Scientists Successfully Restore Hair Loss in Mice

In a recent study published in the journal, Pharmaceutics, scientists have managed to successfully regrow hair in mice by using dissolvable microneedles that have a cocktail of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and rapamycin.

Previous studies have discovered that rapamycin, an upcoming and popular geroprotective drug, not only stimulates hair regrowth but also partially reverses hair graying. On the other hand, EGCG is a polyphenol that is commonly found in green tea and a strong antioxidant against various conditions—most importantly, androgenic alopecia. Indeed, understanding the mechanisms behind senescent alopecia could be a key step to understanding other insights on aging. 

During the study, scientists delivered the cocktail of drugs into the inner layers of the mice’s skin by using the latest microneedle technology. These cone-like microneedles were filled with nanoparticles that contained either EGCG, rapamycin, or a combination of both. 

The microneedles were injected into shaved body parts of the mice and gradually dissolved, before later releasing the drugs. The researchers observed that rapamycin groups showed faster hair growth, while the EGCG groups had greater follicle density. And finally, the best results were observed with a combination of EGCG and rapamycin. 

Interestingly, moderate doses of rapamycin were observed to be the most effective. And by the 15th day, the mice on a combination cocktail had their thick black fur nearly restored. As for the controls, they hardly had any visible hair growth. The researchers also noted that the treatment showed an increase in autophagy around follicular regions. This study reiterates the massive health and anti-aging benefits that EGCG and rapamycin bring to the longevity spectrum. 

Nevertheless, we have to remember that this is a mouse-specific study. Therefore, more research is required to delve deeper into the effect that these two molecules will have on humans, though results are already promising.