ABSTRACT:
Octadecyldimethylamine oxide (C18DAO), an amphiphilic quaternary ammonium compound, was investigated as a potential promoter of hair growth. The research analyzed both the physicochemical properties of surface films and their bioactive effects on cultured hair follicle dermal papilla cells of human origin at low micromolar concentrations. Exposure to C18DAO promoted cell proliferation, upregulated the production of fibroblast growth factors FGF-7 and FGF-10, and stimulated hair follicle elongation in organ culture. Immunochemical analysis revealed the activation of key signaling pathways, including ERK, AKT, and CREB, as well as increased levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. In vivo experiments using C57BL/6 mice showed that topical application of C18DAO accelerated the transition into the anagen phase and promoted more rapid hair regrowth. These findings indicate that C18DAO can enhance the regenerative capacity of hair follicles and may serve as a promising candidate for the development of novel topical therapies for alopecia. Moreover, the amphiphilic nature of C18DAO, which enables it to form highly ordered molecular films and interact with cell membranes, is likely a key factor in initiating proliferative and trophic signaling within the dermal papilla microenvironment. Further research is warranted to assess its long-term safety, determine precise molecular targets, and evaluate its therapeutic efficacy in clinical settings.