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Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023Alopecia areata is managed with oral corticosteroids, which has known side effects for patients. Given that a topical application of formulations containing a corticoid...
Alopecia areata is managed with oral corticosteroids, which has known side effects for patients. Given that a topical application of formulations containing a corticoid and a substance controlling hair loss progression could reduce or eliminate such adverse effects and increase the patient's adherence to the treatment, this study prepares polymeric and lipidic nanoparticles (PNPs and NLCs) to co-entrap minoxidil and betamethasone and compares the follicular drug delivery provided by topical application of these nanoparticles. The prepared PNPs loaded 99.1 ± 13.0% minoxidil and 70.2 ± 12.8% betamethasone, while the NLCs entrapped 99.4 ± 0.1 minoxidil and 80.7 ± 0.1% betamethasone. PNPs and NLCs presented diameters in the same range, varying from 414 ± 10 nm to 567 ± 30 nm. The thermal analysis revealed that the production conditions favor the solubilization of the drugs in the nanoparticles, preserving their stability. In in vitro permeation studies with porcine skin, PNPs provided a 2.6-fold increase in minoxidil penetration into the follicular casts compared to the control and no remarkable difference in terms of betamethasone; in contrast, NLCs provided a significant (specifically, a tenfold) increase in minoxidil penetration into the hair follicles compared to the control, and they delivered higher concentrations of betamethasone in hair follicles than both PNPs and the control. Neither PNPs nor NLCs promoted transdermal permeation of the drugs to the receptor solution, which should favor a topical therapy. Furthermore, both nanoparticles targeted approximately 50% of minoxidil delivery to the follicular casts and NLCs targeted 74% of betamethasone delivery to the hair follicles. In conclusion, PNPs and NLCs are promising drug delivery systems for enhancing follicular targeting of drugs, but NLCs showed superior performance for lipophilic drugs.
PubMed: 37765130
DOI: 10.3390/ph16091322 -
Pharmaceutics Jan 2022Androgenetic alopecia is a multifactorial condition characterized by noticeable hair loss, affecting both men and women and representing a debilitating and chronic... (Review)
Review
Androgenetic alopecia is a multifactorial condition characterized by noticeable hair loss, affecting both men and women and representing a debilitating and chronic disorder that considerably affects the quality of life. Available topical treatments based on minoxidil or finasteride require repeated applications and are associated with a certain number of adverse effects. The challenges associated with current treatments pave the way for the research of new therapeutic strategies, more precise and selective, and capable of providing long-term results. In this context, the present review examines the new proposed formulation strategies to deliver 5-α-reductase inhibitors in order to obtain a targeted drug delivery, for improving drug retention at the site of action in the hair follicle, contemporaneously reducing drug systemic absorption, which is the cause of important adverse effects. In particular, the research will be focused on the several aspects that influence the performance of nanostructured drug delivery systems in creating a depot in the hair follicles, such as particle size, surface charge, excipients, and combined application with external stimuli (infrared radiation, mechanical massage, ultrasounds application).
PubMed: 35214018
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020286 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Feb 2024To investigate the effectiveness and safety of combination of 655 nm low level laser helmet device with topical 2 % minoxidil solution at FPHL in Chinese population. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparative efficacy of 2% minoxidil alone against combination of 2% minoxidil and low-level laser therapy in female pattern hair loss-A randomized controlled trial in Chinese females.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the effectiveness and safety of combination of 655 nm low level laser helmet device with topical 2 % minoxidil solution at FPHL in Chinese population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Randomized, parallel, controlled, single-blind clinical trial was conducted. FPHL subjects were randomly allocated into 2 % minoxidil group and combination group. The 2 % minoxidil group received 1 ml topical 2 % minoxidil solution twice daily for 24 weeks. The combination group received 1 ml topical 2 % minoxidil solution twice daily together with 20 min 655 nm low-level laser helmet once every other day for 24 weeks. Hair parameters in two scalp areas including midscalp and vertex were evaluated at baseline, 12th week and 24th week.
RESULTS
In midscalp area, the combination group showed a lower increase in intermediate hair percentage than 2 % minoxidil group, which was statistically significant. Besides, the combination group had statistically significant increase than 2 % minoxidil group in mean hair diameter. Reported relative adverse events included slightly hair loss (27.8 %), desquamation (19.0 %), pruritus (15.2 %), seborrhea (2.5 %) and hypertrichosis (2.5 %).
CONCLUSION
In our trial, LLLT was demonstrated as a useful supplementary treatment for FPHL and the combination with 2 % minoxidil accomplished better improvement in intermediate hair enlargement and hair diameter of midscalp for FPHL.
Topics: Female; Humans; Minoxidil; Low-Level Light Therapy; Single-Blind Method; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Alopecia; Scalp; China
PubMed: 38211777
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.103966 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023ATP-sensitive-K+ channels (KATP) are involved in diseases, but their role in cancer is poorly described. Pituitary macroadenoma has been observed in Cantu' syndrome...
ATP-sensitive-K+ channels (KATP) are involved in diseases, but their role in cancer is poorly described. Pituitary macroadenoma has been observed in Cantu' syndrome (C.S.), which is associated with the gain-of-function mutations of the and genes. We tested the role of the /Sur1, /Sur2A/B, /Kir6.2, and /Kir6.1 genes experimentally in a minoxidil-induced renal tumor in male rats and in the female canine breast cancer, a spontaneous animal model of disease, and in the pharmacovigilance and omics databases. We performed biopsies from renal tissues of male rats ( = 5) following a sub-chronic high dosing topical administration of minoxidil (0.777-77.7 mg/kg/day) and from breast tissues of female dogs for diagnosis ( = 23) that were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Pharmacovigilance and omics data were extracted from EudraVigilance and omics databases, respectively. An elevated immunohistochemical reactivity to Sur2A-mAb was detected in the cytosol of the Ki67+/G3 cells other than in the surface membrane in the minoxidil-induced renal tumor and the breast tumor samples. , and genes are upregulated in cancers but is downregulated. The Kir6.2-Sur2A/B-channel opener minoxidil showed 23 case reports of breast cancer and one case of ovarian cancer in line with omics data reporting, respectively, and the negative and positive prognostic roles of the gene in these cancers. Sulfonylureas and glinides blocking the pancreatic Kir6.2-Sur1 subunits showed a higher risk for pancreatic cancer in line with the positive prognostic role of the gene but low risks for common cancers. Glibenclamide, repaglinide, and glimepiride show a lower cancer risk within the KATP channel blockers. The Kir6.2-Sur1 opener diazoxide shows no cancer reactions. An elevated expression of the Sur2A subunit was found in proliferating cells in two animal models of cancer. Immunohistochemistry/omics/pharmacovigilance data reveal the role of the Kir6.1/2-Sur2A/B subunits as a drug target in breast/renal cancers and in C.S.
PubMed: 37180726
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1115543 -
Cells Mar 2021During infection or certain metabolic disorders, neutrophils can escape from blood vessels, invade and attach to other tissues. The invasion and adhesion of neutrophils...
During infection or certain metabolic disorders, neutrophils can escape from blood vessels, invade and attach to other tissues. The invasion and adhesion of neutrophils is accompanied and maintained by their own secretion. We have previously found that adhesion of neutrophils to fibronectin dramatically and selectively stimulates the release of the free amino acid hydroxylysine. The role of hydroxylysine and lysyl hydroxylase in neutrophil adhesion has not been studied, nor have the processes that control them. Using amino acid analysis, mass spectrometry and electron microscopy, we found that the lysyl hydroxylase inhibitor minoxidil, the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor doxycycline, the PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitors wortmannin and the Akt1/2 inhibitor and drugs that affect the actin cytoskeleton significantly and selectively block the release of hydroxylysine and partially or completely suppress spreading of neutrophils. The actin cytoskeleton effectors and the Akt 1/2 inhibitor also increase the phenylalanine release. We hypothesize that hydroxylysine release upon adhesion is the result of the activation of lysyl hydroxylase in interaction with matrix metalloproteinase, the PI3K/Akt pathway and intact actin cytoskeleton, which play important roles in the recruitment of neutrophils into tissue through extracellular matrix remodeling.
Topics: Amino Acids; Apoptosis; Humans; Hydroxylysine; Neutrophils
PubMed: 33807594
DOI: 10.3390/cells10030563 -
International Journal of Trichology 2023Topical minoxidil is used for treating different hair disorders. Even though it is an effective therapy, many patients show poor compliance due to the cost, side... (Review)
Review
Topical minoxidil is used for treating different hair disorders. Even though it is an effective therapy, many patients show poor compliance due to the cost, side effects, and duration of treatment. Topical minoxidil is the mainstay treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Recently, low alcohol or alcohol-free topical minoxidil formulation has proven to be an alternative for patients suffering from AGA, including those with poor compliance with other therapies. Thus, the current article provides the positioning of low alcohol or alcohol-free topical minoxidil to manage AGA in Indian clinical practice.
PubMed: 37305189
DOI: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_54_22 -
Cureus Apr 2023Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is frequently encountered in dermatological practice; however, there is a lack of approved treatment. At present, only three...
The Efficacy and Safety of Dr. SKS Hair Booster Serum (a Cocktail of Micronutrients and Multivitamins) in Adult Males and Females With Androgenetic Alopecia: An Open-Label, Non-randomized, Prospective Study.
Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is frequently encountered in dermatological practice; however, there is a lack of approved treatment. At present, only three therapies have been approved for on-label use in androgenetic alopecia: minoxidil, finasteride, and lower-level laser therapy. Micronutrients are primary elements in the normal hair follicle cycle, and their role in androgenetic alopecia is a growing matter of research nowadays. This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Dr. SKS Hair Booster Serum, a cocktail of micronutrients and multivitamins (copper, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, and biotin), in male and female patients with androgenetic alopecia. Methods We did an open-label, non-randomized, multicenter, prospective study across five hair clinic chains in India (Mumbai, Hyderabad, Jabalpur, Balaghat, and Nagpur). Eligible participants were patients with a confirmed diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia based on clinical examination and trichoscopic findings, age of 18 years or older, and any gender. Each patient received Dr. SKS Hair Booster Serum, 1 ml in volume, once a month by mesotherapy or derma roller/derma pen for up to six months. All patients were subjected to a 60-second hair count test (comb test), hair pull test, global photographic assessment (GPA), trichoscopy assessment, patient self-assessment questionnaire, and safety assessment at baseline and six months after the treatment. Results One thousand patients (500 males and females each) with androgenetic alopecia were analyzed. There was a significant reduction in hair fall with bulb (<0.0001) and without bulb (<0.0001) six months after the treatment versus baseline. There was a significant improvement in the number of hairs removed per pull (<0.0001), global photographic assessment score (<0.0001), hair growth rate (<0.0001), follicular hair density (<0.0001), vellus hair density (<0.0001), and terminal hair density (<0.0001) six months after the treatment versus baseline. The majority of patients (95%) were satisfied with six-month treatment of Dr. SKS Hair Booster Serum. No major adverse events were reported during the study. Conclusion Dr. SKS Hair Booster Serum was found to be a safe and effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia, with 95% patient self-assessment score.
PubMed: 37182050
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37424 -
Chinese Medicine May 2022Alopecia affects millions of individuals globally, with hair loss becoming more common among young people. Various traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) have been used...
BACKGROUND
Alopecia affects millions of individuals globally, with hair loss becoming more common among young people. Various traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) have been used clinically for treating alopecia, however, the effective compounds and underlying mechanism are less known. We sought to investigate the effect of Alpinetin (AP), a compound extracted from Fabaceae and Zingiberaceae herbs, in hair regeneration.
METHODS
Animal model for hair regeneration was mimicked by depilation in C57BL/6J mice. The mice were then topically treated with 3 mg/ml AP, minoxidil as positive control (PC), or solvent ethanol as vehicle control (VC) on the dorsal skin. Skin color changes which reflected the hair growth stages were monitored and pictured, along with H&E staining and hair shaft length measurement. RNA-seq analysis combined with immunofluorescence staining and qPCR analysis were used for mechanism study. Meanwhile, Gli1; R26R and Lgr5; R26R transgenic mice were used to monitor the activation and proliferation of Gli1+ and Lgr5+ HFSCs after treatment. Furthermore, the toxicity of AP was tested in keratinocytes and fibroblasts from both human and mouse skin to assess the safety.
RESULTS
When compared to minoxidil-treated and vehicle-treated control mice, topical application of AP promoted anagen initiation and delayed catagen entry, resulting in a longer anagen phase and hair shaft length. Mechanistically, RNA-seq analysis combined with immunofluorescence staining of Lef1 suggested that Lgr5+ HFSCs in lower bulge were activated by AP via Wnt signaling. Other HFSCs, including K15+, Lef1+, and Gli1+ cells, were also promoted into proliferating upon AP treatment. In addition, AP inhibited cleaved caspase 3-dependent apoptosis at the late anagen stage to postpone regression of hair follicles. More importantly, AP showed no cytotoxicity in keratinocytes and fibroblasts from both human and mouse skin.
CONCLUSION
This study clarified the effect of AP in promoting hair regeneration by activating HFSCs via Wnt signaling. Our findings may contribute to the development of a new generation of pilatory that is more efficient and less cytotoxic for treating alopecia.
PubMed: 35637486
DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00619-2 -
Biomolecules & Therapeutics Jan 2023Mainly due to the slanted focus on the mechanism and regulation of neuronal aging, research on astrocyte aging and its modulation during brain aging is scarce. In this...
Mainly due to the slanted focus on the mechanism and regulation of neuronal aging, research on astrocyte aging and its modulation during brain aging is scarce. In this study, we established aged astrocyte culture model by long-term culturing. Cellular senescence was confirmed through SA-β-gal staining as well as through the examination of morphological, molecular, and functional markers. RNA sequencing and functional analysis of astrocytes were performed to further investigate the detailed characteristics of the aged astrocyte model. Along with aged phenotypes, decreased astrocytic proliferation, migration, mitochondrial energetic function and support for neuronal survival and differentiation has been observed in aged astrocytes. In addition, increased expression of cytokines and chemokine-related factors including plasminogen activator inhibitor -1 (PAI-1) was observed in aged astrocytes. Using the RNA sequencing results, we searched potential drugs that can normalize the dysregulated gene expression pattern observed in long-term cultured aged astrocytes. Among several candidates, minoxidil, a pyrimidine-derived anti-hypertensive and anti-pattern hair loss drug, normalized the increased number of SA-β-gal positive cells and nuclear size in aged astrocytes. In addition, minoxidil restored up-regulated activity of PAI-1 and increased mitochondrial superoxide production in aged astrocytes. We concluded that long term culture of astrocytes can be used as a reliable model for the study of astrocyte senescence and minoxidil can be a plausible candidate for the regulation of brain aging.
PubMed: 36535699
DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2022.144 -
Cureus May 2024Patterned hair loss (PHL) is a severe hair condition that affects both sexes. Mesotherapy is a treatment that involves microinjecting medications and/or vitamins into... (Review)
Review
Patterned hair loss (PHL) is a severe hair condition that affects both sexes. Mesotherapy is a treatment that involves microinjecting medications and/or vitamins into the middle layer of the skin. Mesotherapy reduces systemic adverse effects by delivering drugs directly to the hair follicle, increasing local bioavailability while lowering systemic exposure. Local side effects and reactions may develop due to mesotherapy. This study systematically evaluated the safety and efficacy of mesotherapy to minoxidil 5%, as well as addressing its limitations, dosing, and technique, with the intent of providing valuable trials and insights for clinicians and patients considering mesotherapy for improved androgenetic alopecia (AGA) outcomes. The literature search carried out by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria yielded 11 relevant studies from an initial pool of 18 articles. These studies covered various aspects of the role of mesotherapy and minoxidil in AGA, including techniques, complications, limitations, and outcomes. In conclusion, available trials and research on mesotherapy and minoxidil demonstrated excellent statistical significance and a high patient satisfaction rate, with the exception of two publications that took into account certain uncommon adverse effects of mesotherapy. However, recent research suggests that a mesotherapy method for alopecia with a low risk of side effects is effective.
PubMed: 38841017
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59705