Investigation of the Binding Properties of the Cosmetic Peptide Argireline and Its Derivatives Towards Copper(II) Ions

Micronutrients and Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review

SCOPE

Hair loss is a common problem that can negatively impact individuals' psychological well-being. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is one of the most prevalent types of nonscarring hair loss. This review summarizes the existing evidence on the relationship between AGA and various micronutrients, including vitamin B, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, selenium, zinc, manganese, and copper.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted to identify relevant articles published between 1993 and 2023. The search identified 49 relevant articles.

RESULTS

The findings suggest that deficiencies or imbalances in these micronutrients may contribute to the pathogenesis of AGA and represent modifiable risk factors for hair loss prevention and treatment. Vitamin B, vitamin D, iron, and zinc appear to play critical roles in hair growth and maintenance. Deficiencies in these micronutrients have been associated with increased risk of AGA, while supplementation with these nutrients has shown potential benefits in improving hair growth and preventing hair loss. However, the current evidence is not entirely consistent, with some studies reporting no significant associations.

CONCLUSION

Deficiencies or imbalances in specific vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B, vitamin D, Fe, Se, and Zn are involved in the pathogenesis of AGA and may represent modifiable risk factors for the treatment and prevention of this condition.

Polydioxanone Bioactive Sutures-Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline): An Intelligent System for Controlled Release in Facial Harmonization

Introduction

We propose a new facial lifting protocol using polydioxanone (PDO) threads embedded in acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline [Arg]). We assume that Arg reinforces the effects of PDO threads, as it is a mimetic of botulinum toxin. Because the PDO suture is hydrolyzable, this assumption is analyzed by instrumental analysis.

Objective

To demonstrate the capacity of the PDO suture as a system for the controlled release of acetyl hexapeptide-8 to apply in deep wrinkles of the upper third.

Materials and Methods

Three segments of 1-cm long 21G PDO threads immersed in 1 mL of Arg. PDO threads were observed under an optical, electron microscope at 24, 48, and 72 h later. They were also weighed before and after being soaked in Arg, and employing ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, the release rate of Arg from the PDO suture was measured. Finally, was insert the thread PDO-Arg following a protocol designed especially for deep static wrinkles in the upper third.

Results

The electronic weighing revealed that the PDO thread enjoys capillarity by the peptide, doubling its weight every 24 h. UV spectra revealed that PDO thread is a well-controlled release system for Arg, allowing its sustained release for 1 h. Optical and electronic photomicrographs confirm the swelling of the PDO thread by absorbing Arg by its capillarity, but this hydrophilicity does not lead to its premature physical degradation.

Conclusions

The PDO thread system with Arg is an intelligent bioactive system useful in facial harmonization. It recommend conduct clinical trial to verify his superior lifting effect.

A combination therapy for androgenic alopecia based on quercetin and zinc/copper dual-doped mesoporous silica nanocomposite microneedle patch

A nanocomposite microneedle (ZCQ/MN) patch containing copper/zinc dual-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with quercetin (ZCQ) was developed as a combination therapy for androgenic alopecia (AGA). The degradable microneedle gradually dissolves after penetration into the skin and releases the ZCQ nanoparticles. ZCQ nanoparticles release quercetin (Qu), copper (Cu²⁺) and zinc ions (Zn²⁺) subcutaneously to synergistically promote hair follicle regeneration. The mechanism of promoting hair follicle regeneration mainly includes the regulation of the main pathophysiological phenomena of AGA such as inhibition of dihydrotestosterone, inhibition of inflammation, promotion of angiogenesis and activation of hair follicle stem cells by the combination of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions and Qu. This study demonstrates that the systematic intervention targeting different pathophysiological links of AGA by the combination of organic drug and bioactive metal ions is an effective treatment strategy for hair loss, which provides a theoretical basis for development of biomaterial based anti-hair loss therapy.

Design of a Multifunctional Biomaterial Inspired by Ancient Chinese Medicine for Hair Regeneration in Burned Skin

In deep burn injuries, the dermis of the skin is often severely damaged, and hair follicles are also lost and lose the potential for regeneration. Therefore, the development of wound dressings that promote hair follicle regeneration has important clinical significance. In this study, inspired by an ancient Chinese medicine prescription, a novel fibrous membrane (P/Qu/Cup; P, PCL; Qu, quercetin; Cup, cuprorivaite, CaCuSi₄O₁₀) containing quercetin-copper (Qu-Cu) chelates was fabricated by using quercetin and a highly bioactive bioceramic (CaCuSi₄O₁₀) incorporated in PCL/gelatin electrospun fibers. The fibrous membrane can effectively release Qu and Cu ions to induce proliferation, migration, and differentiation of skin and hair follicle related cells, and the Qu, Cu ions, and Si ions released from the composite membrane revealed synergistic activity to stimulate hair follicle regeneration and wound healing. Our study demonstrated that the analysis of the common components in ancient Chinese prescription is an effective approach to design novel bioactive materials for regenerative medicine.