The possible effect of Adipose-derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells on Hair Growth in rat model of Androgenic Alopecia: Histological and Immunohistochemical Study
Keywords:
Androgenic Alopecia, Stromal Vascular Fraction, Hair Follicle Regeneration, Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis.Abstract
Background: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a common progressive hair loss condition that is mostly mediated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In this context, Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells are capable of restoration hair follicle structure and promoting hair growth as they contain regenerative and immunomodulatory cells.
Aim: the study investigated the therapeutic effect of SVF using a rat model of androgenic alopecia.
Materials and Methods: 60 male albino rats were separated into 4 groups: group I (control; subdivided into Ia negative control and Ib positive control injected with SVF), group II (testosterone-induced alopecia), group III (SVF-treated), and group IV (recovery). Alopecia was induced by daily subcutaneous testosterone injection for three weeks. Group III subsequently received a single injection of 2 × 10⁶ SVF cells. Skin and serum samples were obtained for histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analysis.
Results: Alopecia-group (group II) resulted in follicular miniaturization, epidermal thinning, and disruption of collagen fibers in the dermis. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated weak Ki-67 and strong activated caspase-3 expression, while biochemical analysis revealed increased serum level of testosterone, malondialdehyde (MDA), and DKK1 with decreased glutathione (GSH) and WNT3l levels. SVF-treated rats (group III) displayed marked improvement of epidermal thickness, follicular architecture and collagen organization. SVF also attenuated caspase-3 overexpression, increased Ki-67 proliferative activity, it resulted in decreased oxidative stress along with significant correction of androgen- and WNT-related biochemical alterations, bringing them near-control levels.
Conclusion: In androgen-induced alopecia, adipose-derived SVF demonstrated strong regenerative, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant properties, underscoring its potential as a novel therapeutic approach for hair follicle regeneration.
