Hair Regeneration in Androgenetic Alopecia using Secretome of Adipose-derived Stem Cells (ADSC) and Minoxidil: A Comparative Study of Three Groups

Abstract

Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is one of the most common cause of hair loss disorder, characterized by the shortening duration of anagen phase, increased telogen phase, and miniaturization of hair follicles, eventually leading to their regression. This disorder tends to progress into partial or even complete baldness. Several therapeutic options are now available for AGA, including conventional medications such as finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil. However, side effects of these medications are also commonly reported. The use of adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) and their secreted bioactive molecules, “secretome” has gained attention which could produce many effects for hair growth promotion and has been proven in clinical trials. However, there is still insufficient evidence regarding the comparison of effectiveness of secretome with treatments like minoxidil. Objective: This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of secretome from ADSCs with minoxidil in AGA cases, to provide future reference in the application of cell-based therapy in AGA cases. Method: 60 subjects were divided into three treatment groups (minoxidil only, secretome only, and combination of both) and were given intervention on week 0, 4, and 8. All subjects were evaluated by physical examination, photography, trichoscopy, and trichoscan until week 12. Results: All groups showed a statistically significant improvement (p <0.05) on hair growth parameters from week 4, with the best improvement observed on week 12. There were a significant difference between groups on some of the delta hair growth parameters (p <0.05), observed between secretome and combination groups. The combination group had the best improvement substantially on hair growth parameters. Side effects are minimum and only reported by the subjects in minoxidil group. Conclusion: All of the interventions give a significant improvement on hair growth with the best improvement observed after 12 weeks. However, the best improvement substantially were observed in combination group.