Urolithin A improves mitochondrial dysfunction induced by oxidative stress in human dermal papilla cells

Hair loss is a psychologically debilitating condition affecting social interactions. Despite extensive research, current interventions are transient and provide limited efficacy. Emerging evidence highlights that oxidative stress, resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction, impairs hair growth and disrupts hair cycle regulation. Urolithin A (UA), known to enhance mitochondrial function via mitophagy activation, has not yet been studied for its protective effects against hair loss. Here, we investigate whether UA protects against oxidative stress and promotes hair growth by restoring mitochondrial function in human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and clinical cases. hDPCs were subjected to H2O2 to induce oxidative stress and treated with various UA concentrations. Protective effects were assessed via mitochondrial function, morphology, apoptosis assays and Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity. Clinical evaluation involved measuring hair root volume and shedding rates following topical UA application. UA treatment improved mitochondrial function, reduced cell death under oxidative stress conditions, and activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling by increasing Wnt and β-catenin expression in hDPCs. Clinically, UA application led to increased hair root volume and decreased hair shedding. These dual effects on mitochondrial function and Wnt/β-catenin signaling highlight the potential of UA as a novel intervention for hair loss management.