Abstract

Prostaglandin metabolism is involved in the regulation of the periodic process of hair follicles. Preliminary research data reported that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) exhibits potential in hair growth. However, the relevant evidence is still insufficient. Herein, we prepared a PGE2 matrix by conjugating PGE2 with collagen via crosslinkers to avoid rapid degradation of PGE2 molecules in vivo . First, we measured the physical properties of the PGE2 matrix. A mouse model of hair loss was established, and PGE2 matrix subcutaneous injection was applied to evaluate hair growth. Under different treatments with the PGE2 matrix, the morphology of hair follicles, the dynamic expression of hair follicle stem cell markers and key regulators in the hair growth cycle were explored. Our data revealed that the PGE2 matrix increased the proportion of developing hair follicles at the early growth stage. Improvements in hair follicle stem cells, such as Sox9+ and Lgr5+ cells, have also been confirmed as therapeutic effects of PGE2 to stimulate hair follicle growth. Our study indicated that PGE2 exhibits effective roles in hair development during anagen. Furthermore, the results also highlight the potential of the PGE2 delivery system as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hair disorders in the future.