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JAAD International Sep 2024Alopecia areata (AA) and atopic dermatitis (AD) are chronic skin diseases where the suboptimal medication adherence (MA) may result in poor clinical outcomes.
Adult patients with alopecia areata report a significantly better medication adherence compared to those with atopic dermatitis: Results from a large cross-sectional cohort study.
BACKGROUND
Alopecia areata (AA) and atopic dermatitis (AD) are chronic skin diseases where the suboptimal medication adherence (MA) may result in poor clinical outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of AA on MA among adults compared to AD.
METHODS
Patient reported MA of adults with AA were compared with AD. Patients were identified from the Danish Skin Cohort, a nationwide prospective cohort of dermatological patients in Denmark. We used the Medication Adherence Report Scale- 5, a self-reporting questionnaire, to assess MA. Demographic and disease characteristics were collected. Logistic regression was conducted.
RESULTS
Patients with AA reported higher MA than AD (mean 21.81 vs 18.29). Logistic regression analyses showed AA diagnosis had a statistically significant positive effect on MA (odds ratio = 3.94, 95% CI 2.01-8.89). Men reported significantly higher MA (odds ratio = 1.49, 95% CI 1.14-1.94). Current disease severity did not impact MA.
LIMITATIONS
Data were self-reported by patients. Data regarding the specific treatment undergone by patients were not available.
CONCLUSION
Patients with AA have significantly higher MA compared to patients with AD. The stability of AA patients' symptoms may lead to higher MA due to a desire for disease control. Conversely, the sporadicity of AD symptoms could negatively affect adherence, causing fluctuations in medication use.
PubMed: 38800704
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdin.2024.03.026 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2024Alopecia intellectual disability syndromes 4 (APMR4) caused by Lanosterol synthase () gene variants is a very rare autosomal recessive neuroectodermal syndrome. It is...
Alopecia intellectual disability syndromes 4 (APMR4) caused by Lanosterol synthase () gene variants is a very rare autosomal recessive neuroectodermal syndrome. It is characterized by congenital alopecia and variable degrees of intellectual disability (ID), frequently associated with developmental delay (DD) and epilepsy. Currently, only three studies regarding -related APMR4 have been reported, the pathogenesis of APMR4 is poorly understood. We studied one patient with -related APMR4 who presented with severe intellectual disability, alopecia, early-onset epilepsy and developmental delay. She is absence of hair on the eyebrows, eyelashes, and scalp. Two novel variants (c.401 T > G and c.369C > G) were detected with whole-exome sequencing (WES). Analysis via WB experiment indicated that c.369 > G reduced the protein expression level of . Analysis of protein stability prediction showed a destabilizing for caused by the variant c.401 T > G. This study is the first study in Asia to date. These findings expanded the variantal spectrum of -related APMR4 and revealed the potential pathogenic mechanism of gene variants.
PubMed: 38800572
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1301865 -
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational... 2024Autophagy is recognized as a crucial regulatory process, instrumental in the removal of senescent, dysfunctional, and damaged cells. Within the autophagic process,... (Review)
Review
Autophagy is recognized as a crucial regulatory process, instrumental in the removal of senescent, dysfunctional, and damaged cells. Within the autophagic process, lysosomal digestion plays a critical role in the elimination of impaired organelles, thus preserving fundamental cellular metabolic functions and various biological processes. Mitophagy, a targeted autophagic process that specifically focuses on mitochondria, is essential for sustaining cellular health and energy balance. Therefore, a deep comprehension of the operational mechanisms and implications of autophagy and mitophagy is vital for disease prevention and treatment. In this context, we examine the role of autophagy and mitophagy during hair follicle cycles, closely scrutinizing their potential association with hair loss. We also conduct a thorough review of the regulatory mechanisms behind autophagy and mitophagy, highlighting their interaction with hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells. In conclusion, we investigate the potential of manipulating autophagy and mitophagy pathways to develop innovative therapeutic strategies for hair loss.
PubMed: 38800357
DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S462294 -
Cureus Apr 2024Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is an idiopathic immune-related sickness that affects multiple systems and melanocytes in organs such as the uvea, ear, and meninges.... (Review)
Review
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is an idiopathic immune-related sickness that affects multiple systems and melanocytes in organs such as the uvea, ear, and meninges. The primary cause of activity is cellular immunological responses. Vogt-Koyanagi disease is identified primarily by skin abnormalities and anterior uveitis. Harada's illness is distinguished by neurological symptoms and exudative retinal detachments, which are associated with the and genes. Pigmented races, such as Hispanics and Native Americans, are more likely to have VKH disease. Clinical features are blurred vision, floaters, alopecia, vitiligo, diffuse choroidal inflammation with disc edema, and exudative retinal detachment. Differential diagnoses include posterior scleritis, uveal effusion syndrome, central serous chorioretinopathy, and sympathetic ophthalmitis. The investigations used are optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography (FA), and B-scan ultrasonography (USG). Treatment is done by using systemic steroids, cycloplegics, and immunosuppressants.
PubMed: 38800227
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58867 -
Reumatologia 2024The aims were to study the sociodemographic characteristics of patients presenting to the clinic and to study the clinical and serological pattern of systemic lupus...
INTRODUCTION
The aims were to study the sociodemographic characteristics of patients presenting to the clinic and to study the clinical and serological pattern of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a new rheumatology clinic of a predominantly Yoruba population.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted over 7 years (January 2017 - December 2023). Patients who satisfied the 1997 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and/or the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) classification criteria were enrolled using their medical records. Patients with overlap syndromes and other inflammatory or noninflammatory rheumatic diseases were excluded from the study. Their sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were retrieved from their medical records and analysed using IBM SPSS version 23.0 software.
RESULTS
A total of 65 patients were diagnosed with SLE with a frequency of 15.8%. The mean age ±SD of the patients at presentation was 33.85 years ±11.01 and the female to male ratio was 9.8 : 1. The median (IQR) duration of symptoms at presentation was 7.0 months (3-24). The common clinical presentations included synovitis (86.2%), acute cutaneous rash (53.8%), oral ulcers (52.3%), nonscarring alopecia (50.8%), and serositis (47.7%). Proteinuria was seen in 37.7% of the patients and the predominant renal histopathological feature was Class IV. Antinuclear antibody was 100% positive with 50.94% of the patients having a titre of 1 : 5,120 and above. Anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid and anti-Smith antibodies each had 50% prevalence. Dyslipidaemia was found in 76.7% of the patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The study's findings are largely consistent with similar studies done in Africa. Further prospective multi-centred studies are needed to further determine the epidemiological characteristics of the disease in Nigeria with a multi-ethnic population.
PubMed: 38799780
DOI: 10.5114/reum/187208 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Bimatoprost has emerged as a significant medication in the field of medicine over the past several decades, with diverse applications in ophthalmology, dermatology, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Bimatoprost has emerged as a significant medication in the field of medicine over the past several decades, with diverse applications in ophthalmology, dermatology, and beyond. Originally developed as an ocular hypotensive agent, it has proven highly effective in treating glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Its ability to reduce intraocular pressure has established it as a first-line treatment option, improving management and preventing vision loss. In dermatology, bimatoprost has shown promising results in the promotion of hair growth, particularly in the treatment of alopecia and hypotrichosis. Its mechanism of action, stimulating the hair cycle and prolonging the growth phase, has led to the development of bimatoprost-containing solutions for enhancing eyelash growth.
AIM
The aim of our review is to provide a brief description, overview, and studies in the current literature regarding the versatile clinical use of bimatoprost in recent years. This can help clinicians determine the most suitable individualized therapy to meet the needs of each patient.
METHODS
Our methods involve a comprehensive review of the latest advancements reported in the literature in bimatoprost formulations, which range from traditional eye drops to sustained-release implants. These innovations offer extended drug delivery, enhance patient compliance, and minimize side effects.
RESULTS
The vast literature published on PubMed has confirmed the clinical usefulness of bimatoprost in lowering intraocular pressure and in managing patients with glaucoma. Numerous studies have shown promising results in dermatology and esthetics in promoting hair growth, particularly in treating alopecia and hypotrichosis. Its mechanism of action involves stimulating the hair cycle and prolonging the growth phase, leading to the development of solutions that enhance eyelash growth. The global use of bimatoprost has expanded significantly, with applications growing beyond its initial indications. Ongoing research is exploring its potential in glaucoma surgery, neuroprotection, and cosmetic procedures.
CONCLUSIONS
Bimatoprost has shown immense potential for addressing a wide range of therapeutic needs through various formulations and advancements. Promising future perspectives include the exploration of novel delivery systems such as contact lenses and microneedles to further enhance drug efficacy and patient comfort. Ongoing research and future perspectives continue to shape its role in medicine, promising further advancements and improved patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38794131
DOI: 10.3390/ph17050561 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Alopecia constitutes one of the most common dermatological disorders, and its steadily increasing prevalence is a cause for concern. Alopecia can be divided into two...
Alopecia constitutes one of the most common dermatological disorders, and its steadily increasing prevalence is a cause for concern. Alopecia can be divided into two main categories, cicatricial/scarring and non-cicatricial/non-scarring, depending on the causes of hair loss and its patterns. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anthropometric and nutritional laboratory parameters in Caucasian adult women and men with non-cicatricial alopecia. A total of 50 patients (37 with non-cicatricial alopecia and 13 healthy controls) were included in the study. Clinical examination and scalp trichoscopy were performed. The anthropometric and nutritional laboratory parameters were collected and analyzed. No statistically significant differences in the laboratory findings were found. The patients with non-cicatricial alopecia were statistically significantly younger as compared to the controls. An elevated risk of hair loss, which was detected among the younger participants, might be associated with a modern lifestyle and the so-called 'Western diet'. It seems safe to assume that suboptimal nutrition and poor eating habits during childhood might constitute risk factors for early hair loss.
PubMed: 38792630
DOI: 10.3390/life14050609 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024This narrative review aims to examine the therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of plant extracts in preventing and treating alopecia (baldness). We searched and... (Review)
Review
This narrative review aims to examine the therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of plant extracts in preventing and treating alopecia (baldness). We searched and selected research papers on plant extracts related to hair loss, hair growth, or hair regrowth, and comprehensively compared the therapeutic efficacies, phytochemical components, and modulatory targets of plant extracts. These studies showed that various plant extracts increased the survival and proliferation of dermal papilla cells in vitro, enhanced cell proliferation and hair growth in hair follicles ex vivo, and promoted hair growth or regrowth in animal models in vivo. The hair growth-promoting efficacy of several plant extracts was verified in clinical trials. Some phenolic compounds, terpenes and terpenoids, sulfur-containing compounds, and fatty acids were identified as active compounds contained in plant extracts. The pharmacological effects of plant extracts and their active compounds were associated with the promotion of cell survival, cell proliferation, or cell cycle progression, and the upregulation of several growth factors, such as IGF-1, VEGF, HGF, and KGF (FGF-7), leading to the induction and extension of the anagen phase in the hair cycle. Those effects were also associated with the alleviation of oxidative stress, inflammatory response, cellular senescence, or apoptosis, and the downregulation of male hormones and their receptors, preventing the entry into the telogen phase in the hair cycle. Several active plant extracts and phytochemicals stimulated the signaling pathways mediated by protein kinase B (PKB, also called AKT), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), Wingless and Int-1 (WNT), or sonic hedgehog (SHH), while suppressing other cell signaling pathways mediated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β or bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). Thus, well-selected plant extracts and their active compounds can have beneficial effects on hair health. It is proposed that the discovery of phytochemicals targeting the aforementioned cellular events and cell signaling pathways will facilitate the development of new targeted therapies for alopecia.
Topics: Plant Extracts; Alopecia; Humans; Phytochemicals; Animals; Hair; Hair Follicle; Cell Proliferation
PubMed: 38792149
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102288 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Melatonin is ubiquitously present in all animals and plants, where it exerts a variety of physiological activities thanks to its antioxidant properties and its key role... (Review)
Review
Melatonin is ubiquitously present in all animals and plants, where it exerts a variety of physiological activities thanks to its antioxidant properties and its key role as the first messenger of extracellular signaling functions. Most of the clinical studies on melatonin refer to its widespread oral use as a dietary supplement to improve sleep. A far smaller number of articles describe the clinical applications of topical melatonin to treat or prevent skin disorders by exploiting its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This review focuses on the clinical studies in which melatonin was applied on the skin as a photoprotective, anti-aging, or hair growth-promoting agent. The methodologies and results of such studies are discussed to provide an overall picture of the state of the art in this intriguing field of research. The clinical studies in which melatonin was applied on the skin before exposure to radiation (UV, sunlight, and high-energy beams) were all characterized by an appropriate design (randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled) and strongly support its clinical efficacy in preventing or reducing skin damage such as dermatitis, erythema, and sunburn. Most of the studies examined in this review do not provide a clear demonstration of the efficacy of topical melatonin as a skin anti-aging or as a hair growth-promoting agent owing to limitations in their design and/or to the use of melatonin combined with extra active ingredients, except for one trial that suggests a possible beneficial role of melatonin in treating some forms of alopecia in women. Further research efforts are required to reach definitive conclusions concerning the actual benefits of topical melatonin to counteract skin aging and hair loss.
Topics: Melatonin; Humans; Administration, Topical; Antioxidants; Animals; Skin Aging; Clinical Studies as Topic; Skin; Skin Diseases
PubMed: 38791203
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105167 -
Genes May 2024Much research has been conducted to determine how hair regeneration is regulated, as this could provide therapeutic, cosmetic, and even psychological interventions for...
Much research has been conducted to determine how hair regeneration is regulated, as this could provide therapeutic, cosmetic, and even psychological interventions for hair loss. The current study focused on the hair growth effect and effective utilization of fatty oil obtained from Bryde's whales through a high-throughput DNA microarray approach in conjunction with immunohistochemical observations. The research also examined the mechanisms and factors involved in hair growth. In an experiment using female C57BL/6J mice, the vehicle control group (VC: propylene glycol: ethanol: water), the positive control group (MXD: 3% minoxidil), and the experimental group (WO: 20% whale oil) were topically applied to the dorsal skin of the mouse. The results showed that 3% MXD and 20% WO were more effective than VC in promoting hair growth, especially 20% WO. Furthermore, in hematoxylin and eosin-stained dorsal skin tissue, an increase in the number of hair follicles and subcutaneous tissue thickness was observed with 20% WO. Whole-genome transcriptome analysis also confirmed increases for 20% WO in filaggrin (), a gene related to skin barrier function; fibroblast growth factor 21 (), which is involved in hair follicle development; and cysteine-rich secretory protein 1 (), a candidate gene for alopecia areata. Furthermore, the results of KEGG pathway analysis indicated that 20% WO may have lower stress and inflammatory responses than 3% MXD. Therefore, WO is expected to be a safe hair growth agent.
Topics: Animals; Female; Mice; Computational Biology; Filaggrin Proteins; Gene Expression Profiling; Hair; Hair Follicle; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Minoxidil; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Skin; Whales; Oils
PubMed: 38790256
DOI: 10.3390/genes15050627