Scientists in Taiwan have discovered that fatty acids can awaken dormant hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. The results were published in the journal Cell Metabolism.
Fatty acids are cell building blocks and energy sources found in fat. Researchers have observed that when the skin is slightly irritated, fat cells begin to break down stored fat and release monounsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic acid. These substances are absorbed by the stem cells of the hair follicle, the cells that form new tissue, and activate them.
Scientists explain that this is when mitochondria, the tiny structures inside cells responsible for energy production, are activated. Increased mitochondrial activity generates signals that stimulate follicle growth.
In tests on mice, simply applying fatty acids to the skin resulted in new hair growth in just 10-20 days. When the researchers blocked the process of fat breakdown, the growth stopped, confirming the key role of this mechanism.
Scientists call the discovery an example of "metabolic communication" between fat and stem cells. the exchange of substances between them causes the natural regeneration of tissues. According to the authors, the new mechanism may be the basis for the development of a new generation of safe, non-hormone-disrupting treatments for hair loss.
Translation by Euromedia24.com
