14127 KB0 KB199220252025Kawen, Ahmed Abdulhusseinletnik:34številka:iss. 1str. 7-12DOI:10.15570/actaapa.2025.5ISSN:1318-4458COBISSID_HOST:260113923URN:URN:NBN:SI:doc-52I46PY6enSlovene Welding SocietyActa dermatovenerologica Alpina, Pannonica et Adriaticaandrogenetic alopeciaandrogenetska alopecijaangiogeneza lasnih mešičkovhair follicle angiogenesishair regrowthoral minoxidilperoralni minoksidilponovna rast lasvascular endothelial growth factorvaskularni endotelijski rastni faktorEffects of oral minoxidil on serum VEGF and hair regrowth in androgenetic alopecia|Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair loss condition characterized by follicular miniaturization. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role in promoting angiogenesis and supporting hair follicle growth. Oral minoxidil has been suggested to upregulate VEGF levels, enhancing hair regrowth. Methods: This prospective study included 50 participants divided into two groups: oral minoxidil (1 mg/day; n = 25) and control (n = 25). Serum VEGF levels were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Hair growth parameters, including hair count, diameter, shedding, and pull test results, were assessed systematically. Results: Baseline VEGF levels were similar between groups (p = 0.1873). Post-treatment, VEGF levels increased significantly in the minoxidil group (217.88 ± 22.65 pg/ml vs. 142.81 ± 23.14 pg/ml in the control, p < 0.0001). Hair count and diameter improved significantly (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0040, respectively), with reductions in shedding and pull test results (p < 0.0001). Positive correlations were observed between VEGF and hair count (r = 0.9965), whereas shedding showed negative correlations (r = -0.5374). Conclusions: Oral minoxidil significantly enhances VEGF levels, promoting hair growth and reducing shedding. VEGF serves as a promising biomarker for assessing treatment effectiveness and understanding the angiogenic mechanisms involved in AGATEXTznanstveno časopisjejournalsSlovenian National E-content AggregatorNational and University Library of SloveniaZdruženje slovenskih dermatovenerologov