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Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Melatonin can treat androgenetic alopecia in males. Goats can be used as animal models to study melatonin treatment for human alopecia. In this study, a meta-analysis of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Melatonin can treat androgenetic alopecia in males. Goats can be used as animal models to study melatonin treatment for human alopecia. In this study, a meta-analysis of melatonin's effects on goat hair follicles was pursued.
METHODS
Literature from the last 20 years was searched in Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science and PubMed. Melatonin's effect on goat hair follicles and litter size were performed through a traditional meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. A network meta-analysis used data from oocyte development to blastocyst. The hair follicle genes regulated by melatonin performed KEGG and PPI. We hypothesized that there are differences in melatonin receptors between different goats, and therefore completed melatonin receptor 1A homology modelling and molecular docking.
RESULTS
The results showed that melatonin did not affect goat primary follicle or litter size. However, there was a positive correlation with secondary follicle growth. The goat SNPs influence melatonin's functioning. The wild type gene defect is a very valuable animal model.
DISCUSSION
Future studies should focus on the relationship between goat SNPs and the effect of embedded melatonin. This study will provide theoretical guidance for the cashmere industry and will be informative for human alopecia research.
Topics: Animals; Alopecia; Goats; Hair Follicle; Melatonin; Models, Animal; Molecular Docking Simulation; Receptors, Melatonin
PubMed: 38628581
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1361100 -
Cureus Mar 2024Background and objective Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution (0.03%) is used for the treatment of ocular hypertension. However, one of the side effects of this...
Background and objective Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution (0.03%) is used for the treatment of ocular hypertension. However, one of the side effects of this prescription is that it causes overgrowth of eyelashes, causing hypertrichosis. Therefore, the Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution was rebranded to be used for cosmetic purposes. This study aims to assess the awareness and practices of female university students regarding the use of Careprost (Bimatoprost, Latisse, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA) for cosmetic purposes. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among female students at Bisha University, including those from medical and non-medical colleges, spanning from November 2022 to February 2023. All participants who completed the study questionnaire were considered for analysis, but those who had missing answers were excluded from the study. The total number of participants was 305, representing an 81.2% response rate out of the 376 surveys distributed. Results A total of 305 students completed the survey, with approximately 132 (54.5%) from the medical college and 173 (65.3%) from the non-medical college. Approximately 32 (24.2%) of participants from the medical college and 51 (29.4%) from the non-medical college understood that Bimatoprost drops can be used for the elongation of eyelashes. More than half of the participants were not aware of the side effects of Careprost (0.03%), including 65 (49.2%) medical students and 108 (62.7%) non-medical students. In total, 42 (13.77%) of the participants believed that Careprost (0.03%) could be administered without a prescription. Among the participants, 75 (24.59%) reported that they had previously used Careprost (0.03%) eye drops. Additionally, more than one-fourth of the participants (83, 27.2%) thought that Careprost (0.03%) could be used for eyelash elongation. Conclusions This study revealed that female university students had a poor level of awareness and practices about the cosmetic uses of Careprost (0.03%) eye drops for eyelashes. A better awareness level was noted regarding the side effects of Careprost drops, which may have contributed to a low utilization rate among female students.
PubMed: 38618411
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56233 -
Bioscience Trends Jun 2024Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by damage to hair follicles and hair loss. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has recently received attention as a...
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by damage to hair follicles and hair loss. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has recently received attention as a biomarker of various disorders including inflammatory skin diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of cfDNA and the circulating DNAs of disease-associated cytokines in AA patients. Serum samples were obtained from 63 patients with AA and 32 healthy controls (HC). Using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, circulating C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 9, CXCL10, CXCL11, C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL) -7, IL-15, and Janus kinase (JAK) 2 were detectable in both HC and AA patients. Among the detectable DNAs, copies of circulating CXCL9, CXCL11, IL-15, IFN-γ, and JAK2 were significantly higher in AA patients than in HC. These results suggest that increased circulating DNA levels may reflect damage to hair follicles in AA patients.
Topics: Humans; Alopecia Areata; Cell-Free Nucleic Acids; Male; Female; Adult; Cytokines; Case-Control Studies; Biomarkers; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Janus Kinase 2; Chemokine CXCL9; Chemokine CXCL11; Interferon-gamma; Hair Follicle; Chemokine CXCL10; Adolescent; Interleukin-15
PubMed: 38616129
DOI: 10.5582/bst.2024.01084 -
Skin Research and Technology : Official... Apr 2024Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most prevalent type of alopecia among adult women. Presently, topical minoxidil stands as the sole treatment endorsed by the FDA....
BACKGROUND
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most prevalent type of alopecia among adult women. Presently, topical minoxidil stands as the sole treatment endorsed by the FDA. Addressing cases of FPHL in individuals who develop contact dermatitis in response to minoxidil can pose a challenge for dermatologists.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous injections of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTA) in treating FPHL.
METHODS
Enrolled outpatients with FPHL who exhibited an allergic reaction to minoxidil solution. Diagnosis of FPHL was established through clinical examination and trichoscopy. Inclusion criteria involved patients with no prior treatment within the last year and without any comorbidities. BTA, specifically 100 units, was mixed with 2 mL of 0.9% normal saline. Twenty injection target sites, spaced 2-3 cm apart, were symmetrically marked on the hairless area of the scalp. A dosage of five units was intradermally injected at each target site. Representative photographs and dermoscopic images of the scalp were captured before and after 3 months of treatment.
RESULTS
A total of 10 FPHL, aged between 26 and 40 years, were included. The average age was 30.3 ± 4.64 years, and all patients had a positive family history of Androgenetic Alopecia. The average duration of the disease was 3.70 ± 1.42 years. According to patients' self-assessment, after 1 month of treatment, 10 FPHL patients reported experiencing moderate to marked improvement in symptoms related to scalp oil secretion. Three months later, dermatological assessments showed that three had mild improvement, six had no change, and one had a worsening condition. No adverse effects were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests that the effectiveness of BTA for FPHL is limited to 3 months. However, it can be considered for tentative use after effective communication with patients. The long-term efficacy and safety of BTA in treating FPHL require further observation and study.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Minoxidil; Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Alopecia; Scalp
PubMed: 38602262
DOI: 10.1111/srt.13696 -
Environment International Apr 2024Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive pollutants in the natural environment and contribute to increased levels of illness in both animals and humans. However, thespecific...
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive pollutants in the natural environment and contribute to increased levels of illness in both animals and humans. However, thespecific impacts of MPs on skin damage and alopeciaare not yet well understood. In this study, we have examined the effects of two types of polystyrene MPs (pristine and aged) on skin and hair follicle damage in mice. UV irradiation changed the chemical and physical properties of the aged MPs, including functional groups, surface roughness, and contact angles. In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, skin and cell injuries related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, tight junctions (TJs), alopecia, mitochondrial dysfunction, and other damages were observed. Mechanistically, MPs and aged MPs can induce TJs damage via the oxidative stress pathway and inhibition of antioxidant-related proteins, and this can lead to alopecia. The regulation of cell apoptosis was also observed, and this is involved in the ROS-mediated mitochondrial signaling pathway. Importantly, aged MPs showed exacerbated toxicity, which may be due to their elevated surface irregularities and altered chemical compositions. Collectively, this study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for alopecia and hair follicle damage caused by MPs pollution.
Topics: Alopecia; Microplastics; Oxidative Stress; Apoptosis; Animals; Mice; Polystyrenes; Tight Junctions; Skin; Hair Follicle; Reactive Oxygen Species
PubMed: 38593689
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108638 -
Molecular Vision 2023To describe a novel association of variants with congenital glaucoma in a family with GAPO (growth retardation, alopecia, pseudoanodontia, and progressive optic...
PURPOSE
To describe a novel association of variants with congenital glaucoma in a family with GAPO (growth retardation, alopecia, pseudoanodontia, and progressive optic atrophy) syndrome, as well as among other unrelated cases of juvenile onset open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) and primary congenital glaucoma (PCG).
METHODS
This study of one family of GAPO with congenital glaucoma and three unrelated patients with JOAG analyzed a common link to glaucoma pathogenesis. Three girls with GAPO syndrome born to consanguineous parents in a multi-generation consanguineous family were identified. Two of the girls had congenital glaucoma in both eyes, while the elder sibling (a 10-year-old female) had features of GAPO syndrome without glaucoma.
RESULTS
A genetic evaluation using whole exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous mutation in all three affected siblings with GAPO. No other mutations were detected in the genes associated with glaucoma. A rare missense variant in the gene was shared in the two siblings with congenital glaucoma and GAPO syndrome. We found three other unrelated patients with JOAG and one patient with primary congenital glaucoma with no known glaucoma causing gene mutations, but having four different missense variants in the gene. One of these patients with JOAG had familial granular corneal dystrophy. Molecular dynamic simulations of TGFBI and 3-D structural models of three of its variants showed significant alterations that could influence TGFBI protein function.
CONCLUSIONS
The possibility that variations in the gene could have a possible role in the pathogenesis of congenital and juvenile onset open-angle glaucomas needs further evaluation.
Topics: Female; Humans; Child; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Glaucoma; Hydrophthalmos; Mutation; Pedigree; Microfilament Proteins; Receptors, Cell Surface; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Alopecia; Growth Disorders; Optic Atrophies, Hereditary; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Anodontia
PubMed: 38577561
DOI: No ID Found -
Human Genomics Apr 2024Male-pattern baldness (MPB) is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It can be categorized into three types: type 2 (T2), type 3 (T3), and type 4 (T4), with type 1...
BACKGROUND
Male-pattern baldness (MPB) is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It can be categorized into three types: type 2 (T2), type 3 (T3), and type 4 (T4), with type 1 (T1) being considered normal. Although various MPB-associated genetic variants have been suggested, a comprehensive study for linking these variants to gene expression regulation has not been performed to the best of our knowledge.
RESULTS
In this study, we prioritized MPB-related tissue panels using tissue-specific enrichment analysis and utilized single-tissue panels from genotype-tissue expression version 8, as well as cross-tissue panels from context-specific genetics. Through a transcriptome-wide association study and colocalization analysis, we identified 52, 75, and 144 MPB associations for T2, T3, and T4, respectively. To assess the causality of MPB genes, we performed a conditional and joint analysis, which revealed 10, 11, and 54 putative causality genes for T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Finally, we conducted drug repositioning and identified potential drug candidates that are connected to MPB-associated genes.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, through an integrative analysis of gene expression and genotype data, we have identified robust MPB susceptibility genes that may help uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms and the novel drug candidates that may alleviate MPB.
Topics: Humans; Male; Transcriptome; Alopecia; Genotype; Prognosis; Genome-Wide Association Study; Genetic Predisposition to Disease
PubMed: 38566255
DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00591-y -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024Dandruff, a common scalp disorder characterized by flaking dead skin, is often treated with conventional topical products. However, limitations exist due to potential...
Dandruff, a common scalp disorder characterized by flaking dead skin, is often treated with conventional topical products. However, limitations exist due to potential side effects and high costs. Therefore, searching for natural, cost-effective solutions for dandruff and hair loss is crucial. Rosemary herb and neem tree, both cultivated in Egypt, possess well-documented anti-inflammatory properties derived from their rich phenolic phytoconstituents. This study formulated a standardized combined extract of rosemary and neem (RN-E 2:1) into hair gel and leave-in tonic formats. This extract demonstrated superior efficacy against Malassezia furfur (a causative agent of dandruff) and Trichophyton rubrum (associated with scalp disorders) compared to the conventional antifungal agent, ketoconazole. The combined extract (RN-E 2:1) also exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, the suppression of iNOS expression is considered concentration-dependent. Quality control verified formulation stability, and ex-vivo studies confirmed effective ingredient penetration into the epidermis, the primary site of fungal presence. Remarkably, both formulations outperformed the standard treatment, minoxidil in hair growth trials. These findings highlight the potential of natural extracts for scalp and hair health.
Topics: Dandruff; Rosmarinus; Azadirachta; Alopecia; Plant Extracts; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 38565924
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57838-w -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... May 2024Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a prevalent disease in worldwide, local application or oral are often used to treat AGA, however, effective treatments for AGA are...
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a prevalent disease in worldwide, local application or oral are often used to treat AGA, however, effective treatments for AGA are currently limited. In this work, we observed the promoting the initial anagen phase effect of pilose antler extract (PAE) on hair regeneration in AGA mice. We found that PAE accelerated hair growth and increased the degree of skin blackness by non-invasive in vivo methods including camera, optical coherence tomography and dermoscopy. Meanwhile, HE staining of sagittal and coronal skin sections revealed that PAE augmented the quantity and length of hair follicles, while also enhancing skin thickness and hair papilla diameter. Furthermore, PAE facilitated the shift of the growth cycle from the telogen to the anagen phase and expedited the proliferation of hair follicle stem cells and matrix cells in mice with AGA. This acceleration enabled the hair follicles to enter the growth phase at an earlier stage. PAE upregulated the expression of the sonic hedgehog (SHH), smoothened receptor, glioma-associated hemolog1 (GLI1), and downregulated the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), recombinant mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad) 1 and 5 phosphorylation. This evidence suggests that PAE fosters hair growth and facilitates the transition of the growth cycle from the telogen to the anagen phase in AGA mice. This effect is achieved by enhancing the proliferation of follicle stem cells and matrix cells through the activation of the SHH/GLI pathway and suppression of the BMP/Smad pathway.
Topics: Animals; Antlers; Alopecia; Hair Follicle; Mice; Male; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4; Hair; Hedgehog Proteins; Zinc Finger Protein GLI1; Cell Proliferation; Signal Transduction; Tissue Extracts; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Disease Models, Animal; Regeneration; Deer; Smad5 Protein
PubMed: 38565060
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116503 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Non-scarring alopecia is typically represented by two main types: alopecia areata (AA) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA). While previous observational studies have...
BACKGROUND
Non-scarring alopecia is typically represented by two main types: alopecia areata (AA) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA). While previous observational studies have indicated a link between non-scarring alopecia and hypothyroidism, the precise causal relationship remains uncertain. To determine the potential links between non-scarring alopecia and hypothyroidism, we conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
METHODS
We used independent genetic instruments from the FinnGen consortium for AA (682 cases, 361,140 controls) and AGA (195 cases, 201,019 controls) to investigate the association with hypothyroidism in the UK Biobank study (22,687 cases, 440,246 controls). The primary analysis was performed using the inverse variance-weighted method. Complementary approaches were employed to evaluate the pleiotropy and heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Genetically predicted AA exhibited a positive causal effect on hypothyroidism (odds ratio [OR], 1.0017; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0004-1.0029; = 0.0101). Additionally, hypothyroidism was found to be strongly correlated with an increase in the risk of AA (OR, 45.6839; 95% CI, 1.8446-1131.4271, = 0.0196). However, no causal relationship was demonstrated between AGA and hypothyroidism. A sensitivity analysis validated the integrity of these causal relationships.
CONCLUSION
This MR study supports a bidirectional causal link between AA and hypothyroidism. Nevertheless, additional research is needed to gain a more thorough comprehension of the causal relationship between non-scarring alopecia and hypothyroidism.
Topics: Humans; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Alopecia Areata; Hypothyroidism; Odds Ratio
PubMed: 38562416
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1356832