Psychological stress impact neurotrophic factor levels in patients with androgenetic alopecia and correlated with disease progression

BACKGROUND Androgenetic alopecia(AGA)is a common form of hair loss that can be influenced by psychological factors.AIM To investigate the impact of mental stress on neurotrophic factors in patients with AGA and correlate the findings with the progression of AGA.METHODS A total of 120 patients with AGA were analyzed in this study,which were divided into a non-stress group(n=30)and a stress group(n=90)on the basis of the presence or absence of psychological stress confirmed by Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 scale.The baseline demographic characteristics,serum cortisol levels,hair growth parameters,neurotrophic factors,and AGA progression scores between the non-stress and stress groups were compared.Correlation analyses were conducted to assess the relationships among stress,neurotrophic factors,hair loss progression,and AGA progression.RESULTS This study revealed significantly higher cortisol levels throughout the day in the stress group than in the non-stress group.The stress group exhibited lower levels of nerve growth factor,brain-derived neurotrophic factor,and glial cell linederived neurotrophic factor and higher expression levels of neurotrophin(NT)-3 and NT-4 than the non-stress group.Hair parameters indicated lower hair diameter,decreased hair density,and more severe AGA grading in the stress group,whereas follicle count and terminal/vellus hair ratio showed no significant differences between the two groups.After 1 year of treatment with 5%minoxidil,efficacy was observed to be lower but AGA progression was notably more pronounced in the stress group than in the non-stress group.Disease progression was positively correlated with high stress and NT-4 levels.CONCLUSION This study provides compelling evidence of the influence of mental stress on neurotrophic factors and its correlation with the progression of AGA.The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to the management of AGA that considers the physiological and psychosocial aspects.Further research is warranted to validate the findings and explore targeted therapeutic interventions for individuals with stress-related AGA.

Effectiveness of Chuzhi Shengfa Tablets Combined with Ketoconazole Shampoo and Chuzhi Shengfa Tablets Combined with 5%Minoxidil Foam in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Chuzhi Shengfa Tablets combined with ketoconazole shampoo and Chuzhi Shengfa Tablets combined with 5%minoxidil foam in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia.Methods:From July 2022 to July 2023,120 male patients with androgenetic alopecia were selected from our Department of Dermatology and randomly divided into Control Group 1,Control Group 2,Observation Group 1,and Observation Group 2,with 30 patients in each group.Control Group 1 was treated with ketoconazole shampoo,Control Group 2 with 5%minoxidil foam,Observation Group 1 with ketoconazole shampoo combined with Chuzhi Shengfa Tablets,and Observation Group 2 with 5%minoxidil foam combined with Chuzhi Shengfa Tablets.Hair density,hair diameter,scalp oil secretion(using oil secretion scoring),and adverse reactions were compared before and after treatment across the four groups.Results:After treatment,hair density and hair diameter significantly increased in all four groups compared to before treatment,while scalp oil secretion scores significantly decreased(P<0.05).The improvements in Observation Groups 1 and 2 were significantly better than those in Control Groups 1 and 2(P<0.05).No significant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions were observed among the four groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Chuzhi Shengfa Tablets combined with ketoconazole shampoo and Chuzhi Shengfa Tablets combined with 5%minoxidil foam are both effective and safe for treating male androgenetic alopecia.These combinations can significantly improve hair growth and are worthy of clinical promotion.

Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Chuzhi Shengfa Tablets and Finasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Chuzhi Shengfa tablets combined with finasteride in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia(AGA).Methods:Sixty male patients with androgenetic alopecia admitted to our Department of Dermatology between January 2022 and January 2024 were randomly divided into two groups,with 30 patients in each group.The control group was treated with finasteride,while the observation group received a combination of Chuzhi Shengfa tablets and finasteride.The clinical efficacy and adverse reactions in both groups were compared.Results:The overall effectiveness rate in the observation group was 93.33%(28/30),significantly higher than the control group’s 73.33%(22/30),with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:The combination of Chuzhi Shengfa tablets and finasteride shows good clinical efficacy in treating male androgenetic alopecia.Additionally,Chuzhi Shengfa tablets are convenient to administer and effectively improve efficacy,significantly improving patients’conditions,and demonstrating good clinical application value.

Defective Expression of the Gap Junction Protein Pannexin-1 Channel Contributes to the Formation of PCOS-Realted Androgenetic Alopecia

Objective: To determine serum pannexin-1 channel levels and their association with hair loss in women with PCOS diagnosed with female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA). Materials and Methods: Thirty-five women with PCOS who presented with diffuse and treatment-resistant progressive hair loss and were diagnosed with FAGA were included in the study. 25 patients who were diagnosed with female androgenetic alopecia but did not have PCOS were considered as the control group. PCOS and control groups were matched by age. Follicular miniaturization, displacement of terminal hairs with vellus hairs, and a diffuse decrease in hair density were accepted as FAGA in the trcihoscopy examination of the vertex and bitempoaral area. On the third day of the menstrual cycle serum FSH, LH, testosterone, PRL and insulin levels were measured. Insulin resistance was calculated with HOMA-IR. Serum pannexin-1 channel levels of each group were mesured with ELISA. Results: Serum pannexin 1 channels levels of FAGA group due to PCOS were found to be significantly higher than FAGA patients in the control group (2.72 ± 1.09 ng/mL vs 1.65 ± 0.97 ng/mL, p < 0.01). Serum LH, insulin and testosterone levels of PCOS group were significantly higher than controls. HOMA-IR values were significantly higher and >2.5 in the PCOS group compared to the controls. PRL values were similar except for one patient with elevated PRL. Serum FSH values were the same in both groups. A positive and significant correlation was found between pannexin 1 channels levels and HOMA-IR and serum testosterone levels (r = 0.650, p Conclusions: In addition to hyperandrogenemia, increased pannexin 1 channel levels may play a role in the etiology of PCOS associated FAGA, as it impairs the communication between the skin and hair follicle.

Remodel the perifollicular microenvironment via Minoxidil-loaded microneedle patch and cold atmospheric plasma for treating androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia(AGA)is a chronic and progressive form of hair loss characterized by vascular degeneration in the perifollicular microenvironment,leading to cell apoptosis and eventual loss of hair follicles(HFs).Traditional therapeutic formulations,such as Minoxidil(MXD)tincture,have limitations in reshaping the perifollicular microenvironment and exhibit limited effectiveness.Here,we report a multi-synergistic therapeutic platform for high-performance hair regeneration therapy.The platform combines microneedle(MN)patches loaded with MXD-encapsulated nanostructured lipid carriers(MXD-NLC-MNs)and cold atmospheric plasma(CAP).The MNs’mechanical strength enables efficient transdermal delivery of MXD to the targeted dermal papilla cells,promoting cell proliferation.Furthermore,in collaboration with MXD,the mechanical stimulation exerted by MN application synergistically upregulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor,leading to neoangiogenesis.Meanwhile,the transient microchannels in the skin created by MNs facilitate the transdermal delivery of CAPgenerated nitric oxide(NO)to the sites of HF lesions,whereby the synergistic interaction between MXD and NO boosts perifollicular vasodilation.Consequently,the perifollicular microenvironment can be effectively reshaped to accelerate hair regeneration in AGA murine models.This multi-synergistic combination therapy strategy would hold great promise for effectively treating AGA and promoting hair regrowth.

Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia in Women: A Single-Center Case Series Study in Qatar

Objective:Androgenetic alopecia (AA) is a progressive hair loss disorder mediated by systemic androgens and genetic factors. A variety of AA treatments have been investigated. Currently, there is emerging evidence and growing interest in the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for AA. This study describes a single-center experience using PRP to treat AA in women.Methods:A retrospective observational study design was employed. The study cohort comprised 20 women >18 years of age who were diagnosed with AA. PRP was prepared using a commercially available PRP kit. Each patient received six PRP treatment sessions at 4-week intervals. The severity of alopecia tool (SALT) scoring system was used to measure the severity of alopecia, and a paired t-test was used to calculate significance levels. Results:The mean pre-intervention and post-intervention total SALT score was 27.5 ± 6.35 and 9.41 ± 3.71, respectively. The difference in the total mean SALT score was 18.33 ± 1.64 and the effect size was 3.52. The scalp area with the largest effect size was the vertex (Cohen d= 2.53). The effect size was similar across other scalp areas (Cohen d= 1.91-2.09). There were no serious adverse effects of the treatment;only mild transient adverse effects were reported. Conclusion:The present study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of PRP injections in treating AA in women. However, these findings require confirmation in well-designed studies using standardized treatment protocols and evaluation methods.

A Systemic Review on Topical Marketed Formulations, Natural Products, and Oral Supplements to Prevent Androgenic Alopecia: A Review

Androgens have an intense consequence on the human scalp and body hair.Scalp hair sprouts fundamentally in awol of androgens whereas the body hair hike is vulnerable to the activity of androgens.Androgenetic alopecia(AGA)invoked as males emulate Alopecia due to the cause of the dynamic reduction of scalp hair.Androgens are medium of terminus growth of hair although the body.Local and system androgens convert the extensive terminal follicles into lesser vellus like structure.The out start of this type of alopecia is intensely irregular and the reason behind this existence of enough circulating steroidal hormones androgens and due to genetic predisposition.Effective treatments are available in the market as well as under clinical and preclinical testing.Many herbal formulations are also available but not FDA approved.Different conventional and NDDS formulations are already available in the market.To avoid various systemic side effects of both Finasteride and Minoxidil,topical formulations and natural products(nutrients,minerals,vitamins)now a days are being widely used to treat Androgenic alopecia.CAM(complementary and alternative medicine)provides the option to elect favorable,low-risk,adjuvant and alternative therapies.Herein,we offer a widespread review of topical marketed formulations,natural products,and CAM treatment options for AGA.

Hydrogel forming microneedles loaded with VEGF and Ritlecitinib/polyhydroxyalkanoates nanoparticles for mini-invasive androgenetic alopecia treatment

Androgenetic alopecia(AGA),the most prevalent clinical hair loss,lacks safe and effective treatments due to downregulated angiogenic genes and insufficient vascularization in the perifollicular microenvironment of the bald scalp in AGA patients.In this study,a hyaluronic acid(HA)based hydrogel-formed microneedle(MN)was designed,referred to as V-R-MNs,which was simultaneously loaded with vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and the novel hair loss drug Ritlecitinib,the latter is encapsulated in slowly biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates(PHAs)nanoparticles(R-PHA NPs)for minimally invasive AGA treatment.The integration of HA based hydrogel alongside PHA nanoparticles significantly bolstered the mechanical characteristics of microneedles and enhanced skin penetration efficiency.Due to the biosafety,mechanical strength,and controlled degradation properties of HA hydrogel formed microneedles,V-R-MNs can effectively penetrate the skin’s stratum corneum,facilitating the direct delivery of VEGF and Ritlecitinib in a minimally invasive,painless and long-term sustained release manner.V-R-MNs not only promoted angiogenesis and improve the immune microenvironment around the hair follicle to promote the proliferation and development of hair follicle cells,but also the application of MNs to the skin to produce certain mechanical stimulation could also promote angiogenesis.In comparison to the clinical drug minoxidil for AGA treatment,the hair regeneration effect of V-R-MN in AGA model mice is characterized by a rapid onset of the anagen phase,improved hair quality,and greater coverage.This introduces a new,clinically safer,and more efficient strategy for AGA treatment,and serving as a reference for the treatment of other related diseases.

Hair follicle-targeting drug delivery strategies for the management of hair follicle-associated disorders

The hair follicle is not only a critical penetration route in percutaneous absorption but also has been recognized to be a target for hair follicle-associated disorders,such as androgenetic alopecia(AGA)and acne vulgaris.Hair follicle-targeting drug delivery systems allow for controlled drug release and enhance therapeutic efficacywithminimal side effects,exerting a promising method for themanagement of hair follicle-associated dysfunctions.Therefore,they have obtained much attention in several fields of research in recent years.This review gives an overviewof potential follicle-targeting drug delivery formulations currently applied based on the particularities of the hair follicles,including a comprehensive assessment of their preclinical and clinical performance.

Composite double-layer microneedle loaded with traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of androgenic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia(AGA)is an androgen-mediated alopecia affected by both genes and hormones.Medication is a relatively common treatment.As a new drug delivery method,microneedles(MNs)can effectively break through the stratum corneum barrier,deliver drugs more efficiently,and achieve better therapeutic effects.In this study,we develop a composite double-layer MN through multi-step casting fabrication using a polydimethylsiloxane mold.The needle tip was fabricated by mixed solution of chitosan and polyvinylpyrrolidone which was loaded with Polygonum multiflorum extract,and the base layer was prepared by mixed solution of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone.In vitro mechanical tests showed that the maximum load of a single tip of the drug-loaded MN was about 3.5 N,which met the mechanical requirements of skin puncture(>1 N).The drug release experiment showed that the MN could achieve gradual drug release.In the animal experiment,pigmentation and hair regrowth occurred earlier in the Polygonum multiflorum-MN(Pm-MN)group than in the other groups,and hair growth finally appeared in almost the entire area.Compared with the AGA model mice,mice in the Pm-MN group achieved an increase in the number and diameter of hair follicles.In conclusion,the Pm-MN is scientific and feasible for treating AGA.

Nitric oxide synergizes minoxidil delivered by transdermal hyaluronic acid liposomes for multimodal androgenetic-alopecia therapy

Androgenetic alopecia(AGA)is a common clinical condition,affecting over 200 million people globally each year.For decades,Minoxidil(Mi)tincture has been the primary treatment for this disease,but its low utilization rate and significant side effects necessitate new therapeutic strategies.Nitric oxide(NO)is a signaling molecule in various physiological processes,including vasodilation,immune responses,and cell proliferation.Herein,we constructed a hyaluronic acid liposome(HL)complex as a novel transdermal delivery system(HL@Mi/NONOate)for NO and Mi,which displayed promising transdermal and hair-regrowth effects.In-depth mechanistic studies revealed three potential pathways of the synergistic AGA therapy.First,NO promoted capillary dilation and accelerated blood flow,thus achieving efficient penetration of Mi.Due to the structural advantage of liposomes,the residence time of the Mi in the skin was prolonged.Moreover,HL@Mi/NONOate promoted cell proliferation and angiogenesis,and upregulated the expression of regulatory factors involved in follicle stem cell differentiation.In the AGA model,HL@Mi/NONOate down-regulated the expression of inflammatory factors,inhibiting the inflammation of follicle and improving the microenvironment of hair regrowth.Concurrently,HL@Mi/NONOate upregulated the expression of Ki67 and PCNA proteins in follicle tissues,inducing follicle regeneration and development,ultimately achieving the synergistic multimodal AGA therapy.

Sexual,physical and overall adverse effects in patients treated with 5a-reductase inhibitors:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Postfinasteride syndrome(PFS)is a term coined to characterize a constellation of reported undesirable sexual,physical,and neuropsychiatric side effects.In the present study,we conducted the meta-analysis to demonstrate whether the use of 5α-reductase inhibitors(5ARIs)increases the risk of PFS-like adverse effects.A search of studies published until May 10,2020,was performed using PubMed,EMBASE,and the Cochrane Library.We included randomized controlled trials with at least one comparison between male patients receiving 5ARIs versus placebo for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)or androgenetic alopecia(AGA),and identified 34 studies from 28 articles that met our eligibility criteria.In the random-effects model,the overall use of 5ARIs exhibited a 1.87-fold risk of PFS-like adverse effects during the trial(95%confidence interval[CI]:1.64-2.14).Regarding specific types of adverse effects,the use of 5ARIs had a 1.89-fold risk of sexual adverse effects(95%CI:1.74-2.05)and was associated with an increased risk of physical adverse effects(relative risk[RR]:1.31,95%CI:0.80-2.15),albeit without statistical significance.This meta-analysis helped to better define the adverse effects caused by 5ARIs.We concluded that the overall use of 5ARIs significantly increased the risk of PFS-like adverse effects in men with AGA or BPH during treatment.Enhanced awareness of and education on the PFS-like adverse effects are necessary for clinicians.

Regulation and dysregulation of hair regeneration: aiming for clinical application

Hair growth and regeneration represents a remarkable example of stem cell function.Recent progress emphasizes the micro-and macro-environment that controls the regeneration process.There is a shift from a stem cell-centered view toward the various layers of regulatory mechanisms that control hair regeneration,which include local growth factors,immune and neuroendocrine signals,and dietary and environmental factors.This is better suited for clinical applica-tion in multiple forms of hair disorders:in male pattern hair loss,the stem cells are largely preserved,but androgen signaling diminishes hair growth;in alopecia areata,an immune attack is targeted toward the growing hair follicle without abrogating its regeneration capability.Genome-wide association studies further revealed the genetic bases of these disorders,although the precise pathological mechanisms of the identified loci remain largely unknown.By analyzing the dysregulation of hair regeneration under pathological conditions,we can better address the complex interactions among stem cells,the differentiated progeny,and mesenchymal components,and highlight the critical role of macroenvironment adjustment that is essential for hair growth and regeneration.The poly-genetic origin of these disorders makes the study of hair regeneration an interesting and challenging field.