Role of increased vascular permeability in chemotherapy-induced alopecia: In vivo imaging of the hair follicular microenvironment in mice

Prevention of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy by protecting the endothelial glycocalyx shedding

Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) adversely affects the quality of life and treatment continuity of patients. The endothelial glycocalyx (eGCX) protects nerves from harmful substances released from the capillary vessels, but its role in peripheral neuropathy remains unclear. We investigated the impact of eGCX protection on VIPN. Using a murine model of VIPN, we administered nafamostat mesylate to protect the eGCX shedding, and analyzed the eGCX integrity and manifestation of peripheral neuropathy. Nafamostat treatment suppressed allodynia associated with neuropathy. Additionally, nafamostat administration resulted in the suppression of increased vascular permeability in capillaries of peripheral nerves, further indicating its positive influence on eGCX in VIPN model mice. This study provided the importance of eGCX in VIPN. With the potential for rapid clinical translation through drug repositioning, nafamostat may be a new promising treatment for the prevention of VIPN.

Controlling Hair Loss by Regulating Apoptosis in Hair Follicles: A Comprehensive Overview

Apoptosis is a physiological process that occurs in all cell types of the human body, and it profoundly changes the fate of hair by affecting hair follicle cells. This review outlines the cellular changes, intrinsic biochemical characteristics, and mechanisms underlying apoptosis and summarizes the hair follicle life cycle, including development, cycle stages, and corresponding cellular changes. Finally, the relationship between apoptosis and the hair cycle is discussed and the significance of apoptosis in hair loss conditions and drug treatments is highlighted. Apoptosis induces cellular changes and exhibits distinctive properties through intricate signaling pathways. Hair follicles undergo cyclic periods of growth, regression, and dormancy. Apoptosis is closely correlated with the regression phase by triggering hair follicle cell death and shedding. Regulation of apoptosis in hair follicles plays an essential role in hair loss due to maladies and drug treatments. Mitigating apoptosis can enhance hair growth and minimize hair loss. A comprehensive understanding of the correlation between apoptosis and the hair cycle can facilitate the development of novel treatments to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair regeneration.

Disturbed meningeal lymphatic function associated with malignancy and progression in patients with intracranial malignant tumors

BACKGROUND

Meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs) have proven to bear a relationship with tumor immunity and therapeutic efficacy of intracranial malignant tumors in pre-clinical animal studies. We aimed to explore the association between mLV function and intracranial malignant tumors in clinical participants.

METHODS

The participants were allocated to a control group or a group of patients with intracranial tumors. Dynamic enhanced magnetic resonance was used to evaluate the wash-in and wash-out functions of mLVs around the superior sagittal sinus and the sigmoid sinus.

FINDINGS

A total of 246 individuals were recruited for our study. The area under curve and wash-in rate of mLVs in the intracranial tumor group were higher than in the control group (2,749 vs. 2,110, p < 0.001 and 3.72 vs. 2.87, p < 0.001, respectively). The wash-out ratio of mLVs was lower in the intracranial tumor group than in the control group (0.65 vs. 0.73, p < 0.001). Decreased wash-out of mLVs was associated with tumor progression (β = -0.118; p < 0.001). High-grade glioma and isocitrate dehydrogenase wild type were associated with a lower mLV wash-out function (β = -0.057, p = 0.044 and β = -0.069, p = 0.047, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Intracranial malignant tumors were associated with elevated wash-in function and decreased wash-out function of mLVs. High-grade glioma and isocitrate dehydrogenase wild type were associated with low mLV wash-out function, and long-term decreased mLV wash-out function was a risk factor for tumor progression.

FUNDING

There was no funding.

Non-invasive assessment of hair regeneration in androgenetic alopecia mice in vivo using two-photon and second harmonic generation imaging

The identification of crucial targets for hair regrowth in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) involves determining important characteristics and different stages during the process of hair follicle regeneration. Traditional methods for assessing key features and different stages of hair follicle primarily involve taking skin tissue samples and determining them through various staining or other methods. However, non-invasive assessment methods have been long sought. Therefore, in this study, endogenous fluorescence signals from skin keratin and second harmonic signals from skin collagen fibers were utilized as probes, two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging techniques were employed to non-invasively assess hair shafts and collagen fibers in AGA mice in vivo. The TPEF imaging technique revealed that the alternation of new and old hair shafts and the different stages of the growth period in AGA mice were delayed. In addition, SHG imaging found testosterone reduced hair follicle area and miniaturized hair follicles. The non-invasive TPEF and SHG imaging techniques provided important methodologies for determining significant characteristics and different stages of the growth cycle in AGA mice, which will facilitate future non-invasive assessments on human scalps in vivo and reduce the use of animal testing.

THE CRITICAL ROLE OF THE HISTONE MODIFICATION ENZYME SETDB2 IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe hypoxemic respiratory failure with a high in-hospital mortality. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ARDS remain unclear. Recent findings have indicated that the onset of severe inflammatory diseases, such as sepsis, is regulated by epigenetic changes. We investigated the role of epigenetic changes in ARDS pathogenesis using mouse models and human samples. Methods: Acute respiratory distress syndrome was induced in a mouse model (C57BL/6 mice, myeloid cell or vascular endothelial cell [VEC]-specific SET domain bifurcated 2 [Setdb2]-deficient mice [Setdb2 ff Lyz2 Cre+ or Setdb2 ff Tie2 Cre+ ], and Cre - littermates) by intratracheal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Analyses were performed at 6 and 72 h after LPS administration. Sera and lung autopsy specimens from ARDS patients were examined. Results: In the murine ARDS model, we observed high expression of the histone modification enzyme SET domain bifurcated 2 ( Setdb2 ) in the lungs. In situ hybridization examination of the lungs revealed Setdb2 expression in macrophages and VECs. The histological score and albumin level of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly increased in Setdb2 ff Tie2 Cre+ mice following LPS administration compared with Setdb2 ff Tie2 Cre- mice, whereas there was no significant difference between the control and Setdb2 ff Lyz2 Cre+ mice. Apoptosis of VECs was enhanced in Setdb2 ff Tie2 Cre+ mice. Among the 84 apoptosis-related genes, the expression of TNF receptor superfamily member 10b ( Tnfrsf10b ) was significantly higher in Setdb2 ff Tie2 Cre+ mice than in control mice. Acute respiratory distress syndrome patients' serum showed higher SETDB2 levels than those of healthy volunteers. SETDB2 levels were negatively correlated with the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood/fraction of inspiratory oxygen concentration ratio. Conclusion: Acute respiratory distress syndrome elevates Setdb2 , apoptosis of VECs, and vascular permeability. Elevation of histone methyltransferase Setdb2 suggests the possibility to histone change and epigenetic modification. Thus, Setdb2 may be a novel therapeutic target for controlling the pathogenesis of ARDS.

Selective Delivery of Tofacitinib Citrate to Hair Follicles Using Lipid-Coated Calcium Carbonate Nanocarrier Controls Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia Areata

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is one of the common side effects in cancer treatment. The psychological distress caused by hair loss may cause patients to discontinue chemotherapy, affecting the efficacy of the treatment. The JAK inhibitor, Tofacitinib citrate (TFC), showed huge potential in therapeutic applications for treating baldness, but the systemic adverse effects of oral administration and low absorption rate at the target site limited its widespread application in alopecia. To overcome these problems, we designed phospholipid-calcium carbonate hybrid nanoparticles (PL/ACC NPs) for a topical application to target deliver TFC. The results proved that PL/ACC-TFC NPs showed excellent pH sensitivity and transdermal penetration in vitro. PL/ACC NPs offered an efficient follicular targeting approach to deliver TFC in a Cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced alopecia areata mouse model. Compared to the topical application of TFC solution, PL/ACC-TFC NPs significantly inhibited apoptosis of mouse hair follicles and accelerated hair growth. These findings support that PL/ACC-TFC NPs has the potential for topical application in preventing and mitigating CYP-induced Alopecia areata.

Efficacy of cooling therapy and α-lipoic acid derivative against chemotherapy-induced alopecia in an animal model

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is frequently induced by various regimens of chemotherapy and has a significant impact on mental health and quality of life. However, the effect of available current treatment for chemotherapy-induced alopecia is not sufficient. This study aimed to clarify the therapeutic effects and mechanism of skin cooling and the antioxidant α-lipoic acid derivative on chemotherapy-induced alopecia. We developed a chemotherapy-induced alopecia model of cyclophosphamide (120 μg/g) using Institute of Cancer Research mice. We used cooling therapy and α-lipoic acid derivative application as the treatments. We compared the alopecia score, hair bulb diameter, insulin-like growth factor-1 level, vascular permeability, and apoptosis between the control and treatment groups. The alopecia score significantly improved in each treatment group compared with that in the cyclophosphamide group. Hair bulb diameter significantly improved in the cyclophosphamide + cooling group compared with that in the cyclophosphamide group. The insulin-like growth factor-1 level and vascular permeability level was significantly retained and suppressed, respectively, in each treatment group compared with that in the cyclophosphamide group. The number of apoptotic cells in the vascular endothelium significantly decreased in the cyclophosphamide + α-lipoic acid derivative group compared with that in the cyclophosphamide group. In conclusion, cooling therapy and α-lipoic acid derivative facilitated recovery from chemotherapy-induced alopecia caused by cyclophosphamide through decreasing vascular permeability.

Ameliorative effect of flavocoxid on cyclophosphamide-induced cardio and neurotoxicity via targeting the GM-CSF/NF-κB signaling pathway

Cyclophosphamide (Cyclo) is a chemotherapeutic agent used as an immunosuppressant and as a treatment for many cancerous diseases. Many previous pieces of literature proved the marked cardio and neurotoxicity of the drug. Thus, this research provides evidence on the alleviative effect of flavocoxid on the cardiac and brain toxicity of cyclophosphamide in mice and determines its underlying mechanisms. Flavocoxid (Flavo) is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits the peroxidase activity of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes and 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX). Flavo was administered orally (20 mg/kg) for 2 weeks, followed by Cyclo (100 mg/kg, i.p.) on day 14. Higher heart and brain weight indices, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK-MB), and nitric oxide (NO) were mitigated following Flavo administration. Flavo modulated oxidative stress biomarkers (malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL)-1β. Additionally, cardiac troponin I (cTn-I), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), brain amyloid precursor protein (APP), and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were decreased by Flavo administration. Moreover, Flavo ameliorated heart and brain histopathological changes and caspase-3 levels. Collectively, Flavo (20 mg/kg) for 14 days showed significant cardio and neuroprotective effects due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities via modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and the GM-CSF/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Label-free detection of human enteric nerve system using Raman spectroscopy: A pilot study for diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease

BACKGROUND

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is characterized by the absence of an enteric nerve system (ENS). To remove aganglionosis, bowel reconstruction is only a curative treatment. It is mandatory to identify the extent of aganglionosis during surgery. Raman spectroscopy is a nondestructive chemical analysis technique that provides detailed information regarding molecular vibrations. The purpose of this study is to detect the ENS using Raman spectroscopy in the human intestine for diagnosis of HSCR.

METHODS

The Raman spectra of each layer of the gastrointestinal wall were collected from surgical specimens of the human rectum. Based on collected spectral data, principal component analysis was performed to determine the ENS. Subsequently, the Raman spectra of HSCR sections were analyzed.

RESULTS

Molecular structures of the gastrointestinal wall were characterized by Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy could discriminate between ganglion and muscle layers, and the spectra of the border between muscle layers in the aganglionosis were collagen-associated peaks. Either absence on presence of ENS was also confirmed in HSCR material.

CONCLUSIONS

Label-free detection of the ENS was successfully demonstrated using Raman spectroscopy. Since this is a preliminary study, the strategy which may contribute to differentiate between ganglionic and aganglionic segments using noninvasive techniques in HSCR should be evaluated by prospective studies in near future.

Role of increased vascular permeability in chemotherapy-induced alopecia: In vivo imaging of the hair follicular microenvironment in mice

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is one of the most difficult adverse events of cancer treatment for patients. However, it is still unknown why anticancer drugs cause hair loss. We aimed to clarify the mechanism of chemotherapy-induced alopecia in mice using an in vivo imaging technique with a two-photon microscope, which enables observation of the deep reaction in the living body in real time. In this study, ICR mice were injected intraperitoneally with cyclophosphamide (120 µg/g). Changes in the hair bulb morphology, subcutaneous vessel permeability, and vessel density were evaluated by two-photon microscopy and conventional methods. In order to determine whether there is a causal relationship between vascular permeability and hair loss, we combined cyclophosphamide (50 µg/g) with subcutaneous histamine. Using two‐photon microscopy and conventional examination, we confirmed that the hair bulbs became smaller, blood vessels around the hair follicle decreased, and vascular permeability increased at 24 hours after cyclophosphamide injection [corrected]. Apoptosis occurred in vascular endothelial cells around the hair follicle. Additionally, hair loss was exacerbated by temporarily enhancing vascular permeability with histamine. In conclusion, cyclophosphamide caused a decrease in vascular density and an increase in vascular permeability, therefore increased vascular permeability might be one of the causes of chemotherapy-induced alopecia.