Histological Investigation of the Effect of Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells on Androgenic Alopecia in Rats Model

Background: Androgen-induced hair loss is considered a prevalent condition that progressively worsens over time. It is characterized by follicular miniaturization and dermal changes. Current therapeutic options remain limited and often unsatisfactory. Adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells possess regenerative and antioxidant properties that may promote hair follicle regeneration. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the histological changes induced by testosterone within a rodent experimental framework that mimics androgen-driven alopecia and to assess the possible restorative effect of SVF cells. Materials and Methods: Sixty male albino rats were divided into four groups: group I (control), group II (Alopecia-induced group); received subcutaneously administered testosterone over a period of three weeks, while Group III (SVF therapy group) was provided with testosterone followed by solitary injection delivering 2 × 10⁶ SVF cells and group IV (Recovery follow-up group); received testosterone then left untreated). Skin specimens from the dorsal region were processed for histological (H&E) examination Results: Alopecia- induced group (II) showed epidermal thinning, follicular miniaturization, degeneration of hair follicles. In contrast, the SVF therapy group (III) demonstrated marked restoration of epidermal thickness, hair follicle structure, and dermal architecture, approaching the normal pattern of the control group. Conclusion: SVF cell therapy significantly improved the histological alterations associated with testosterone-induced androgenic alopecia, suggesting a potential role in follicular regeneration.