Targeted Cetirizine Transferosomes Enhance Hair Growth and `IGF-1`/`VEGF` Expression in Mice

Androgenetic alopecia is a prevalent condition affecting individuals globally, often impacting social life. Current standard-of-care treatments, such as minoxidil, are associated with undesirable side effects like facial hypertrichosis. Cetirizine (CET), a common antihistamine, has shown potential to induce hair growth by increasing prostaglandin E2 expression. This study explores a novel transferosomal delivery system for cetirizine to improve its efficacy and reduce systemic side effects, addressing a critical gap in current alopecia management.

Researchers developed and optimized several cetirizine formulations incorporated into transferosomes (TFS), focusing on their physicochemical properties. The most effective CET-TFS formulation was then evaluated for its hair growth-promoting potential in vivo using mice. The study assessed hair growth visually and quantified insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and protein levels using methods like qPCR and ELISA in the treated mice compared to controls.

The optimized CET-TFS formulation significantly enhanced hair growth in mice. This pro-growth effect was correlated with substantial increases in key growth factors. Specifically, the treatment stimulated high levels of IGF-1 mRNA and protein, which are crucial for hair follicle development and proliferation. Furthermore, CET-TFS also significantly increased VEGF mRNA and protein levels, indicating improved vascularization and nutrient supply to the hair follicles. These findings collectively suggest that targeted delivery of cetirizine effectively modulates the local microenvironment of hair follicles. > The observed increases in IGF-1 and VEGF expression provide a mechanistic basis for the enhanced hair growth, positioning CET-TFS as a promising candidate for alopecia treatment.