In vitro and clinical evaluation of umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stromal cell‐conditioned media for hair regeneration
Caroline Mathen, Wilfrid Dsouza
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The field of regenerative medicine may present a non-drug, non-steroid, and non-invasive alternative toward addressing male and female pattern hair loss, a global concern. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to carry out the in vitro and in vivo safety and efficacy evaluation of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cell-conditioned media (MSC-CM) for hair regeneration. METHODS: Various in vitro parameters were used to estimate the consistency across various batches of MSC-CM. Total protein content was measured by the Biuret method and antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was used to determine spectral signatures and biocompatibility was carried out by the Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) and Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays. In vivo safety and efficacy was evaluated in an experimental pilot study on 15 volunteers. RESULTS: value could be derived at 100% concentration indicating safety at the cellular level. The in vivo results indicated safety with no side effects or adverse reactions, while 86.6% of the subjects experienced a positive effect of hair regeneration. CONCLUSION: MSC-CM comprises a rich cocktail of physiologically balanced growth factors, cytokines, and beneficial proteins which may explain the bioactivity and mechanism of action in hair regrowth. This may indicate a biocompatible, gentle, and safe regenerative approach to address hair loss.