Application of MEC1 in preparation of drug for preventing and treating hair graying, hair loss, and related diseases

Abstract

An application of MEC1 in the preparation of a drug for preventing and treating hair graying, hair loss, and related diseases. MEC1 intervention can significantly improve the problems of hair graying and hair loss, and specifically improves melanocyte stem cell and hair follicle stem cell functions, activates hair follicle stem cells, promotes hair follicle regeneration, promotes hair melanogenesis and melanin deposition, and has a very positive effect on preventing and treating hair graying, hair loss, and related hair problems. Moreover, MEC1 is not only effective via internal administration routes, but also exhibits excellent efficacy in preventing and treating hair graying and hair loss via topical administration routes. Therefore, MEC1 offers great application value in the development of drugs and related products for preventing and treating hair graying, hair loss, and related diseases.

Description

Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs for the prevention and treatment of gray hair, hair loss and related diseases Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of pharmaceutical technology. More specifically, it relates to the application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs for the prevention and treatment of gray hair, hair loss, and related diseases. Background Technology

[0002] Gray hair and hair loss are major hair problems plaguing modern people, and the trend is increasingly affecting younger people. Gray hair, also known as achromotrichia or canities, refers to the partial or complete whitening of hair. It is a natural phenomenon related to aging and is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Irradiation, especially ionizing radiation, is one of the external environmental factors that cause hair to turn gray.

[0003] Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are adult stem cells that remain quiescent in vivo but exhibit remarkable proliferative capacity when cultured in vitro. Studies have found that HFSCs possess multi-directional differentiation potential, capable of differentiating into hair follicles; while melanocyte stem cells (McSCs), distributed adjacent to HFSCs, can differentiate into mature melanocytes, thus imparting pigment to hair. HFSCs and melanocyte stem cells are fundamentally and closely related to hair problems such as gray hair and hair loss, representing a new direction for the treatment of gray hair, hair loss, and related hair disorders.

[0004] Currently, there are many reported medications for treating hair loss on the market, but their effectiveness is generally unsatisfactory. Medications for treating gray hair are scarce, and their effectiveness is also unsatisfactory. Furthermore, the market lacks medications that can simultaneously prevent and treat both gray hair and hair loss. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to develop drugs that can prevent and treat gray hair, hair loss and related hair diseases.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide the application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs for the prevention and treatment of gray hair, hair loss and related diseases.

[0007] The above-mentioned objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0008] Radiation-induced hair graying and aging share many similarities in molecular and cellular mechanisms. Radiation can induce cellular senescence (inducing cells to enter a senescent state, affecting the function and regeneration capacity of melanocyte stem cells and hair follicle stem cells), affect melanin production pathways (irradiation affects the function of melanocytes, interfering with the synthesis and distribution of melanin), and cause DNA damage to melanocytes and hair follicle stem cells. Therefore, this invention uses C57BL / 6 mice with naturally black hair as experimental animals to construct an animal model for research on gray hair and hair loss treatment using radiation induction.

[0009] Studies have shown that MEC1 intervention can significantly improve gray hair and hair loss in mice. MEC1 intervention can improve the function of melanocyte stem cells and hair follicle stem cells, promote hair follicle regeneration, and promote hair pigment production and deposition, which has a very positive effect on the prevention and treatment of gray hair, hair loss and related hair problems.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention provides:

[0011] Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs for the prevention and treatment of gray hair or related diseases.

[0012] Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs for the prevention and treatment of hair loss or related diseases.

[0013] Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs for the prevention and treatment of gray hair, hair loss and related diseases.

[0014] Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs that improve the function of hair follicle stem cells.

[0015] Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs that improve the function of melanocyte stem cells.

[0016] Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs that improve the function of melanocyte stem cells and hair follicle stem cells.

[0017] Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs that activate hair follicle stem cells.

[0018] Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs that promote hair follicle regeneration.

[0019] Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs that promote hair pigmentation and deposition.

[0020] Our research shows that MEC1 can prevent and treat gray hair, hair loss, and / or hair-related diseases through at least one of the following: a-e

[0021] a. Improves the function of hair follicle stem cells

[0022] b. Activate hair follicle stem cells,

[0023] c. Promotes hair follicle regeneration

[0024] d. Improves the function of melanocyte stem cells.

[0025] e. Promotes the production and deposition of hair pigment.

[0026] Therefore, MEC1 has the advantage of working from the root of hair follicle stem cells and melanocyte stem cells in the prevention and treatment of gray hair, hair loss and hair-related diseases, and is therefore suitable for gray hair and hair loss problems caused by various reasons.

[0027] The aforementioned related diseases include gray hair, folliculitis, androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, diffuse alopecia, telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium, scarring alopecia, alopecia caused by syphilis, iron deficiency alopecia, alopecia caused by thyroid dysfunction, systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, and traction alopecia.

[0028] Canities Prematura: Premature graying of hair, which may be caused by genetics, malnutrition, stress or other factors.

[0029] Folliculitis: An infection of the hair follicles that can lead to hair loss.

[0030] Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss and is related to genetics and androgen levels.

[0031] Alopecia areata: an autoimmune disease that causes sudden, patchy hair loss.

[0032] Diffuse alopecia can be caused by a variety of factors, including malnutrition, endocrine disorders, or side effects of medications.

[0033] Telogen effluvium: Hair loss caused by a large number of hair follicles simultaneously entering the resting phase due to physiological or psychological stress.

[0034] Anagen effluvium: usually caused by drugs such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which affect the hair growth cycle.

[0035] Cicatricial alopecia: Permanent hair loss caused by damage to hair follicles, such as burns, trauma, or certain inflammatory skin diseases.

[0036] Syphilis-related hair loss: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause hair loss.

[0037] Iron deficiency alopecia: hair loss caused by iron deficiency.

[0038] Hair loss due to thyroid disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause hair loss.

[0039] Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): an autoimmune disease that can cause hair loss.

[0040] Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE): can cause localized hair loss and scarring.

[0041] Traction alopecia: Hair loss caused by prolonged tension on the hair, such as by wearing tight hairstyles.

[0042] In addition, in clinical practice, MEC1 can be used in combination with other existing drugs for the prevention and treatment of gray hair, hair loss and related diseases, and can be combined with pharmaceutical excipients to form various dosage forms.

[0043] Therefore, the present invention also provides a drug for preventing and treating gray hair, hair loss and related diseases, comprising MEC1, and also comprising other drugs for preventing and treating gray hair, hair loss and related diseases besides MEC1, and / or pharmaceutical excipients.

[0044] This invention demonstrates that MEC1 exhibits excellent efficacy in preventing and treating gray hair and hair loss not only when administered orally but also when administered topically. Therefore, the drug can be administered orally or topically, and the excipients can be selected according to the drug dosage form.

[0045] As an alternative specific implementation, the dosage form of the internal medicine can be an oral formulation or an injectable formulation.

[0046] As an alternative preferred embodiment, the dosage form of the topical medicine is preferably a dosage form that can deliver the medicine into the dermis through the skin, such as a hyaluronic acid injection or microneedling.

[0047] Based on the research of this invention, a new method for preventing and treating gray hair and / or hair loss and related diseases is provided, the method comprising administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a drug or preparation containing MEC1 as an active ingredient.

[0048] In this method, the drug or preparation can be either an oral or topical preparation.

[0049] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0050] This invention, using radiation-induced C57BL / 6 mice as experimental animals, shows that MEC1 intervention can effectively treat radiation-induced hair whitening. MEC1 intervention has a very positive effect on improving the function of melanocyte stem cells and hair follicle stem cells, activating hair follicle stem cells, promoting hair follicle regeneration, promoting hair pigment production and deposition, and improving gray hair, hair loss and related hair problems.

[0051] This invention demonstrates that MEC1 exhibits excellent efficacy in preventing and treating gray hair and hair loss when administered topically, not only when taken orally.

[0052] This invention provides a new drug option for the prevention and treatment of gray hair, hair loss and related diseases, and also expands the indications for MEC1 molecules, which has great clinical value and significance. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 is a flowchart of the irradiation and drug administration protocol for mice in the MEC1 prevention and treatment of gray hair and hair loss experiment; Figure A is the PBS control group, and Figure B is the MEC1 treatment group.

[0054] Figure 2 shows the experimental results of MEC1 in preventing gray hair and hair loss; Figure A shows the hair condition of mice in the PBS control group, Figure B shows the hair condition of mice that were completely effective after MEC1 treatment, and Figure C shows the hair condition of all mice after MEC1 treatment.

[0055] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the experimental grouping and timeline for Example 3; the upper figure is the saline treatment group (control group), and the lower figure is the MEC1 treatment group (treatment group).

[0056] Figure 4 shows the hair observation results of the MEC1 treatment group and the control group in Example 3; Figure A shows the hair morphology of the saline-treated control mice at 2 months, all mice showed gray-white hair; Figure B shows the hair morphology of the mice that fully responded to MEC1 treatment at 2 months, the hair remained dark black; Figure C shows the hair morphology of the saline control group mice 6.5 months after drug withdrawal, the hair turned completely white; Figure D shows the hair morphology of the MEC1-treated group mice 6.5 months after drug withdrawal, the hair still remained dark black.

[0057] Figure 5 shows HE morphological photographs of skin tissue from mice in the MEC1 treatment group and the control group in Example 3.

[0058] Figure 6 shows the results of flow cytometry analysis of the proportion of hair follicle stem cells and melanocyte stem cells in single cells of skin tissue from mice in the MEC1 treatment group and the control group in Example 3.

[0059] Figure 7 shows the experimental results of topical administration of water-light to the skin of mice with gray hair in Example 4. Embodiments of the present invention

[0060] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but the embodiments do not limit the present invention in any way.

[0061] Unless otherwise specified, the reagents, methods and equipment used in this invention are conventional reagents, methods and equipment in this technical field.

[0062] Unless otherwise specified, all reagents and materials used in the following examples are commercially available.

[0063] The structural formula of the compound MEC1 of this invention is as follows (CN117586235A):

[0064]

[0065] The compound MEC1 used in the following examples was provided by Professor Wen Longping of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital.

[0066] The bone marrow cells used to construct the animal models were all derived from wild-type C57BL / 6 mice.

[0067] Example 1: Animal Model Construction

[0068] Radiation-induced hair graying shares many similarities with aging in terms of molecular and cellular mechanisms. Furthermore, irradiation induces cells into a senescent state, affecting the function and regenerative capacity of melanocyte stem cells and hair follicle stem cells, causing DNA damage to melanocytes and hair follicle stem cells, impacting melanocyte function, interfering with melanin synthesis and distribution, and increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative damage. This makes radiation-induced hair graying in mice a valuable research model. (See reference: "Irradiation-induced hair graying in mice: an experimental model to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions targeting oxidative stress, DNA damage prevention, and cellular senescence," GeroScience, Vol. 46, pp. 3105-3122, (2024).) The C57BL / 6 mouse is a widely used experimental mouse strain in biomedical research. C57BL / 6 mice possess naturally black hair, making them an ideal model for studying hair pigmentation and graying. Furthermore, the relatively simple and clear genetic background of C57BL / 6 mice helps reduce interference from genetic variations in studies, resulting in more consistent and reproducible experimental results. The relatively stable hair growth cycle of C57BL / 6 mice facilitates precise control of experimental time points to observe the effects of irradiation on the hair growth cycle. As a standardized experimental animal model, the C57BL / 6 mouse has been widely used in various biological and pathological studies, including research on the effects of radiation.

[0069] Therefore, this invention selects to irradiate C57BL / 6 mice with a lethal dose of ionizing radiation (X-rays) and transplant bone marrow cells to maintain the mice's survival and healthy immune system, while maximizing the (cleaning) damage to melanocyte stem cells and hair follicle stem cells to simulate human hair turning white and hair loss problems.

[0070] The specific method is as follows: 10-week-old male C57BL / 6 mice were irradiated with a lethal dose of 8 Gy (RS2000, X-ray irradiator), and 4 x 10 E7 wild-type bone marrow cells were transplanted on the same day after irradiation.

[0071] Example 2: MEC1 Experiment for the Prevention and Treatment of Gray Hair and Hair Loss

[0072] The animal model constructed in Example 1 was treated with MEC1, and PBS treatment was set up as a control group.

[0073] 1. The method is shown in Figure 1.

[0074] Drug preparation: MEC1 is in powder form. Weigh it and dissolve it in DMSO to prepare a stock solution of 10 mg / mL. For intraperitoneal injection, dissolve it in 1% TW-80 physiological saline (filter if necessary) and inject 100 μL into each mouse intraperitoneally.

[0075] Dosing regimen: Mice were administered the day after irradiation and transplantation of 4 x 10 E7 wild-type bone marrow cells.

[0076] MEC1 treatment group: Each mouse was injected intraperitoneally with 4 μg of MEC1 once a day for one month. In the second month, the administration was changed to every other day.

[0077] PBS control group: MEC1 drug solution was injected instead of PBS physiological buffer as a control group.

[0078] The MEC1 treatment group consisted of 6 mice, and the PBS control group consisted of 3 mice.

[0079] The mice's activity level, diet, and sleep patterns were subsequently observed.

[0080] 2. The results are shown in Table 1 and Figure 2.

[0081] In the PBS control group, the fur of all three mice showed obvious whitening, and this phenomenon persisted without improvement.

[0082] In contrast, the problem of graying hair in the MEC1 treatment group mice was significantly improved, with no mice showing gray hair, indicating that MEC1 can effectively improve the problem of graying hair and prevent gray hair.

[0083] Table 1. Summary of hair observation results in mice in the MEC1 treatment group and PBS control group after drug treatment.

[0084]

[0085] In addition, compared with the PBS control group, the hair loss problem in the MEC1 treatment group mice was also significantly improved.

[0086] Studies have shown that MEC1 intervention can significantly improve gray hair and hair loss problems. It can improve the function of melanocyte stem cells and hair follicle stem cells, activate hair follicle stem cells, and promote hair follicle regeneration, which has a very positive effect on the prevention and treatment of gray hair, hair loss and related hair problems.

[0087] Example 3: MEC1 Experiment for the Prevention and Treatment of Gray Hair and Hair Loss

[0088] (a) Animal models

[0089] An animal model was constructed using the method described in Example 1.

[0090] In a combined whole-body irradiation (IR) and bone marrow transplantation (BMT) approach, C57BL / 6 mice were first exposed to a lethal dose of radiation to damage the function of their melanocyte stem cells and hair follicle stem cells, resulting in white hair; and bone marrow transplantation was performed immediately after irradiation to rebuild the hematopoietic system.

[0091] (II) Experimental grouping and dosing regimen

[0092] MEC1 solution preparation: Weigh MEC1 and dissolve it in DMSO to obtain a stock solution of 10 mg / mL. For intraperitoneal injection, dissolve in 1% TW-80 physiological saline (filter if necessary).

[0093] The experimental grouping and timeline are shown in Figure 3.

[0094] MEC1 treatment group: Each mouse was injected with 4 μg of MEC1 intraperitoneally, and each mouse was injected with 100 μL of MEC1 intraperitoneally.

[0095] Saline treatment group: MEC1 injection was replaced with normal saline and served as the control group.

[0096] Dosing regimen: Mice were administered the following day after irradiation and bone marrow transplantation, for two consecutive months. For the first two weeks of the first month, administration was once daily; for the remaining two weeks and the second month, administration was every other day. Mice's activity level, diet, and sleep patterns were monitored after administration.

[0097] The medication was discontinued two months after administration, and the patient was observed for 6.5 months.

[0098] (III) Hair observation

[0099] Hair growth patterns were photographed at 2 months and again after a 6.5-month follow-up period, as shown in Figure 4.

[0100] Efficacy: Compared with the saline control group which showed gray hair (Figure A), MEC1 completely restored the radiation-induced hair whitening and kept the hair dark black (Figure B).

[0101] Durability: At 6.5 months after drug withdrawal, MEC1-treated mice still retained black fur (Fig. D), while saline-treated mice turned completely white (Fig. C).

[0102] Conclusion: MEC1 effectively prevents and treats hair graying caused by radiation damage, and its effect is long-lasting. These results suggest that MEC1 could be a novel treatment strategy for hair graying and pigmentary disorders.

[0103] (iv) Morphological observation of HE

[0104] 1. Method

[0105] Hair follicle tissue fixation and paraffin embedding: After mice were sacrificed at the experimental endpoint, full-thickness skin tissue (including epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat) was harvested from the back according to predetermined anatomical landmarks. The size of the tissue block was generally controlled to be approximately 2cm × 2cm to ensure adequate fixation and dehydration. The specimen was immediately placed in pre-cooled 4% paraformaldehyde and fixed at 4°C for 12–24 h. After fixation, the tissue was thoroughly washed in PBS, and then dehydrated, cleared, and paraffin-embedded according to standard histological methods: sequentially dehydrated with 70%, 80%, 95%, and 100% ethanol, each step for 30–60 min; cleared twice with xylene, 20–30 min each time; and then immersed in melted paraffin at 60°C 2–3 times, 30–60 min each time. The tissue was arranged according to the long axis of the hair follicle to prepare paraffin-embedded blocks to obtain longitudinal sections of the hair follicle. Paraffin blocks were sectioned to a thickness of 4–5 μm, laid on glass slides, and baked at 60°C for 1–2 h to promote tissue adhesion and remove excess paraffin.

[0106] HE staining: Paraffin sections were dewaxed twice with xylene for 10 min each time, then rehydrated in 100%, 95%, 80%, and 70% ethanol for 2–5 min each, and finally placed in distilled water for staining. Sections were stained in hematoxylin working solution for approximately 5–8 min, rinsed with running tap water, and then rapidly differentiated for a few seconds in 0.5–1% hydrochloric acid-alcohol solution if necessary. After rinsing again with tap water, they were bluing in a weakly alkaline blue solution for 30–60 s. They were then rinsed with tap water, placed in 80%–95% ethanol for 1–2 min to remove excess water, and then counterstained with 0.5%–1% eosin working solution for 1–3 min. After counterstaining, they were dehydrated in 95% and 100% ethanol for 2–3 min each, cleared with xylene for 2–5–10 min, and finally mounted with neutral resin. The stained sections were observed and photographed under an optical microscope (e.g., 10× or 20× objective lens).

[0107] 2. The results are shown in Figure 5:

[0108] (1) Morphological description - hairball area:

[0109] The number of hair follicles in the dermis of the saline control group was relatively small, mostly located in the middle and superficial layers, and their size was relatively small. They were mostly miniaturized or in a non-growth phase. The hair matrix cell layer was relatively thin, and the cells were not arranged densely.

[0110] In the MEC1 experimental group, a significant increase in the number and size of hair follicles were observed in the dermis and subcutaneous fat. Some hair follicles could be longitudinally cut into the subcutaneous fat layer, and most of them were large, round or oval hair bulbs. The hair matrix cells were arranged in multiple layers and the stromal cells and dermal papilla structures were clearer, showing a typical anagen phase change. The entire hair bulb area was fuller.

[0111] (2) Pigment formation and deposition (melanin in the hair bulb and hair shaft):

[0112] In the saline control group, almost no obvious melanin granules were visible in the hair shaft and hair bulb, indicating that pigment production and deposition were weakened or disappeared.

[0113] In the MEC1 experimental group, more dark brown fine particles were visible at the hair bulb and near the hair shaft, distributed along the hair shaft cortex / medulla, indicating a significant increase in melanin; the hair shafts of several large hair follicles were darkly stained, with the pigment bands extending continuously upwards, and the overall pigment load was significantly higher than that of the control group.

[0114] Conclusion: Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed a significant increase in the number and volume of hair follicle bulbs, more active hair matrix cell proliferation, and significantly enhanced melanin granule deposition in the hair bulb and hair shaft, indicating improved hair follicle ratio and pigment production capacity during the growth phase. This demonstrates that MEC1 activates hair follicle stem cells and melanocyte stem cells in the skin, thereby promoting hair follicles to enter and maintain the growth phase and enhancing their pigment production capacity, resulting in an overall increase in the number and size of hair follicles, fuller hair bulbs, and deeper pigmentation in the hair shaft.

[0115] (v) Flow cytometry analysis to detect the proportion of hair follicle stem cells and melanocyte stem cells

[0116] 1. Mouse skin flow cytometry experiment method

[0117] (1) Experimental objective: Take mouse skin, dissociate and stain it, and use a machine to detect the viability of dissociated cells, the proportion of melanocyte stem cells and hair follicle stem cells, and estimate the number of dissociated cells to facilitate subsequent sorting and sample delivery.

[0118] (2) Preparation of experimental reagents and consumables

[0119] ① Instruments: scissors, forceps, scalpel, ice pack, pipettes (1mL, 200μL, 10μL), small centrifuge;

[0120] ② Consumables: EP tubes (1.5mL, 5mL), centrifuge tubes (50mL, 15mL), filters (70mL). m, 40 m), gauze, pipette tips (1ml, 200μl, 10μl), petri dish.

[0121] ③Reagents: PBS, EDTA enzyme, FBS, skin antibody

[0122] (3) Information on mice collected: Weigh and record the mice, and mark the collection order.

[0123] (4) Sample collection: Skin cell dissociation:

[0124] ① Measure skin area: approximately 4 square centimeters;

[0125] ② Soak and wash once with PBS, then scrape off the subcutaneous fat tissue with a scalpel in clean PBS;

[0126] ③ After washing, place the skin in a 5ml centrifuge tube containing 3ml of 0.25% trypsin-EDTA and digest it on a shaker at 37℃ for 1 hour;

[0127] ④ Stop digestion with 2mL PBS (2% FBS), transfer to a 6cm culture dish, scrape off skin cells with a scalpel, thoroughly pipette, filter into a 15ml EP tube using a 70um filter, and collect the single-cell suspension;

[0128] ⑤ After centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 5 min, discard the supernatant and wash once with 2 ml of PBS;

[0129] ⑥ After centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 5 min, resuspend in PBS to 200 μl and keep on ice for later use;

[0130] ⑦ Take three 1.5ml EP tubes, label them as blank tube, fully stained tube, and 7-AAD tube, and aliquot them with single-cell suspension (Table 2):

[0131] Table 2

[0132]

[0133] (5) Whole-tube staining (Table 3):

[0134] Table 3

[0135]

[0136] ① After mixing the single-cell suspension with the antibody, incubate at 4°C for 40 min;

[0137] ② Wash once with 1 ml PBS, centrifuge at 3000 rpm for 5 min, and discard the supernatant;

[0138] ③ Resuspend in 300μL PBS, filter through a 40µm filter, and then run on the instrument.

[0139] (6) BD-ARIA2 flow cytometer sorting system operation:

[0140] ① Add 3 μl of 7-AAD to a 7-AAD tube, incubate at room temperature for 10 minutes, and then load the tube onto the instrument to detect cell viability.

[0141] ② Use the whole-stain tubes to detect the number and percentage of target cells: calculate the percentage of hair follicle stem cells (% Single cells) and the percentage of melanocyte stem cells (% Single cells).

[0142] Hair follicle stem cells: CD45 - CD140a - Sca1 - CD34 + α6 +

[0143] Melanocyte stem cells: CD45 - CD140a - Sca1 - CD34 - α6 med c-kit +

[0144] 2. The results are shown in Figure 6:

[0145] The proportion of melanocyte stem cells and hair follicle stem cells (total skin cells) in the MEC1-treated group was significantly higher than that in the control group. This indicates that MEC1 can promote the regeneration of melanocyte stem cells and hair follicle stem cells.

[0146] Example 4: MEC1 topical treatment for gray hair

[0147] 1. Experimental Method:

[0148] Gray hair model construction: As shown in Figure 7, a gray hair animal model was constructed according to the method in Example 1. Four months after irradiation and bone marrow transplantation, the hair on the backs of the mice turned very noticeably gray-white.

[0149] MEC1 drug formulation for hyaluronic acid injection: MEC1 drug solution is filled into a hyaluronic acid injection (Haifeel 6th generation from Korea, product model hs179).

[0150] Administration: After removing the hair from the back of white-haired mice, the mice were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and then administered MEC1 via transdermal injection into the dermis in the lower left quadrant of the back (circled in yellow in Figure 7). The dosage of MEC1 was 4 μg per mouse per day (refer to the intraperitoneal dosage). In the control group, MEC1 was administered via physiological saline instead of MEC1 in the lower right quadrant of the back (circled in green in Figure 7).

[0151] Administer the medication every other day. Observe the growth and color changes of the mice's fur daily.

[0152] The medication was administered for a total of five weeks. After the administration was completed, the hair growth status of the mice was recorded and photographed three weeks after the end of the administration period using a skin and hair follicle analyzer (Mriya, product model SR-2306).

[0153] 2. Experimental Results

[0154] The results showed that four months after irradiation, the fur on the backs of mice (mouse ID49 and 50) turned gray.

[0155] After administration, compared with the saline group (lower right quadrant of the back, circled in green), mice treated with MEC1 (lower left quadrant of the back, circled in yellow) showed a significant increase in new black hair growth. This indicates that MEC1, when applied topically to the skin, also has a very good effect on promoting black hair growth and can achieve a very good therapeutic effect on gray hair.

[0156] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs for the prevention and treatment of gray hair and / or hair loss.

2. Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs for the prevention and treatment of hair-related diseases.

3. Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs that improve the function of hair follicle stem cells and / or melanocyte stem cells.

4. Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs that activate hair follicle stem cells.

5. Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs that promote hair follicle regeneration.

6. Application of MEC1 in the preparation of drugs that promote hair pigmentation and deposition.

7. The application according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hair-related diseases mentioned include gray hair, folliculitis, androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, diffuse alopecia, telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium, scarring alopecia, alopecia caused by syphilis, iron deficiency alopecia, alopecia caused by thyroid dysfunction, systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, or traction alopecia.

8. The application according to any one of claims 1-2 and 7, characterized in that, MEC1 achieves its effects in preventing and treating gray hair, hair loss, and / or hair-related diseases through at least one of the following a~e: a. Improves the function of hair follicle stem cells b. Activate hair follicle stem cells, c. Promotes hair follicle regeneration d. Improves the function of melanocyte stem cells. e. Promotes the production and deposition of hair pigment.

9. A medicine for preventing and treating gray hair and / or hair loss and related diseases, characterized in that, It contains MEC1 and excipients.

10. A method for preventing and treating gray hair and / or hair loss and related diseases, characterized in that, This includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of a drug or preparation containing MEC1 as an active ingredient to a subject.

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