Hair Growth and Research Peptides

Several peptides have been investigated for their potential to stimulate hair follicle growth. Research suggests these peptides may promote hair follicle development, modulate hormone signaling, increase blood flow to areas highly populated with follicles, and decrease inflammation via possibly many pathways.

Researchers looking into hair loss have been interested in TB 500 and other peptides. The functional similarities to Thymosin Beta-4 and the ease and lower cost of its production have made this peptide a topic of interest in the scientific sectors. The primary focus has shifted from its potential to stimulate hair growth to its possible uses in mending wounds, recovering from injuries, and regenerating damaged tissues. However, there has been a recent uptick in studies investigating the link between hair development and wound healing. Because of this, research on TB 500 and its role has recently been rekindled.

Peptides such as TB 500 suggest great promise in research conducted in the context of a wide range of conditions, including neurological illnesses, musculoskeletal problems, and chronic wounds. Researchers speculate that the possible impacts of TB 500 on wound closure, muscle repair, and regeneration of neurological tissue in animal models, as well as its acceleration of tissue healing and enhancement of wound healing, are noteworthy. Many studies have focused on TB 500 to determine its mechanisms of action as a possible anti-inflammatory. Researchers interested in hair follicle development and loss find TB 500 interesting for the reasons listed below.

Hair Follicle Overview

Researchers have changed their minds; they now see the hair follicle as a tiny skin organ with intricate hormonal control rather than a basic structure. The hair follicle comprises nine layers of skin and five distinct cell types. Recent studies have shown that the follicle can only accommodate hair growth after a certain cell type, dermal papilla cells (DPCs), reaches a specific developmental threshold. It is possible to stimulate hair development by increasing the quantity and specificity of these cells. Surprisingly, DPCs function similarly to comparable cells during wound healing, which is crucial for hair development. Scientists say hair development and wound healing are comparable because they need exact coordination among different biological processes. Cell migration, cell differentiation, and cell proliferation are all phases. Cells differentiate into distinct kinds of cells and divide and multiply.

Hair follicle (HF) stem cells and differentiation-promoting cells (DPCs) work together to transition hair follicles from the dormant telogen phase to the active anagen phase. Signaling substances secreted by DPCs are involved in these interactions. This is an attempt to reproduce the mechanism by which certain immune cells promote the proliferation and differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells via the secretion of signaling molecules. Both scenarios include signaling molecules that promote the development of tiny blood arteries called capillaries by interacting with the cells that line these vessels, known as epithelial cells. Such molecules include Notch, bone morphogenetic protein, and the sonic hedgehog protein. Hair follicles go from the dormant to the active anagen phase with the help of this improved nutrient supply. Thymosin beta-4 has been suggested to improve the expression patterns of growth factors linked with wound healing.

While the preceding description of the hair follicle may be a little abstract, the main idea is that the hair development cycle is a multi-organ process regulated by changes in hormones and signaling molecules. Researchers are using the parallels between hair development and wound healing as a framework to comprehend the latter better. Specifically, this model sheds light on the reasons for TB 500’s potential in controlling hair growth.

Studies on Follicle Growth

There is some data suggesting that the peptide GHK-Cu, which stands for “gly-his-lys copper peptide,” may improve skin cell function and stimulate hair growth. Potential properties may include less inflammation and an upregulation of growth factor expression in certain areas. There is speculation that copper peptides, of which GHK-Cu is a part, may decrease inflammation and promote cell proliferation. Research has also been conducted into the possibility that copper peptides, including copper tripeptide-1, might promote hair development. Possible mechanisms of action include stimulating the growth of the dermal papilla cells and enlarging the size of hair follicles.

Researchers have looked at the possibility that the peptide acetyl tetrapeptide-3 might promote the anagen phase of the hair development cycle, leading to thicker and denser hair. By prolonging the growth phase, it may create more robust hair, research suggests.

Researchers have also considered hexapeptide-11 due to its potential to promote cell proliferation in hair follicles and increase the production of growth factors, both considered to stimulate hair growth.

Researchers interested in learning more about peptides for hair growth may do so by navigating to the corepeptides.com website.

References

[i] W. E. Contributors, “The Basics of Hair Loss,” WebMD. webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/understanding-hair-loss-basics (accessed Sep. 05, 2023).

[ii] B. Dai, R.-N. Sha, J.-L. Yuan, and D.-J. Liu, “Multiple potential roles of thymosin β4 in the growth and development of hair follicles,” J. Cell. Mol. Med., vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 1350–1358, Feb. 2021, doi: 10.1111/jcmm.16241.

[iii] P. S. Bajoria et al., “Comparing Current Therapeutic Modalities of Androgenic Alopecia: A Literature Review of Clinical Trials,” Cureus, vol. 15, no. 7, p. e42768, Jul. 2023, doi: 10.7759/cureus.42768.

[iv] M. K. Cook, B. N. Feaster, J. J. Subash, J. Larrondo, and A. J. McMichael, “Use of low-level light therapy in management of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia: A case series of four patients,” Photodermatol. Photoimmunol. Photomed., Aug. 2023, doi: 10.1111/phpp.12905.

[v] D. M. Sondagar, H. H. Mehta, R. S. Agharia, and M. K. Jhavar, “Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Androgenetic Alopecia – A Randomized Controlled Trial,” Int. J. Trichology, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 25–32, 2023, doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_5_22

[vi] M. Li, K. Qu, Q. Lei, M. Chen, and D. Bian, “Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia: A Meta-Analysis,” Aesthetic Plast. Surg., Aug. 2023, doi: 10.1007/s00266-023-03603-9.

[vii] W. J. Lee, H. B. Sim, Y. H. Jang, S.-J. Lee, D. W. Kim, and S.-H. Yim, “Efficacy of a Complex of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine Peptide on Hair Growth,” Ann. Dermatol., vol. 28, no. 4, pp. 438–443, Aug. 2016, doi: 10.5021/ad.2016.28.4.438.

[viii] S. Lueangarun and R. Panchaprateep, “An Herbal Extract Combination (Biochanin A, Acetyl tetrapeptide-3, and Ginseng Extracts) versus 3% Minoxidil Solution for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-week, Prospective, Randomized, Triple-blind, Controlled Trial,” J. Clin. Aesthetic Dermatol., vol. 13, no. 10, pp. 32–37, Oct. 2020.