Novel effect of sildenafil on hair growth

Hye-In Choi; Bo-Mi Kang; Jeehee Jang; Sungjoo Tommy Hwang; Ohsang Kwon

doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.09.164

Novel effect of sildenafil on hair growth

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2018 Nov 2;505(3):685-691. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.09.164. Epub 2018 Oct 3.

Authors

Hye-In Choi¹, Bo-Mi Kang¹, Jeehee Jang¹, Sungjoo Tommy Hwang², Ohsang Kwon³

Affiliations

¹ Laboratory of Cutaneous Aging and Hair Research, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Human Environment Interface Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
² Dr. Hwang's Hair-Hair Clinic, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
³ Laboratory of Cutaneous Aging and Hair Research, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Human Environment Interface Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: oskwon@snu.ac.kr.

PMID: 30292404
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.09.164

Abstract

Background: Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, is known to increase the intracellular level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which causes vasodilation. However, the effect of sildenafil on human hair follicles (hHFs) is unknown.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the role of sildenafil in hair growth.

Methods: We investigated the expression of PDE5 in human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and hHFs. The effects of sildenafil on hDPC proliferation were evaluated using BrdU assays. The mRNA expression of growth factors and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation were investigated using real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. Additionally, anagen induction and perifollicular vessel formation were evaluated using an in vivo mice model.

Results: We confirmed high expression of PDE5 in hDPCs and hHFs. Sildenafil enhances proliferation of hDPCs and up-regulates the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which are responsible for hair growth. Additionally, sildenafil up-regulates the levels of phosphorylated ERK and accelerates anagen induction by stimulating perifollicular vessel formation after topical application in mice.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates for the first time, the significant therapeutic potential of sildenafil on hair growth and its potential use in treatment of alopecia.

Keywords: Hair growth; Hair loss; Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor; Sildenafil.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Cell Proliferation / drug effects
Cells, Cultured
Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5 / genetics
Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5 / metabolism
Dermis / cytology
Dermis / drug effects*
Dermis / metabolism
Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / metabolism
Female
Gene Expression / drug effects
Hair / drug effects
Hair / growth & development
Hair Follicle / cytology
Hair Follicle / drug effects*
Hair Follicle / metabolism
Humans
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / pharmacology*
Phosphorylation / drug effects
Sildenafil Citrate / pharmacology*

Substances

Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors
Sildenafil Citrate
Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases
Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5
PDE5A protein, human