Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Increase the Expression of Anagen-Related Molecules in Human Dermal Papilla Cells via GSK-3β/ERK/Akt Signaling Pathway

Abstract

Despite advances in medical treatments, the proportion of the population suffering from alopecia is increasing, thereby creating a need for new treatments to control hair loss and prevent balding. Human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (hDPCs), a type of specialized fibroblast in the hair bulb, play an essential role in controlling hair growth and in conditions like androgenic alopecia. This study aimed to evaluate the intensity-dependent effect of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on the expression of anagen-related molecules in hDPCs in vitro. We examined the effect of ELF-EMF on hDPCs to determine whether activation of the GSK-3β/ERK/Akt signaling pathway improved hDPC activation and proliferation; hDPCs were exposed to ELF-EMFs at a frequency of 70 Hz and at intensities ranging from 5 to 100 G, over four days. Various PEMF intensities significantly increased the expression of anagen-related molecules, including collagen IV, laminin, ALP, and versican. In particular, an intensity of 10 G is most potent for promoting the proliferation of hDPC and expression of anagen-related molecules. Moreover, 10 G ELF-EMF significantly increased β-catenin and Wnt3α expression and GSK-3β/ERK/Akt phosphorylation. Our results confirmed that ELF-EMFs enhance hDPC activation and proliferation via the GSK-3β/ERK/Akt signaling pathway, suggesting a potential treatment strategy for alopecia.

Water extract of cacumen platycladi promotes hair growth through the Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway

“…The latter, which is located at the base of HFs, promotes hair growth and regulates the hair cycle. DPCs content is an indicator of hair growth and dramatically increases during HFs reconstruction ( Zhang et al, 2019 ; Ki et al, 2020 ). DPCs secrete signaling proteins, such as the wingless-INT (Wnt) family, that promote the proliferation and differentiation of surrounding stromal cells and induce HFs to enter new growth phases ( Kim et al, 2016 ).…”

The efficacy and safety of the combination of photobiomodulation therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on androgenetic alopecia

“…Low-frequency electromagnetic fields facilitate the generation of bio-engineered hair follicles 26 and increase the expression of anagen-related molecules in human dermal papilla cells. 8 Exposure to electromagnetic fields enhances hair club formation via increased proliferation of epidermal stem cells from the bulge region and facilitates the development of a new lower follicle. 9 Motion-activated and wearable electric stimulation devices effectively accelerate hair growth and promote hair follicle formation.…”

“…Electromagnetic field is nontoxic and prevents inflammatory reactions in epithelial cells and dermal papilla cells 7 . It enhances the activation and proliferation of dermal papilla cells in the human hair follicle 8 . Xinping Li et al found that treatment with 50 Hz electromagnetic field leads to an increase in hair length in hair follicle cycling models 9 .…”

“…7 It enhances the activation and proliferation of dermal papilla cells in the human hair follicle. 8 Xinping Li et al found that treatment with 50 Hz electromagnetic field leads to an increase in hair length in hair follicle cycling models. 9 Clinically, the use of electromagnetic pulses to treat AGA was corroborated by Maddin, 10,11 who showed that PEMF stimulated hair growth.…”

JAM-A facilitates hair follicle regeneration in alopecia areata through functioning as ceRNA to protect VCAN expression in dermal papilla cells

“… 12 , 15 Although VCAN has been shown to participate in the transformation of HFs from the regressive to the growth phase, 16 the mechanisms by which VCAN and changes in its expression regulate hDPCs maintenance remain largely unexplored. 17 , 18 …”