Synergistic Effects of Taurine and Caffeine on Regulation of the Hair Cycle: Composition of Bioactives Against Premature Hair Loss

摘要

Hair is an attribute of health, youth and attractiveness. Therefore, premature hair loss often is indicative for the well-being of the affected persons. The focus of this study was to identify bioactive substances which counteract premature hair loss by targeted support of the anagen phase of the hair cycle. Therefore, we implemented a test strategy comprising a novel three-dimensional organotypic tissue model of the human dermal papilla for in vitro screening purposes and anoninvasive method to validate the effects in vivo. In the screening approach physiological changes after stimulation with caffeine, taurine or combinations of both were described by analyzing the gene expression of typical anagen and catagen markers (HCT and IGTBP-3) as well as the release of the anagen associated growth factor HGF. These results revealed synergistic effects of caffeine and taurine in terms of anagen-stimulatory processes assuming an elongation ofthe anagen phase. This was additionally supported by analyzing changes in the molecular profiles of anagen-associated HGF protein release and catagen-associated IGFBP-3 gene expression in the plucked hair follicle in vivo after using products containing the active combination. Both methods support the assumption that combination of caffeine and taurine in a hair care composition positively influences hair growth and reduces premature hair loss.