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Akkermansia muciniphila promotes testosterone-mediated hair growth inhibition in mice
Eunyoung Lee1, Daedong Kim1,2, Hyo-Deok Seo1
1Aging and Metabolism Research Group Korea Food Research Institute Wanju-gun Jeollabuk-do Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
The beneficial effects of Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) on gut health and inflammation reduction have been demonstrated; however, scientific evidence of hair growth enhancement by Akk has not been reported. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Akk on improving testosterone-mediated hair growth inhibition. Hair growth inhibition was induced through subcutaneous injection of testosterone into the shaved dorsal skin of C57BL/6 male mice. Live and pasteurized Akk were orally administered at a concentration of 1 × 108 colony-forming unit. After 5 weeks, hair length and skin tissues were analyzed. The live and pasteurized Akk significantly stimulated hair growth, countering the inhibitory effect of testosterone compared to the testosterone-alone group. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed a significant increase in hair follicle size in the Akk-treated group. An increase in β-catenin levels, which are associated with hair growth and cell cycle progression, was also observed. Moreover, the Akk-treated group exhibited increased levels of fibroblast growth factors, including Fgf7, Igf1, Fgf7, Fgf10, and Fgf21. However, no significant difference was observed between the live and pasteurized Akk groups. These results underscore the potential of live and pasteurized Akk in improving testosterone-mediated hair growth inhibition.
Insights
Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) supplementation significantly promotes hair growth by counteracting testosterone
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) is known for its gut health benefits.
- Scientific evidence for Akk's hair growth-promoting effects is lacking.
- Testosterone is known to inhibit hair growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) in mitigating testosterone-induced hair growth inhibition.
- To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of Akk's effect on hair follicles.
Main Methods:
- Testosterone was administered to induce hair growth inhibition in C57BL/6 male mice.
- Live and pasteurized Akk were orally administered.
- Hair length, skin tissues, and molecular markers (β-catenin, FGFs) were analyzed after 5 weeks.
Main Results:
- Both live and pasteurized Akk significantly stimulated hair growth, opposing testosterone's inhibitory effect.
- Akk treatment led to increased hair follicle size and elevated β-catenin levels.
- Fibroblast growth factors (FGF7, IGF1, FGF10, FGF21) were upregulated in Akk-treated mice.
Conclusions:
- Akkermansia muciniphila demonstrates potential in enhancing hair growth and counteracting testosterone-mediated inhibition.
- Both live and pasteurized Akk show comparable efficacy.
- The study highlights Akk's role in modulating hair follicle activity and growth factor expression.
