Effect of tofacitinib on the expression of noggin/BMP-4 and hair growth stimulation in mice.

Many hair loss disorders, including non-scaring alopecia, are caused by the arrest of hair follicles at the telogen phase, and the failure to enter the growth phase. Several studies report the efficacy of tofacitinib in promoting hair growth, by mechanisms not precisely known. The aim of this study was to identify other mechanisms by which tofacitinib, applied topically, promotes hair growth. The results showed that histopathological studies in mice treated topically with tofacitinib increased number of hair follicles, ratio of hair follicles in anagen phase, and length of hair infundibulum, and a reduced interfollicular epidermal thickness, compared to DMSO-treated mice. RT-PCR experiments showed significant increases in the expression of noggin (P < 0.05) and BMP4 (P < 0.05) mRNAs, which were greater than those in the vehicle-controlled group. Moreover, the expression of noggin and BMP4 mRNAs was significantly higher in the tofacitinib-treated group than in the minoxidil-treated group. This study would help understand the efficacy and mechanism by which tofacitinib, applied topically, triggers noggin and BMP4 mRNA expression, both being important molecules involved in the onset of the growth phase of hair growth cycles.

Efficacy of topical tofacitinib in promoting hair growth in non-scarring alopecia: possible mechanism via VEGF induction.

Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) inhibitor that promotes hair growth; however, the efficacy and mechanism of this effect are not yet understood. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of topical tofacitinib on hair growth in mice. Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided equally into four groups and treated topically with tofacitinib, minoxidil, or vehicle once daily for 21 days. Weekly photographs were taken to determine the area and rate of hair growth, and tissue samples were collected for histopathological evaluation. mRNA and protein expression of anagen-maintaining growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), were determined via RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Tofacitinib-treated mice exhibited more hair regrowth than either minoxidil-treated or control mice did between day 7 and 21 (P < 0.05). Topical tofacitinib also promoted more rapid hair growth rate than topical minoxidil or control did (P < 0.001). Histopathology showed a distinct increase in the number of hair follicles, mostly in the anagen phase, in the tofacitinib-treated group. Hair follicles in the minoxidil- and vehicle-treated groups were more often classified as catagen and anagen. VEGF mRNA and protein expression in the tofacitinib-treated group was significantly greater than those in the other groups (P < 0.05). IGF-1 mRNA expression was not upregulated in tofacitinib-treated mice. Topical tofacitinib is effective in promoting hair growth, and the possible mechanism involves increased VEGF levels and lowered inflammation. This study will help develop a new therapeutic option for non-scarring alopecia.