I also found this, are there any existing TGF blocker on the market that we can use for hair loss? Perhaps minox + DHT inhibitor + TGF inhibitor may work?
Role of TGF-2 in the human hair cycle
Toshihiko Hibino , and Toshio Nishiyama 1
Shiseido Life Science Research Center, 2-12-1 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku,
Yokohama 236-8643, Japan
Received 21 November 2002; accepted 5 December 2003. Available
online 2 April 2004.
Abstract
Male pattern baldness is the result of premature entry into catagen
due to androgens. In order to prevent hair loss, it is important to
understand two critical steps, i.e., the induction mechanism of
premature entry and the regression process of catagen. At the
initiation, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) stimulates synthesis of
transforming growth factor-2 (TGF-2) in dermal papilla cells. TGF-2
suppresses proliferation of epithelial cells and stimulates synthesis
of certain caspases. Then TGF-2 triggers the intrinsic caspase network
and subsequently epithelial cells are eliminated through apoptotic
cell death. TGF- antagonists are effective in preventing catagen-like
morphological changes and in promoting elongation of hair follicles in
vivo and in vitro.
These lines of evidence strongly suggest the
presence of a “catagen cascade” in male pattern baldness, involving:
(1) the conversion of testosterone to DHT by type II 5–reductase; (2)
the synthesis of TGF-2 in dermal papilla cells; and (3) the activation
of the intrinsic caspase network. These sequential events contribute
to the shortening of the human hair cycle.
Author Keywords: Author Keywords: TGF-; Hair cycle; Catagen induction;
Apoptosis; Caspase
TGF-, transforming growth factor-; TUNEL, terminal
deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin
nick end labeling
Corresponding author. Tel.: +81-45-788-7277; fax: +81-45-788-7289.
1 Present address: Department of Matrix Biology, Tokyo University of
Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo
183-8509,