Cholesterol promotes hair growth through activating sympathetic nerves and enhancing the proliferation of hair follicle stem cells.

ABSTRACT: The regulatory mechanisms by which cholesterol influences hair regeneration remain incompletely understood. This study investigates the effects of cholesterol on hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) proliferation and hair regeneration, with a focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms. Subcutaneous cholesterol injections in C57BL/6 mice significantly enhanced hair regeneration by promoting HFSCs proliferation. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining revealed a greater number of hair follicles in the anagen phase in the cholesterol-treated group compared to controls. Immunofluorescence (IF) and BrdU labeling further confirmed that cholesterol significantly stimulated HFSCs proliferation. Mechanistically, cholesterol activated the PKA signaling pathway, leading to the phosphorylation of tyrosine h

SUBMITTER: Guo M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11883958 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature