Periplaneta americana (L.) extract exerts therapeutic effects on androgenic alopecia mice by regulating Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K-Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways
Description
Androgenic alopecia (AGA), the most common form of hair loss globally, often sees limited success with current treatments due to high costs and insufficient efficacy, highlighting the need for safer, more effective solutions. Recent studies suggest that Periplaneta americana (PA) exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-repair properties, making it a potential candidate for AGA treatment. PA-011, a derivative of PA, demonstrated significant hair growth-promoting effects in AGA mouse models. Using LC-MS/MS, peptidomics, and network pharmacology, we analyzed PA-011's composition and predicted its AGA treatment targets. An AGA model was created by injecting DHT into C57BL/6J mice, followed by PA-011 application. Hair growth, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers were assessed via ELISA and skin section staining. Ki67 and TUNEL immunofluorescence evaluated cell proliferation and apoptosis, while western blot and RT-qPCR validated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed PA-011's multi-target effects, including activation of Wnt/β-catenin, modulation of PI3K-Akt and MAPK pathways, and regulation of pentose phosphate metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis. PA-011 reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, enhanced hair follicle vitality, promoted cell proliferation, and significantly improved hair growth in AGA mice. These findings suggest PA-011 as a promising AGA therapeutic, warranting further investigation.