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.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

hDPCs exposed to 70 Hz ELF-EMFs at intensities from 5 to 100 G for four days showed significantly increased expression of anagen-related molecules (collagen IV, laminin, ALP, versican). An intensity of 10 G was reported as most potent for promoting hDPC proliferation and increasing β-catenin, Wnt3α, and GSK-3β/ERK/Akt phosphorylation.

Outcomes measured

• Expression of anagen-related molecules (collagen IV, laminin, ALP, versican)
• hDPC activation and proliferation
• β-catenin expression
• Wnt3α expression
• GSK-3β/ERK/Akt phosphorylation

Limitations

• In vitro study in human dermal papilla cells; findings may not translate to clinical outcomes in humans
• No sample size reported in the abstract

{
    "study_type": "in_vitro",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "4 days"
    },
    "population": "Human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) in vitro",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Expression of anagen-related molecules (collagen IV, laminin, ALP, versican)",
        "hDPC activation and proliferation",
        "β-catenin expression",
        "Wnt3α expression",
        "GSK-3β/ERK/Akt phosphorylation"
    ],
    "main_findings": "hDPCs exposed to 70 Hz ELF-EMFs at intensities from 5 to 100 G for four days showed significantly increased expression of anagen-related molecules (collagen IV, laminin, ALP, versican). An intensity of 10 G was reported as most potent for promoting hDPC proliferation and increasing β-catenin, Wnt3α, and GSK-3β/ERK/Akt phosphorylation.",
    "effect_direction": "benefit",
    "limitations": [
        "In vitro study in human dermal papilla cells; findings may not translate to clinical outcomes in humans",
        "No sample size reported in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields",
        "ELF-EMF",
        "PEMF",
        "70 Hz",
        "gauss",
        "dermal papilla cells",
        "alopecia",
        "hair growth",
        "anagen",
        "β-catenin",
        "Wnt3α",
        "GSK-3β",
        "ERK",
        "Akt"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

Comments

Log in to comment.

No comments yet.