Sodium pentaborate pentahydrate promotes hair growth through the Wnt/?-catenin pathway and growth factors

Abstract

Background: Boron (B) is an element involved in many physiological processes in humans and accelerates wound healing and increases angiogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of sodium pentaborate pentahydrate (NaB) on hair growth and reveal its effects on Wnt-1, beta-catenin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) signaling pathways, which are important molecular mechanisms involved in hair growth. Methods: Thirty-five Sprague-Dawley/Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups: non-shaved control, shaved control, NaB 1 mg (shaved + NaB 1 mg elemental B/kg CA), NaB 2 mg (shaved + NaB 2 mg elemental B/kg CA), and NaB 4 mg (shaved + NaB 4 mg elemental B/kg CA). Hair density was measured using the trichoscopy method. Dorsal skin samples were examined histopathologically at the end of the 42nd day, and follicle count, follicle diameter, and subcutaneous tissue thickness were recorded. Wnt-1, beta-catenin, PDGF, VEGF, TGF-beta(1), and collagen I levels were analyzed with the Western blot method. Results: In trichoscopy measurements, hair density increased in the NaB 4 mg group (90.9%). In histopathological examination, anagen follicles were observed to increase in the NaB 1 mg and 2 mg groups (p < 0.05). Follicle diameter increased in all NaB groups (p < 0.05). The Wnt-1, beta-catenin, PDGF, VEGF, TGF-beta(1), and collagen I level increased in the NaB 1 mg and 2 mg groups (p < 0.05), but they were similar in the NaB 4 mg group compared to the control groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: NaB 1 and 2 mg B/kg supplementation induces the anagen phase in rats via Wnt-1, beta-catenin, VEGF, PDGF, and TGF-beta 1 signaling pathways. NaB 4 mg B/kg suppresses these pathways and adversely affects hair growth.