Minoxidil Promotes Hair Growth in a Mouse Model of Telogen Effluvium Induced by Lipopolysaccharide

Telogen effluvium (TE) refers to a transient hair loss condition due to the global and premature transition of scalp hair follicles from the anagen to the telogen phase of the hair cycle leading to excessive hair loss, which is triggered by a variety of physical/emotional stress, including severe infectious diseases. Because of its self-healing nature, attempts to develop remedies for TE have rarely been conducted; still the demand for TE treatment exists as the condition can significantly impair the quality of life of affected individuals. This study aims to establish a mouse model of TE induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and evaluate the therapeutic effects of topical minoxidil (tMXD), an established hair growth-promoting medication. Mice had their dorsal hairs plucked to induce anagen transition and were administered LPS. LPS elicited a condition mimicking a cytokine storm with increases in interleukin-6 levels and neutrophil counts. Accelerated transition of hair follicles into telogen was observed in LPS-treated mice. Intriguingly, tMXD accelerated hair regrowth in LPS-treated mice, resulting in earlier achievement of complete hair regrowth compared to controls. In aggregate, a previously unreported TE mouse model is established, and its use supports the ameliorative effect of tMXD on TE.