Recently, several growth factors related to the hair
growth cycle have been reported [9—14]. In this
experiment, we used semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis
to search for growth factors that were affected
by the A. radix extract.We measured the expression
levels of IGF-1, KGF, HGF, VEGF (stimulating effect
on hair growth), and TGF-b1 (inhibitory effect on
hair growth). There were no significant changes in
the growth factor expression of HaCaT cells
(Fig. 5A). However, when the DP cells were treated
with the A. radix extract at dosages of 0.000001%
and 0.00001%, the level of VEGF mRNA expression
increased significantly at the indicated time-points.
(Fig. 5B). To further verify the induction of VEGF
mRNA alternative spliced form, we performed realtime
PCR analysis. A. radix extract (0.00001%)
increased the VEGF 121 and VEGF 165 mRNA level
by 129% and 126%, respectively, 24 h after treatment,
as compared to control group (Fig. 5C).