Vitamin c and hair growth
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The Role of Vitamin C in Hair Growth
Vitamin C and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ASCs)
Enhancing ASC Proliferation and Survival
Vitamin C has been shown to significantly enhance the survival and proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). This effect is mediated through the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2), which facilitates the uptake of vitamin C into ASCs. The increased proliferation is primarily driven by the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, specifically through ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Inhibition of this pathway has been found to attenuate the proliferation of ASCs, indicating its crucial role in the process.
Gene Expression and Hair Growth Promotion
Vitamin C upregulates the expression of several proliferation-related genes, including Fos, E2F2, Ier2, Mybl1, Cdc45, JunB, FosB, and Cdca5. Knockdown of Fos using siRNA significantly decreases the proliferation of ASCs induced by vitamin C. Additionally, vitamin C-treated ASCs have been shown to accelerate the telogen-to-anagen transition in mice, a critical phase in the hair growth cycle. Conditioned medium from these treated ASCs also increases hair length and the number of Ki67-positive matrix keratinocytes in hair organ culture, further supporting the role of vitamin C in promoting hair growth.
Vitamin C and Dermal Papilla Cells (DPCs)
Comparative Effects with Silymarin
In studies comparing the effects of silymarin and vitamin C on dermal papilla cells (DPCs) isolated from the human scalp, vitamin C has been found to be more effective in stimulating cell proliferation. Both silymarin and vitamin C increase total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reduce levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and COX2. However, vitamin C demonstrates a superior ability to stimulate DPCs, which are crucial for hair follicle development and growth.
Vitamin C Deficiency and Hair Growth
Effects on Gene Expression and Hair Cycle
Research using SMP-30/GNL knockout mice, which are deficient in vitamin C, has revealed significant insights into the role of vitamin C in hair growth. RNA sequencing of skin samples from these mice showed that vitamin C deficiency leads to the differential expression of 1,736 genes, many of which are involved in cell growth and the hair cycle. The deficiency was associated with increased cell death and cytotoxicity, and a delay in hair growth. Supplementation with vitamin C in these mice promoted hair growth and improved the expression of keratin-related genes and the Sonic hedgehog gene, which are essential for hair follicle development.
Conclusion
Vitamin C plays a multifaceted role in promoting hair growth through its effects on both adipose-derived stem cells and dermal papilla cells. It enhances cell proliferation, upregulates key growth-related genes, and supports the hair growth cycle. Deficiency in vitamin C can lead to delayed hair growth and increased cell death, highlighting the importance of adequate vitamin C levels for maintaining healthy hair. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which vitamin C influences hair growth and to explore its potential in hair restoration therapies.
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