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Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Derivation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells by Immunosurgery
Published on: December 13, 2007
Finasteride Enhances Stem Cell Signals of Human Dermal Papilla Cells
Napapat Rattanachitthawat1,2, Tatchakorn Pinkhien3, Praneet Opanasopit1,2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, Sanamchan Palace Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
Background/Aim:
Finasteride (FN) has been widely used to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA). This study aimed at exploring the effect of FN on DP stem cell properties.
Materials And Methods:
Effect of FN on stem cell properties was tested in a DP cell line and 2 human primary DP cells (HDPCs1 and HDPCs2). Cell toxicity and growth were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The aggregation behavior was observed by phase-contrast microscopy and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Effects of FN on cell signaling were determined by western blotting and immunocytochemistry.
Results:
Treatment of DPCs with FN was able to significantly increase their aggregation behavior and the expression of stem cell transcription factors Nanog and Sox-2, when compared to the non-treated control. FN up-regulated stem cell regulatory proteins through the activation of protein kinase B (AKT), β-catenin, and integrin-β1.
Conclusion:
FN had an interesting biological effect on stem cell induction. These findings support the use of this drug for hair loss control and the development of regeneration approaches.
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