage of hair grafts in different preservation conditions. METHODS The authors performed gene expression analysis in dermal papilla (DP) isolated from HF stored under different temperatures and solutions. The expression signature of key genes controlling hair growth and cycling, apoptosis, inflammation, and senescence was assessed for (1) chilled versus room temperature (RT) and (2) DP cell medium, saline, Hypothermosol, platelet-rich plasma, and ATPv-supplemented saline. RESULTS The authors found chilled versus RT to prevent inflammatory cytokine signaling. Under chilled conditions, ATPv-supplemented saline was the best condition to preserve the expression of the trichogenic genes HEY1 and LEF1. CONCLUSION Data disclose DP gene expression analysis as a useful methodology to ascertain the efficacy of preserving solutions and elucidate about the best currently available option for FUE clinical practice.

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling in dermal papilla cells

“…Therefore, indirect application of NTAPP such as plasma-treated medium can be a feasible approach to overcome the penetration issue 43 . Notably, we have shown the maintenance of hair-inductive ability verified by upregulated ALPL and VCAN after NTAPP exposure on isolated fresh hHFs, which implies NTAPP can be applied on a novel device enhancing viability or survival rate of grafts during hair transplantation 44 .…”

Evaluation of a Novel Graft-Holding Solution in Hair Transplantation: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

“…Several studies have investigated effects of different preservation conditions on the protection of hair grafts (overview in See Supplemental Digital Content 1, Table S1, http://links.lww.com/DSS/B257). The chilled preservation temperature is the primary determinant of graft viability, 11,[19][20][21] which slows metabolism to avoid ischemic injury. In addition, the authors have previously explored the optimum temperature for isolated hair grafts, and results showed 4°C kept the best survival rate compared with room temperature.…”

“…Previous studies showed that saline preservation significantly reduces expression levels of trichogenic genes (including HEY1), and induces inflammatory signaling (including JAK-STAT), which potentially triggers an anagen-to-catagen transition. 11,12 Apoptosis of metabolically active stem cells promotes shock loss after HT. 11 In this article, live/dead staining confirmed RS grafts had more apoptotic cells centered at the hair bulb than those in HTK-AD.…”

“…Stresses arising from long-term hair graft storage might induce transient postsurgical hair shedding, 11,12 but the mechanism by which shedding occurs remains unknown. Previous reports revealed the presence of shock loss after transplantation and demonstrated protective effects of exogenous adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and scavengers of oxygen radicals in hair follicles.…”

“…Previous reports revealed the presence of shock loss after transplantation and demonstrated protective effects of exogenous adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and scavengers of oxygen radicals in hair follicles. 11,13,14 Histidine-tryptophanketoglutarate (HTK) is the gold standard for solid organ preservation. 15 A low potassium-sodium ratio with protective components effectively alleviates cellular edema and ischemic damage.…”