I have discussed the related fat cells, adipose tissue, adipocytes, adipose derived stem cells (ADSC) and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) numerous times on this blog. The connection between hair loss and scalp fat loss has been studied for decades. Now it is time to discuss lipids and hair loss.
The Role of Lipids in Promoting Hair Growth
In October 2024, Dr. Junji Fukuda and his Fukuda Lab team published an interesting new study that is still in preprint. It is titled:
“The role of lipids in promoting hair growth through HIF-1 signaling pathway.”
The researchers found that:
- Lipid metabolism was attenuated (i.e., reduced) in the scalp tissues of patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
- Lipid supplementation in a culture medium upregulated human hair growth-related genes and promoted the proliferation of dermal papilla cells.
- Lipids accelerated the elongation of hair-shaft-like structures in hair follicle organoids.
- Lipids promote hair growth through hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling. HIF-1a-mediated trichogenic gene activation via lipid treatment could be a target for treating hair loss.
Note that the impact of lipid metabolism on hair biology has been studied for many years. However, the Fukuda team has made a new discovery in regards to the connection with HIF-1 signaling.
There is significant overlap between fat cells, adipose tissue, adipocytes and lipids, and it can get confusing. According to this source:
“The term “fat” may refer to lipids as well as the cells and tissue that store lipid (ie, adipocytes and adipose tissue). Lipid” is derived from “lipos,” which refers to animal fat or vegetable oil. Adiposity refers to body fat and is derived from “adipo,” referring to fat. Adipocytes and adipose tissue store the greatest amount of body lipids, including triglycerides and free cholesterol.”
Interestingly, the authors mention that abnormalities of lipid metabolism have been reported to be associated with various diseases, including cardiovascular disease. And male-pattern baldness has also been connected to early onset heart disease.
The Unique Characteristics of Balding Scalps
Besides lipid metabolism differences in balding scalps, it is also worth noting that:
- Hair loss and scalp fat loss seem to be correlated per a number of studies, including this one from 1954.
- A 2021 study from Japan found that sebum, triglyceride and palmitic acid contents were higher in the scalps of Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia.
- Also of interest, increased levels of PGD2 and reduced levels of PGE2 have been observed in the scalps of men suffering from AGA.
- Balding scalps tend to have higher levels of androgen receptors.
- Hair loss is linked to increased arrector pili muscle destruction on the scalp.
- A famous 2011 study from the US found that bald scalps retain hair follicle stem cells. However, they lack CD200-rich and CD34-positive hair follicle progenitor cells.
