L-carnitine-L-tartrate promotes human hair growth in vitro

Hair Thickness Growth Effect of Adenosine Complex in Male-/Female-Patterned Hair Loss via Inhibition of Androgen Receptor Signaling

Aging (senescence) is an unavoidable biological process that results in visible manifestations in all cutaneous tissues, including scalp skin and hair follicles. Previously, we evaluated the molecular function of adenosine in promoting alopecia treatment in vitro. To elucidate the differences in the molecular mechanisms between minoxidil (MNX) and adenosine, gene expression changes in dermal papilla cells were examined. The androgen receptor (AR) pathway was identified as a candidate target of adenosine for hair growth, and the anti-androgenic activity of adenosine was examined in vitro. In addition, ex vivo examination of human hair follicle organ cultures revealed that adenosine potently elongated the anagen stage. According to the severity of alopecia, the ratio of the two peaks (terminal hair area/vellus hair area) decreased continuously. We further investigated the adenosine hair growth promoting effect in vivo to examine the hair thickness growth effects of topical 5% MNX and the adenosine complex (0.75% adenosine, 1% penthenol, and 2% niacinamide; APN) in vivo. After 4 months of administration, both the MNX and APN group showed significant increases in hair density (MNX + 5.01% (p < 0.01), APN + 6.20% (p < 0.001)) and thickness (MNX + 5.14% (p < 0.001), APN + 10.32% (p < 0.001)). The inhibition of AR signaling via adenosine could have contributed to hair thickness growth. We suggest that the anti-androgenic effect of adenosine, along with the evaluation of hair thickness distribution, could help us to understand hair physiology and to investigate new approaches for drug development.

Metabolomics reveals metabolites associated with hair follicle cycle in cashmere goats

BACKGROUND

The hair follicle is a skin accessory organ that regulates hair development, and its activity varies on a regular basis. However, the significance of metabolites in the hair follicle cycle has long been unknown.

RESULTS

Targeted metabolomics was used in this investigation to reveal the expression patterns of 1903 metabolites in cashmere goat skin during anagen to telogen. A statistical analysis was used to investigate the potential associations between metabolites and the hair follicle cycle. The findings revealed clear changes in the expression patterns of metabolites at various phases and in various feeding models. The majority of metabolites (primarily amino acids, nucleotides, their metabolites, and lipids) showed downregulated expression from anagen (An) to telogen (Tn), which was associated with gene expression, protein synthesis and transport, and cell structure, which reflected, to some extent, that the cells associated with hair follicle development are active in An and apoptotic in An-Tn. It is worth mentioning that the expression of vitamin D3 and 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine decreased and then increased, which may be related to the shorter and longer duration of outdoor light, which may stimulate the hair follicle to transition from An to catagen (Cn). In the comparison of different hair follicle development stages (An, Cn, and Tn) or feeding modes (grazing and barn feeding), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that common differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) (2'-deoxyadenosine, L-valine, 2'-deoxyuridine, riboflavin, cytidine, deoxyguanosine, L-tryptophan, and guanosine-5'-monophosphate) were enriched in ABC transporters. This finding suggested that this pathway may be involved in the hair follicle cycle. Among these DEMs, riboflavin is absorbed from food, and the expression of riboflavin and sugars (D-glucose and glycogen) in skin tissue under grazing was greater and lower than that during barn feeding, respectively, suggesting that eating patterns may also alter the hair follicle cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression patterns of metabolites such as sugars, lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides in skin tissue affect hair follicle growth, in which 2'-deoxyadenosine, L-valine, 2'-deoxyuridine, riboflavin, cytidine, deoxyguanosine, L-tryptophan, and guanosine-5'-monophosphate may regulate the hair follicle cycle by participating in ABC transporters. Feeding practices may regulate hair follicle cycles by influencing the amount of hormones and vitamins expressed in the skin of cashmere goats.

Thermodynamically stable ionic liquid microemulsions pioneer pathways for topical delivery and peptide application

Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) are a powerful hair growth promoter with minimal side effects when compared with minoxidil and finasteride; however, challenges in delivering GHK-Cu topically limits their non-invasive applications. Using theoretical calculations and pseudo-ternary phase diagrams, we designed and constructed a thermodynamically stable ionic liquid (IL)-based microemulsion (IL-M), which integrates the high drug solubility of ILs and high skin permeability of microemulsions, thus improving the local delivery of copper peptides by approximately three-fold while retaining their biological function. Experiments in mice validated the effectiveness of our proposed IL-M system. Furthermore, the exact effects of the IL-M system on the expression of growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, were revealed, and it was found that microemulsion increased the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which includes factors involved in hair growth regulation. Overall, the safe and non-invasive IL microemulsion system developed in this study has great potential for the clinical treatment of hair loss.

Anti-Hair Loss Effect of Adenosine Is Exerted by cAMP Mediated Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Stimulation via Modulation of Gsk3β Activity in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of adenosine for its hair growth promoting effect. Adenosine stimulated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by modulating the activity of Gsk3β in cultured human dermal papilla cells. It also activated adenosine receptor signaling, increasing intracellular cAMP level, and subsequently stimulating the cAMP mediated cellular energy metabolism. The phosphorylation of CREB, mTOR, and GSK3β was increased. Furthermore, the expression of β-catenin target genes such as Axin2, Lef1, and growth factors (bFGF, FGF7, IGF-1) was also enhanced. The inhibitor study data conducted in Wnt reporter cells and in cultured human dermal papilla cells demonstrated that adenosine stimulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling through the activation of the adenosine receptor and Gsk3β plays a critical role in transmitting the signals from the adenosine receptor to β-catenin, possibly via the Gαs/cAMP/PKA/mTOR signaling cascade.

Cheating on forensic hair testing? Detection of potential biomarkers for cosmetically altered hair samples using untargeted hair metabolomics

Hair analysis has become an integral part in forensic toxicological laboratories for e.g. assessment of drug or alcohol abstinence. However, hair samples can be manipulated by cosmetic treatments, altering drug concentrations which eventually leads to false negative hair test results. In particular oxidative bleaching of hair samples under alkaline conditions significantly affects incorporated drug concentrations. To date, current techniques to detect cosmetic hair adulterations bear limitations such as the implementation of cut-off values or the requirement of specialized instrumentations. As a new approach, untargeted hair metabolomics analysis was applied to detect altered, endogenous biomolecules that could be used as biomarkers for oxidative cosmetic hair treatments. For this, genuine hair samples were treated in vitro with 9% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 30 minutes. Untreated and treated hair samples were analyzed using liquid-chromatography high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry. In total, 69 metabolites could be identified as significantly altered after hair bleaching. The majority of metabolites decreased after bleaching, yet totally degraded metabolites were most promising as suitable biomarkers. The formation of biomarker ratios of metabolites decreasing and increasing in concentrations improved the discrimination of untreated and treated hair samples. With the results of this study, the high variety of identified biomarkers now offers the possibility to include single biomarkers or biomarker selections into routine screening methods for improved data interpretation of hair test results.

Hair Growth Promoting Effect of Hottuynia cordata Extract in Cultured Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells

Houttuynia cordata (HC) is a traditional oriental herbal medicinal plant widely used as a component of complex prescriptions in Asia for alopecia treatment. The effect of HC on hair growth and its underlying mechanism, however, have not been demonstrated or clarified. In this study, we investigated the hair growth promoting effect of HC in cultured human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). HC extract was found to stimulate the proliferation of hDPCs and this stimulation might be in part a consequence of activated cellular energy metabolism, because treatment of HC extract increased the generation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and ATP through increasing the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ). In the context of cell cycle, HC extract increased the expression of CDK4 and decreased the expression of CCNA2 and CCNB1, implying that HC extract might induce G1 phase progression of DPCs which resulted in enhanced proliferation. HC extract increased the expression of Bcl2 essential for maintaining hair follicle anagen stage and cell survival. On the contrary, the expression of p16 and p21 was down-regulated by HC extract. In addition, HC extract enhanced the secretion of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-aa and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and AKT. Furthermore, HC extract prolonged anagen stage in organ cultured human hair follicles. Our data strongly suggest that HC extract could support hair growth by stimulating proliferation of DPCs and elongating anagen stage, resulted from enhanced cellular energy metabolism and modulation of gene expression related to cell cycle, apoptosis, and growth factors.

Induction of Hair Keratins Expression by an Annurca Apple-Based Nutraceutical Formulation in Human Follicular Cells

Hair disorders may considerably impact the social and psychological well-being of an individual. Recent advances in the understanding the biology of hair have encouraged the research and development of novel and safer natural hair growth agents. In this context, we have previously demonstrated—at both preclinical and clinical level—that an Annurca apple-based dietary supplement (AMS), acting as a nutraceutical, is endowed with an intense hair-inductive activity (trichogenicity), at once increasing hair tropism and keratin content. Herein, in the framework of preclinical investigations, new experiments in primary human models of follicular keratinocytes and dermal papilla cells have been performed to give an insight around AMS biological effects on specific hair keratins expression. As well as confirming the biocompatibility and the antioxidant proprieties of our nutraceutical formulation, we have proven an engagement of trichokeratins production underlying its biological effects on human follicular cells. Annurca apples are particularly rich in oligomeric procyanidins, natural polyphenols belonging to the broader class of bioflavonoids believed to exert many beneficial health effects. To our knowledge, none of the current available remedies for hair loss has hitherto shown to stimulate the production of hair keratins so clearly.

Annurca Apple Polyphenols Ignite Keratin Production in Hair Follicles by Inhibiting the Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Amino Acid Oxidation

Patterned hair loss (PHL) affects around 50% of the adult population worldwide. The negative impact that this condition exerts on people’s life quality has boosted the appearance of over-the-counter products endowed with hair-promoting activity. Nutraceuticals enriched in polyphenols have been recently shown to promote hair growth and counteract PHL. Malus pumila Miller cv. Annurca is an apple native to Southern Italy presenting one of the highest contents of Procyanidin B2. We have recently shown that oral consumption of Annurca polyphenolic extracts (AAE) stimulates hair growth, hair number, hair weight and keratin content in healthy human subjects. Despite its activity, the analysis of the molecular mechanism behind its hair promoting effect is still partially unclear. In this work we performed an unprecedented metabolite analysis of hair follicles (HFs) in mice topically treated with AAE. The metabolomic profile, based on a high-resolution mass spectrometry approach, revealed that AAE re-programs murine HF metabolism. AAE acts by inhibiting several NADPH dependent reactions. Glutaminolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, glutathione, citrulline and nucleotide synthesis are all halted in vivo by the treatment of HFs with AAE. On the contrary, mitochondrial respiration, β-oxidation and keratin production are stimulated by the treatment with AAE. The metabolic shift induced by AAE spares amino acids from being oxidized, ultimately keeping them available for keratin biosynthesis.

Decorin promotes proliferation and migration of ORS keratinocytes and maintains hair anagen in mice

DECORIN is a prototypical member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) family that plays important roles in numerous biological processes and cellular biological pathways. We previously showed that Decorin expression was highly enhanced in mouse dorsal hair follicles (HFs) during the anagen phase and was reduced during the catagen and telogen phases, suggesting that Decorin might modulate follicular cycling and morphogenesis. In this study, to further clarify the effects of DECORIN on hair cells and the cycling transition, an in vitro overexpression strategy and Decorin-null (Dcn^-/- ) mice were used to investigate the effects of DECORIN on outer root sheath (ORS) keratinocytes. DECORIN overexpression significantly enhanced proliferation and migration in ORS keratinocytes in vitro. Moreover, DECORIN overexpression upregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of WNT10b, β-CATENIN and LEF1. The DECORIN overexpression-induced increase in the proliferation and migration of ORS keratinocytes was partially inhibited by a Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor. Furthermore, Dcn^-/- mice had a shortened anagen phase and lower levels of β-catenin expression than were observed in wild-type mice in imaging and histological analyses. Taken together, these findings suggest that DECORIN promotes the proliferation and migration of ORS keratinocytes in vitro and maintains hair anagen in mice.

Compartmentation of Mitochondrial and Oxidative Metabolism in Growing Hair Follicles: A Ring of Fire

Little is known about the energetics of growing hair follicles, particularly in the mitochondrially abundant bulb. Here, mitochondrial and oxidative metabolism was visualized by multiphoton and light sheet microscopy in cultured bovine hair follicles and plucked human hairs. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ), cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and secretory granules were assessed with parameter-indicating fluorophores. In growing follicles, lower bulb epithelial cells had high viability, and mitochondria were polarized. Most epithelially generated ROS co-localized with polarized mitochondria. As the imaging plane captured more central and distal cells, ΔΨ disappeared abruptly at a transition to a nonfluorescent core continuous with the hair shaft. Approaching the transition, ΔΨ and ROS increased, and secretory granules disappeared. ROS and ΔΨ were strongest in a circumferential paraxial ring at putative sites for formation of the outer cortex/cuticle of the hair shaft. By contrast, polarized mitochondria in dermal papillar fibroblasts produced minimal ROS. Plucked hairs showed a similar abrupt transition of degranulation/depolarization near sites of keratin deposition, as well as an ROS-generating paraxial ring of fire. Hair movement out of the follicle appeared to occur independently of follicular bulb bioenergetics by a tractor mechanism involving the inner and outer root sheaths.

Hair growth effect of traditional Chinese medicine BeauTop on androgenetic alopecia patients: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the treatment effects of BeauTop in alopecia by observing its effectiveness in improving androgenetic alopecia. Hair growth was observed using a dermatoscope and clinical photos, and was scored by three dermatologists. Dermatologists evaluated and selected suitable participants for this study using the Norwood scale or Ludwig scale. A total of 40 participants with androgenetic alopecia were recruited in this study, and 32 participants completed the 6-month trial. The results revealed that in the BeauTop treatment group, 9/17 participants (52.9%) showed increased hair growth. Changes in hair growth were as follows: No change, 47.1% patients; minimally improved, 5.9% patients; moderately improved, 29.4% patients; and significantly improved, 17.6% patients. In the placebo group, 2/15 participants (13%) showed increased hair growth. A Chi-square test was performed and attained a value of 0.01 Collapse

Key Words

• BeauTop
• androgenetic alopecia
• ludwig scale
• norwood scale

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Affiliation(s)

Chien-Ying Lee Department of Pharmacology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40242, Taiwan, R.O.C Department of Pharmacy, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40242, Taiwan, R.O.C Department of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40242, Taiwan, R.O.C
Cheng-Chung Wei Department of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40242, Taiwan, R.O.C Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40242, Taiwan, R.O.C
Min-Chien Yu Department of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40242, Taiwan, R.O.C Department of Dermatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40242, Taiwan, R.O.C Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40242, Taiwan, R.O.C
Ching-Che Lin Brion Research Institute, New Taipei City 23143, Taiwan, R.O.C
Shuenn-Jyi Sheu Brion Research Institute, New Taipei City 23143, Taiwan, R.O.C
Jen-Hung Yang College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan, R.O.C
Chien-Ying Chiang Brion Research Institute, New Taipei City 23143, Taiwan, R.O.C
Kuang-Hua Huang Department of Health Service Administration, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
Yu-Hsiang Kuan Department of Pharmacology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40242, Taiwan, R.O.C Department of Pharmacy, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40242, Taiwan, R.O.C Department of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40242, Taiwan, R.O.C

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Adipocytes in skin health and disease

Adipocytes are intimately associated with the dermal compartment of the skin, existing in a specialized dermal depot and displaying dynamic changes in size during tissue homeostasis. However, the roles of adipocytes in cutaneous biology and disease are not well understood. Traditionally, adipocytes within tissues were thought to act as reservoirs of energy, as thermal, or as structural support. In this review, we discuss recent studies revealing the cellular basis of the dynamic development and regenerative capacity of dermal adipocytes associated with the hair cycle and following injury. We discuss and speculate on potential roles of dermal adipocytes in cutaneous biology with an emphasis on communication during hair follicle growth and wound healing. Finally, we explore how alterations in the dermal adipose tissue may support clinical manifestations of cutaneous diseases such as lipodystrophy, obesity, and alopecia.

Nutrition and hair: deficiencies and supplements

Hair follicle cells have a high turnover. A caloric deprivation or deficiency of several components, such as proteins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and vitamins, caused by inborn errors or reduced uptake, can lead to structural abnormalities, pigmentation changes, or hair loss, although exact data are often lacking. The diagnosis is established through a careful history, clinical examination of hair loss activity, and hair quality and confirmed through targeted laboratory tests. Examples of genetic hair disorders caused by reduced nutritional components are zinc deficiency in acrodermatitis enteropathica and copper deficiency in Menkes kinky hair syndrome.

Inhibition of inflammatory gene expression in keratinocytes using a composition containing carnitine, thioctic Acid and saw palmetto extract

Chronic inflammation of the hair follicle (HF) is considered a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Previously, we clinically tested liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) and its glycoside, β-sitosterol, in subjects with AGA and showed a highly positive response to treatment. In this study, we sought to determine whether blockade of inflammation using a composition containing LSESr as well as two anti-inflammatory agents (carnitine and thioctic acid) could alter the expression of molecular markers of inflammation in a well-established in vitro system. Using a well-validated assay representative of HF keratinocytes, specifically, stimulation of cultured human keratinocyte cells in vitro, we measured changes in gene expression of a spectrum of well-known inflammatory markers. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) provided an inflammatory stimulus. In particular, we found that the composition effectively suppressed LPS-activated gene expression of chemokines, including CCL17, CXCL6 and LTB(4) associated with pathways involved in inflammation and apoptosis. Our data support the hypothesis that the test compound exhibits anti-inflammatory characteristics in a well-established in vitro assay representing HF keratinocyte gene expression. These findings suggest that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors combined with blockade of inflammatory processes could represent a novel two-pronged approach in the treatment of AGA with improved efficacy over current modalities.

Leptin and the skin: a new frontier

Here, we examine the currently available information which supports that the adipokine, leptin, is a major player in the biology and pathology of mammalian skin and its appendages. Specifically, the potent metabolic effects of leptin and its mimetics may be utilized to improve, preserve and restore skin regeneration and hair cycle progression, and may halt or even partially reverse some aspects of skin ageing. Since leptin can enhance mitochondrial activity and biogenesis, this may contribute to the wound healing-promoting and hair growth-modulatory effects of leptin. Leptin dependent intracellular signalling by the Janus kinase 2 dependent signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, adenosine monophosphate kinase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma coactivator/PPAR converges to mediate mitochondrial metabolic activation and enhanced cell proliferation which may orchestrate the potent developmental, trophic and protective effects of leptin. Since leptin and leptin mimetics have already been clinically tested, investigative dermatology is well-advised to place greater emphasis on the systematic exploration of the cutaneous dimensions and dermatological potential of this pleiotropic hormone.