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01-11-2017 | Original Paper

Efficacy of topical tofacitinib in promoting hair growth in non-scarring alopecia: possible mechanism via VEGF induction

Authors: Jitlada Meephansan, J. Thummakriengkrai, S. Ponnikorn, W. Yingmema, R. Deenonpoe, P. Suchonwanit

Published in: Archives of Dermatological Research | Issue 9/2017

Abstract

Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) inhibitor that promotes hair growth; however, the efficacy and mechanism of this effect are not yet understood. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of topical tofacitinib on hair growth in mice. Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided equally into four groups and treated topically with tofacitinib, minoxidil, or vehicle once daily for 21 days. Weekly photographs were taken to determine the area and rate of hair growth, and tissue samples were collected for histopathological evaluation. mRNA and protein expression of anagen-maintaining growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), were determined via RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Tofacitinib-treated mice exhibited more hair regrowth than either minoxidil-treated or control mice did between day 7 and 21 (P < 0.05). Topical tofacitinib also promoted more rapid hair growth rate than topical minoxidil or control did (P < 0.001). Histopathology showed a distinct increase in the number of hair follicles, mostly in the anagen phase, in the tofacitinib-treated group. Hair follicles in the minoxidil- and vehicle-treated groups were more often classified as catagen and anagen. VEGF mRNA and protein expression in the tofacitinib-treated group was significantly greater than those in the other groups (P < 0.05). IGF-1 mRNA expression was not upregulated in tofacitinib-treated mice. Topical tofacitinib is effective in promoting hair growth, and the possible mechanism involves increased VEGF levels and lowered inflammation. This study will help develop a new therapeutic option for non-scarring alopecia.

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Title: Efficacy of topical tofacitinib in promoting hair growth in non-scarring alopecia: possible mechanism via VEGF induction
Authors: Jitlada Meephansan
J. Thummakriengkrai
S. Ponnikorn
W. Yingmema
R. Deenonpoe
P. Suchonwanit
Publication date: 01-11-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Dermatological Research / Issue 9/2017
Print ISSN: 0340-3696
Electronic ISSN: 1432-069X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-017-1777-5

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Efficacy of topical tofacitinib in promoting hair growth in non-scarring alopecia: possible mechanism via VEGF induction

Abstract

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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