Safflower oil body nanoparticles deliver hFGF10 to hair follicles and reduce microinflammation to accelerate hair regeneration in androgenetic alopecia

Antioxidant Properties of Platycladus orientalis Flavonoids for Treating UV-Induced Damage in Androgenetic Alopecia Hair

BACKGROUND

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) causes thinning hair, but poor hair quality in balding areas and damage from UV radiation have been overlooked. Plant extracts like Platycladus orientalis flavonoids (POFs) may improve hair quality in AGA. This study examines POFs' effectiveness in treating AGA-affected hair and repairing UV-induced damage.

METHODS

Hair samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine surface characteristics, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to measure free radicals in the hair, and spectrophotometry to assess changes in hair properties.

RESULTS

POFs effectively removed hydroxyl radicals from keratinocytes and had antioxidant properties. They also reduced UV-induced damage to AGA hair by mitigating the production of melanin free radicals. Following POF treatment, the reduction in peroxidized lipid loss in AGA hair was notable at 59.72%, thereby effectively delaying the progression of hair color change. Moreover, protein loss decreased by 191.1 μ/g and tryptophan loss by 15.03%, ultimately enhancing hair's tensile strength.

CONCLUSION

compared to healthy hair, hair damaged by AGA shows more pronounced signs of damage when exposed to UV radiation. POFs help protect balding hair by reducing oxidative damage and slowing down melanin degradation.

DNA Microarray and Bioinformatic Analysis Reveals the Potential of Whale Oil in Enhancing Hair Growth in a C57BL/6 Mice Dorsal Skin Model

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 (Flg), a gene related to skin barrier function; fibroblast growth factor 21 (Fgf21), which is involved in hair follicle development; and cysteine-rich secretory protein 1 (Crisp1), 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.

Synergistic therapeutic effect of ginsenoside Rg3 modified minoxidil transfersomes (MXD-Rg3@TFs) on androgenic alopecia in C57BL/6 mice

Inflammation in hair follicles will reduce the effectiveness of minoxidil (MXD) in the treatment of androgen alopecia (AGA) caused by elevated androgen levels. To target multiple physiological and pathological processes in AGA, a novel natural bioactive compound modified transfersomes (MXD-Rg3@TFs) was prepared to replace cholesterol that may disrupt hair growth, with ginsenosides Rg3 (Rg3) that have anti-inflammatory effects on AGA. The effects of MXD, Rg3 and their combination on AGA were evaluated using dihydrotestosterone (DHT) induced human dermal papilla cells (DPCs), and the results showed that the combination of MXD and Rg3 can significantly promote the proliferation, reduce the level of intracellular ROS and inflammatory factors, and inhibit the aging of DHT induced DPCs. Compared with cholesterol membrane transfersomes (MXD-Ch@TFs), MXD-Rg3@TFs has similar deformability, smaller particle size and better stability. MXD-Rg3@TFs has also significant advantages in shortening telogen phase and prolonging the growth period of hair follicles in C57BL/6 mice than MXD-Ch@TFs and commercial MXD tincture. The prominent ability of MXD-Rg3@TFs to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT and reduce the level of inflammatory factors suggested that Rg3 and MXD in MXD-Rg3@TFs have synergistic effect on AGA therapy. MXD-Ch@TFs with no irritation to C57BL/6 mice skin is expected to reduce the dose of MXD and shorten the treatment time, which would undoubtedly provide a promising therapeutic option for treatment of AGA.

Progress on the mechanism of natural products alleviating androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has become a widespread problem that leads to considerable impairment of the psyche and daily life. The currently approved medications for the treatment of AGA are associated with significant adverse effects, high costs, and prolonged treatment duration. Therefore, natural products are being considered as possible complementary or alternative treatments. This review aims to enhance comprehension of the mechanisms by which natural products treat AGA. To achieve this, pertinent studies were gathered and subjected to analysis. In addition, the therapeutic mechanisms associated with these natural products were organized and summarized. These include the direct modulation of signaling pathways such as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, the PI3K/AKT pathway, and the BMP pathway. Additionally, they exert effects on cytokine secretion, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capabilities, as well as apoptosis and autophagy. Furthermore, the review briefly discusses the relationship between signaling pathways and autophagy and apoptosis in the context of AGA, systematically presents the mechanisms of action of existing natural products, and analyzes the potential therapeutic targets based on the active components of these products. The aim is to provide a theoretical basis for the development of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or dietary supplements.

Active pharmaceutical ingredient-ionic liquids assisted follicular co-delivery of ferulic acid and finasteride for enhancing targeted anti-alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the primary hair loss with impairing patients' quality of life. Finasteride (FIN) is an SRD5A2 inhibitor for AGA treatment, but oral FIN causes systemic adverse effects. Topical FIN delivery is anticipated to overcome this problem. Ferulic acid (FA) is a natural phenolic acid with vascular remodeling and anti-inflammatory effects. Herein, an active pharmaceutical ingredient ionic liquid (API IL) based on choline and FA (CF-IL) is for the first time constructed to load FIN for fabricating FIN CF-IL. CF-IL aims to act as carriers and cargos and enhance hair follicle (HF) co-delivery of FA and FIN for synergistic anti-alopecia. Thermal and spectroscopic analysis combined with quantum chemistry calculations and molecular dynamics confirm the formation of CF-IL. The CF-IL simultaneously increases the solubility of FA (∼648-fold) and FIN (∼686-fold), enhances the permeation and retention of FIN and FA through the follicular pathway, and promotes cellular uptake. FIN CFIL regulates the abnormal mRNA expressions in dihydrotestosterone-irritated hDPCs, and promotes hair regrowth in AGA mice in a combined manner with FIN and FA. These findings suggest that FA-based API IL is a promising approach for percutaneously co-delivering FA and FIN to HF, providing an enhanced targeting treatment for AGA.

Nanodrug Delivery Strategies to Signaling Pathways in Alopecia

Over 50% of the global population suffers from hair loss. The mixed results in the treatment of hair loss reveal the limitations of conventional commercial topical drugs. One the one hand, the definite pathogenesis of hair loss is still an enigma. On the other hand, targeted drug carriers ensure the drug therapeutic effect and low side effects. This review highlights the organization and overview of nine crucial signaling pathways associated with hair loss, as well as the development of nanobased topical delivery systems loading the clinical drugs, which will fuel emerging hair loss treatment strategies.

Nanotechnology-based techniques for hair follicle regeneration

The hair follicle (HF) is a multicellular complex structure of the skin that contains a reservoir of multipotent stem cells. Traditional hair repair methods such as drug therapies, hair transplantation, and stem cell therapy have limitations. Advances in nanotechnology offer new approaches for HF regeneration, including controlled drug release and HF-specific targeting. Until recently, embryogenesis was thought to be the only mechanism for forming hair follicles. However, in recent years, the phenomenon of wound-induced hair neogenesis (WIHN) or de novo HF regeneration has gained attention as it can occur under certain conditions in wound beds. This review covers HF-specific targeting strategies, with particular emphasis on currently used nanotechnology-based strategies for both hair loss-related diseases and HF regeneration. HF regeneration is discussed in several modalities: modulation of the hair cycle, stimulation of progenitor cells and signaling pathways, tissue engineering, WIHN, and gene therapy. The HF has been identified as an ideal target for nanotechnology-based strategies for hair regeneration. However, some regulatory challenges may delay the development of HF regeneration nanotechnology based-strategies, which will be lastly discussed.

Comparison on Quality Performance of Human Hair Types with Herbal Oils (Grape Seed/Safflower Seed/Rosehip) by Analysis Techniques

Hair is exposed to harmful factors such as sunlight, pollution, cosmetic applications, and cleaning every day. With lost moisture, the hair is worn out, loses shine, and exhibits color changes in the case of dyed hair. In this study, the effects of herbal oils on hair were investigated by comparing the properties with measurements. Three different types of hair were used: natural (unprocessed), damaged, and dyed hair. After washing hair with a base shampoo, herbal oils were applied, and brightness, color changes, elasticity, and breaking points were examined. Safflower seed oil, grape seed oil, and rosehip oil were applied to the samples. It was tried to regain the properties that have decreased as a result of shampoo application in the hair with the applied oils. The highest gloss was observed with grape seed oil, and according to color change calculations, the best result was seen with safflower seed oil. Tensile-strain testing was performed for all samples, and rosehip oil gave the best results. The changes in hair fractures were examined with a scanning electron microscope, and grape seed oil was the best for all hair types. When all analyses were evaluated, the best performing herbal oil was grape seed oil. All analysis results showed that herbal oils can be used in the cosmetics industry with different applications.

Advanced Skin Antisepsis: Application of UVA-Cleavable Hydroxyethyl Starch Nanocapsules for Improved Eradication of Hair Follicle-Associated Microorganisms

Hair follicles constitute important drug delivery targets for skin antisepsis since they contain ≈25% of the skin microbiome. Nanoparticles are known to penetrate deeply into hair follicles. By massaging the skin, the follicular penetration process is enhanced based on a ratchet effect. Subsequently, an intrafollicular drug release can be initiated by various trigger mechanisms. Here, we present novel ultraviolet A (UVA)-responsive nanocapsules (NCs) with a size between 400 and 600 nm containing hydroxyethyl starch (HES) functionalized by an o-nitrobenzyl linker. A phase transfer into phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and ethanol was carried out, during which an aggregation of the particles was observed by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS). The highest stabilization for the target medium ethanol as well as UVA-dependent release of ethanol from the HES-NCs was achieved by adding 0.1% betaine monohydrate. Furthermore, sufficient cytocompatibility of the HES-NCs was demonstrated. On ex vivo porcine ear skin, a strong UVA-induced release of the model drug sulforhodamine 101 (SR101) could be demonstrated after application of the NCs in cyclohexane using laser scanning microscopy. In a final experiment, a microbial reduction comparable to that of an ethanol control was demonstrated on ex vivo porcine ear skin using a novel UVA-LED lamp for triggering the release of ethanol from HES-NCs. Our study provides first indications that an advanced skin antisepsis based on the eradication of intrafollicular microorganisms could be achieved by the topical application of UVA-responsive NCs.

An overview of the genetic aspects of hair loss and its connection with nutrition

Hair loss is a widespread concern in dermatology clinics, affecting both men's and women's quality of life. Hair loss can have many different causes, which are critical to identify in order to provide appropriate treatment. Hair loss can happen due to many variables, such as genetic factors or predisposition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, skin problems, hair growth disorders, poor diet, hormonal problems, certain internal diseases, drug use, stress and depression, cosmetic factors, childbirth, and the chemotherapy process. Treatment for hair loss varies depending on the type of alopecia, deficiency, or excess of structures such as vitamins and minerals, and also on hair and skin structure. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by low amounts of saturated fat, animal protein, and high amounts of unsaturated fat, fiber, polyphenols, and antioxidants. The main nutrients found in the Mediterranean Diet are rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory components. It also has an important place in hair loss treatment, since recently treatment strategies have included polyphenols and unsaturated oils more and more frequently. The goal of this work was to review published articles examining alopecia and its types, the many micronutrients that affect alopecia, and the role of the Mediterranean diet in alopecia. The literature shows that little is known about hair loss, nutritional factors, and diet, and that the data collected are conflicting. Given these differences, research into the function of diet and nutrition in the treatment of baldness is a dynamic and growing topic.

Hyaluronic Acid Micelles for Promoting the Skin Permeation and Deposition of Curcumin

Background

The poor skin permeation and deposition of topical therapeutic drugs is a major issue in topical drug delivery, improving this issue is conducive to improving the topical therapeutic effect of drugs.

Methods

In this study, octadecylamine modified hyaluronic acid (OHA) copolymer was synthesized by amide reaction technique to prepare curcumin (CUR)-loaded micelles (CUR-M) for topical transdermal administration. CUR-M was successfully prepared by dialysis, and the formulation was evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, surface morphology, entrapment effciency (EE%), drug loading (DL), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the in vitro drug release. Additionally, in vitro skin permeation and retention, in vivo topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, and skin irritation were assessed.

Results

The mean drug loading (DL), drug entrapment efficiency (EE), hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential of CUR-M were 8.26%, 90.86%, 165.64 nm and −26.85 mV, respectively. CUR-M was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), it was found that there was an interaction between CUR and OHA, and CUR existed in CUR-M in an amorphous form. CUR-M exhibited sustained release in 48 h and good stability at 4 °C for 21days. CUR-M could significantly increase the skin penetration and retention of CUR and had better analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in vivo when compared with CUR solution. Hematoxylin-eosin staining results revealed that the transdermal penetration mechanism of CUR-M might be related to the hydration of stratum corneum by HA. In addition, CUR-M showed no skin irritation to mouse skin.

Conclusion

CUR-M might be a promising and safe drug delivery system for the treatment of topical diseases.

Glycyrrhizin micellar nanocarriers for topical delivery of baicalin to the hair follicles: A targeted approach tailored for alopecia treatment

Alopecia affected approximately 16.6% of all people in China, however, treatment options remain limited due to the side effects. Plant bioactive compound baicalin (BC) possesses hair growth-promotion activity, but poor water solubility and unsuitable log P value restrict its topical application, and natural Glycyrrhizin (GL) can exactly overcome these drawbacks. Here, BC was encapsulated in GL to form GL-BC micelles for alopecia treatment. Simultaneously, tween 80 (TW) as carriers was incorporated in the GL-BC to form GL-TW-BC micelles. The topical penetration, penetration pathways, cellular uptake and the underlying mechanisms behind the hair loss reconstruction of the GL micelles were investigated. We found the optimal GL-BC and GL-TW-BC formulations significantly improved the penetration and accumulation of BC in the porcine skin predominantly through the hair follicles pathways without causing skin irritation, which resulted in a targeted treatment. The proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and effective cellular uptake was also enhanced. Moreover, the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, up-expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were the mechanisms of micelles for the hair recovery. Interestingly, GL and BC exhibited a synergistic treatment of alopecia. Collectively, GL-BC and GL-TW-BC can be used as promising approaches for the treatment of alopecia.