The effect of Lactobacillus plantarum hydrolysates promoting VEGF production on vascular growth and hair growth of C57BL/6 mice

In-ovo injection of Bacillus subtilis, raffinose, and their combinations enhances hatchability, gut health, nutrient transport- and intestinal function-related genes, and early development of broiler chicks

An experiment was conducted to assess the response of chicks to in-ovo injection of Bacillus subtilis (probiotic), raffinose (prebiotic), and their combinations. The study used 1,500 embryonated eggs allotted to 10 groups/ 6 replicates (150 eggs/group). The experimental treatments were: 1) un-injected control (NC); 2) sham (sterile distilled water) (PC); 3) probiotic 4 × 105CFU/egg (LBS); 4) probiotic 4 × 106CFU/egg (HBS); 5) prebiotic 2 mg/egg (LR); (6 prebiotic 3 mg/egg (HR); 7) probiotic 4 × 105CFU + prebiotic 2 mg/egg (LBS+LR); 8) probiotic 4 × 105CFU + prebiotic 3 mg/egg (LBS+HR); 9) probiotic 4 × 106CFU + prebiotic 2 mg/egg (HBS+LR); and 10) probiotic 4 × 106CFU + prebiotic 3 mg/egg (HBS+HR). Results showed that in-ovo inclusion of Bacillus subtilis, prebiotic, and their combinations improved hatchability, yolk-free chick weight, and chick weight compared to the control group. Moreover, the in-ovo treatment reduced residual yolk weight on the day of hatch compared to the control group. Different levels of in-ovo B. subtilis alone or combined with raffinose significantly (P ≤ 0.001) reduced total bacterial count and total yeast and mold count compared to the negative control group. Total coliform and E. coli decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.001) in groups treated with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics with different doses during incubation compared to those in the control. Clostridium spp. was not detected in the groups injected with B. subtilis alone or combined with raffinose. In-ovo probiotics and synbiotics (LBS+LR & LBS+HR) significantly (P ≤ 0.001) increased ileal villus length compared to other groups. In-ovo treatment increased mRNA expression of JAM-2 compared to the control group. The fold change significantly increased in group LBS+HR for genes MUC-2, OCLN, VEGF, SGLT-1, and EAAT-3 compared to the negative control. In conclusion, in-ovo injection of a low dose of B. subtilis plus a high or low dose of raffinose can positively affect hatching traits, cecal microbial populations, intestinal histomorphometry, nutrient transport- and intestinal function-related genes, and chick quality of newly hatched broiler chicks.

Hair Growth Promoting Effects of Solubilized Sturgeon Oil and Its Correlation with the Gut Microbiome

Androgenetic alopecia is a common disease that occurs in both men and women. Several approved medications have been used to treat this condition, but they are associated with certain side effects. Therefore, use of extracts derived from natural products, such as Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii), and the regulation of the gut microbiota have become important topics of research. Sturgeon is known for its high nutritional value and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its effects on androgenetic alopecia and gut microbiota remain uncharacterized. Here, we aimed to investigate whether solubilized sturgeon oil (SSO) promotes hair growth and regulates the gut microbiome. C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups. Three groups received topical applications of distilled water, SSO, or minoxidil, and one group was orally administered SSO. Each treatment was administered over 4 weeks. Histopathological analysis revealed a significant increase in follicle number (p < 0.001) and follicle diameter (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed upregulation of β-catenin and ERK-1, markers involved in hair growth-promoting pathways. Furthermore, microbiome analysis revealed that the reduced gut microbiota was negatively correlated with these markers. Our findings indicate that oral administration of SSO promotes hair growth and regulates the abundance of hair growth-promoting gut microbiota.

A potential therapeutic strategy of an innovative probiotic formulation toward topical treatment of diabetic ulcer: an in vivo study

BACKGROUND

The probiotic potential of Lacticacid bacteria has been studied in various medical complications, from gastrointestinal diseases to antibiotic resistance infections recently. Moreover, diabetic ulcer (DU) is known as one of the most significant global healthcare concerns, which comprehensively impacts the quality of life for these patients. Given that the conventional treatments of DUs have failed to prevent later complications completely, developing alternative therapies seems to be crucial.

METHODS

We designed the stable oleogel-based formulation of viable probiotic cells, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), Lactobacillus casei (L. casei), Lactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum), and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) individually to investigate their effect on wound healing process as an in vivo study. The wound repair process was closely monitored regarding morphology, biochemical, and histopathological changes over two weeks and compared it with the effects of topical tetracycline as an antibiotic approach. Furthermore, the antibiofilm activity of probiotic bacteria was assessed against some common pathogens.

RESULTS

The findings indicated that all tested lactobacillus groups (excluded L. casei) included in the oleogel-based formulation revealed a high potential for repairing damaged skin due to the considerably more levels of hydroxyproline content of tissue samples along with the higher numerical density of mature fibroblasts cell and volume density of hair follicles, collagen fibrils, and neovascularization in comparison with antibiotic and control groups. L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus showed the best potential of wound healing among all lactobacillus species, groups treated by tetracycline and control groups. Besides, L. rhamnosus showed a significant biofilm inhibition activity against tested pathogens.

CONCLUSIONS

This experiment demonstrated that the designed formulations containing probiotics, particularly L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus, play a central role in manipulating diabetic wound healing. It could be suggested as an encouraging nominee for diabetic wound-healing alternative approaches, though further studies in detailed clinical trials are needed.

Efficacy of probiotics in hair growth and dandruff control: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Probiotics are intellectually rewarding for the discovery of their potential as a source of functional food. Investigating the economic and beauty sector dynamics, this study conducted a comprehensive review of scholarly articles to evaluate the capacity of probiotics to promote hair growth and manage dandruff.

Methods

We used the PRISMA 2020 with Embase, Pubmed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus, and ICTRP databases to investigate studies till May 2023. Meta-analyses utilizing the random effects model were used with odds ratios (OR) and standardized mean differences (SMD).

Result

Meta-analysis comprised eight randomized clinical trials and preclinical studies. Hair growth analysis found a non-significant improvement in hair count (SMD = 0.32, 95 % CI -0.10 to 0.75) and a significant effect on thickness (SMD = 0.92, 95 % CI 0.47 to 1.36). In preclinical studies, probiotics significantly induced hair follicle count (SMD = 3.24, 95 % CI 0.65 to 5.82) and skin thickness (SMD = 2.32, 95 % CI 0.47 to 4.17). VEGF levels increased significantly (SMD = 2.97, 95 % CI 0.80 to 5.13), while IGF-1 showed a non-significant inducement (SMD = 0.53, 95 % CI -4.40 to 5.45). For dandruff control, two studies demonstrated non-significant improvement in adherent dandruff (OR = 1.31, 95 % CI 0.13-13.65) and a significant increase in free dandruff (OR = 5.39, 95 % CI 1.50-19.43). Hair follicle count, VEGF, IGF-1, and adherent dandruff parameters were recorded with high heterogeneity. For the systematic review, probiotics have shown potential in improving hair growth and controlling dandruff through modulation of the immune pathway and gut-hair axis. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway, IGF-1 pathway, and VEGF are key molecular pathways in regulating hair follicle growth and maintenance.

Conclusions

This review found significant aspects exemplified by the properties of probiotics related to promoting hair growth and anti-dandruff effect, which serve as a roadmap for further in-depth studies to make it into pilot scales.

Microneedle Delivery Platform Integrated with Codelivery Nanoliposomes for Effective and Safe Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment

Although topical application of minoxidil is a widely used, FDA-approved therapy for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) treatment, it suffers from low bioavailability, the requirement for frequent long-term use, and side effects. With a similar structure as minoxidil, kopexil and kopyrrol are less toxic and have been commercialized, but show an inferior hair regeneration effect compared to minoxidil. Herein, we developed a hyaluronic acid (HA)-based dissolvable microneedles (MNs) delivery platform integrated with kopexil and kopyrrol coencapsulated nanoliposomes (KK-NLPs) to effectively and safely treat AGA. Facilitated by nanoliposomes and MNs, the encapsulated KK-NLPs performed efficient skin penetration and enhanced cellular internalization into human dermal papilla cells. Furthermore, within the target cells, the codelivered kopexil and kopyrrol show synergistic effects by orchestrating an upregulation in the expression of Ki67, β-catenin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and CD31. These molecular responses collectively foster cell proliferation, migration, and antioxidative effects, thereby facilitating the expedited progression of hair follicles (HFs) into the anagen phase and promoting peripheral angiogenesis. Notably, the KK-NLPs-integrated MNs treatment group exhibits noteworthy enhanced hair regeneration in vivo, with identical or superior therapeutic effects at a much lower dosage than that of minoxidil. These results suggest the great potential of this kopexil and kopyrrol codelivery nanoliposomes-integrated MNs platform for AGA treatment in a safe and efficient way.

Probiotic-Functionalized Silk Fibroin/Sodium Alginate Scaffolds with Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Relieving Properties for Promoted Scarless Wound Healing

Bioactive substances such as probiotics are becoming a research hotspot in the field of tissue regeneration due to their excellent regulatory functions. Here, we proposed to load Lactobacillus casei onto a bilayer silk fibroin/sodium alginate (SF/SA) scaffold to endow the scaffold with both antibacterial and regenerative properties. The performance of the scaffold was characterized systemically. The L. casei-loaded scaffolds (L-SF/SA) bring in lactic acid, which has antibacterial and wound healing properties. In vitro, the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of L. casei inhibited the transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts and relieved the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). In vivo, L-SF/SA accelerated the healing of infected wounds in SD rats. The L-SF/SA reduced the bacterial load, induced M2 polarization of macrophages, increased angiogenesis, regulated collagen ratio, and alleviated the ERS, thereby promoting scarless wound healing and increasing hair follicle regeneration. Therefore, probiotic-functionalized silk fibroin/alginate scaffolds showed potential in the infected wound healing.

Lactobacillus paracasei HY7015 and Lycopus lucidus Turcz. Extract Promotes Human Dermal Papilla Cell Cytoprotective Effect and Hair Regrowth Rate in C57BL/6 Mice

Hair loss is a disease that requires accurate diagnosis and type-specific medical treatment. Many hair loss treatments have some side effects, such as hormone-related effects, so there is a need for safe and effective hair loss treatment. In this study, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus paracasei HY7015 (HY7015) and Lycopus lucidus Turcz. (LT) extract on hair regrowth and protection. In vitro experiments were conducted to assess the effects of HY7015 and/or LT extract on human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC) of cytoprotective functions such as proliferations, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and growth factor expressions. In animal experiments, we investigated hair regrowth rate, hair follicle formation and secretion of growth factors in telogenic C57BL/6 mice. We confirmed the cytoprotective effects of HY7015 and LT through regulations of proliferation, SOD and IL-1β in HFDPC. In mouse experiments, oral administration of HY7015 and LT promoted hair regrowth as well as hair follicle maturation in the dermal skin of C57BL/6 mice, and upregulated VEGF and IGF-1 growth factor levels in mouse serum. In summary, our data demonstrate that ingestions of HY7015 and LT can promote hair regrowth by enhancing cytoprotective effects and expressions of growth factors.

A Review of Immunomodulatory Reprogramming by Probiotics in Combating Chronic and Acute Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs)

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are characterized by a lack of angiogenesis and distal limb diabetic neuropathy. This makes it possible for opportunistic pathogens to protect the biofilm-encased micro-communities, causing a delay in wound healing. The acute and chronic phases of DFU-associated infections are distinguished by the differential expression of innate proinflammatory cytokines and tumor necrosis factors (TNF-α and -β). Efforts are being made to reduce the microbial bioburden of wounds by using therapies such as debridement, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, shock wave therapy, and empirical antibiotic treatment. However, the constant evolution of pathogens limits the effectiveness of these therapies. In the wound-healing process, continuous homeostasis and remodeling processes by commensal microbes undoubtedly provide a protective barrier against diverse pathogens. Among commensal microbes, probiotics are beneficial microbes that should be administered orally or topically to regulate gut-skin interaction and to activate inflammation and proinflammatory cytokine production. The goal of this review is to bridge the gap between the role of probiotics in managing the innate immune response and the function of proinflammatory mediators in diabetic wound healing. We also highlight probiotic encapsulation or nanoformulations with prebiotics and extracellular vesicles (EVs) as innovative ways to tackle target DFUs.

Stimulatory Effects of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Leuconostoc holzapfelii That Exists in Human Scalp on Hair Growth in Human Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells

Human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) located in hair follicles (HFs) play a pivotal role in hair follicle morphogenesis, hair cycling, and hair growth. Over the past few decades, probiotic bacteria (PB) have been reported to have beneficial effects such as improved skin health, anti-obesity, and immuno-modulation for conditions including atopic dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PB can secrete 50~150 nm sized extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing microbial DNA, miRNA, proteins, lipids, and cell wall components. These EVs can regulate communication between bacteria or between bacteria and their host. Although numerous biological effects of PB-EVs have been reported, the physiological roles of Leuconostoc holzapfelii (hs-Lh), which is isolated from human scalp tissue, and the extracellular vesicles derived from them (hs-LhEVs) are largely unknown. Herein, we investigated the effects of hs-LhEVs on hair growth in HFDPCs. We show that hs-LhEVs increase cell proliferation, migration, and regulate the cell cycle. Furthermore, hs-LhEVs were found to modulate the mRNA expression of hair-growth-related genes in vitro. These data demonstrate that hs-LhEVs can reduce apoptosis by modulating the cell cycle and promote hair growth by regulation via the Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction pathway.

Lactobacillus paracasei HY7015 Promotes Hair Growth in a Telogenic Mouse Model

In this study, we describe the effects of Lactobacillus paracasei HY7015 (HY7015) on promoting mouse hair growth. Since our purpose was to increase hair growth through oral administration, medicinal yeast, at a suitable concentration for application in mice, was used as a positive control. First, experiments were conducted to determine the effect of HY7015 on proliferation of hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC), which are important contributors to hair growth. HY7015 stimulated HFDPC proliferation in vitro and increased their secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and insulin-like growth factor-1. In mouse experiments, oral administration of HY7015 promoted hair growth and hair follicle maturation in the dorsal skin, as well as increasing growth factor levels in mouse serum. In summary, we demonstrate that L. paracasei HY7015 consumption can promote hair growth by stimulating HFDPC proliferation and growth factor secretion. Follow-up studies are warranted to determine the underlying mechanism, using various approaches, including investigation of changes in intestinal microbiota and alteration of gene and protein expression.

Hair Growth Promotion Effect of Nelumbinis Semen Extract with High Antioxidant Activity

This study investigated the hair regeneration promotion and hair loss prevention properties of Nelumbinis Semen (NS) extract in vitro and in vivo. The effect of NS on the proliferation and migration of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) was measured in vitro via CCK-8 and scratch migration assays, after which the antioxidant activity of NS was also quantified. NS extracts were then applied to the back of 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice for 3 weeks to monitor hair growth patterns and hair follicle (HF) histology. The mice were divided into three groups: negative control group (NC; DMSO), positive control group (PC; 3% minoxidil), and experimental group (NS extract 1,000 ppm). Moreover, to study the molecular mechanisms by which NS extract regenerates hair growth, real-time PCR was used to analyze factors related to the hair growth cycle. The NS extracts were found to possess high antioxidant properties due to their high flavonoid contents and electron-donating ability. Moreover, NS extracts enhanced hDPC proliferation and migration in a concentration-dependent manner (15.63–125 ppm). The hair growth index and growth area of the NS group (2.81 score, 81%) on day 14 were higher than those of the PC group (2.65 score, 68%) (p < 0.05). Additionally, the HFs of the NS group were located deep in the subcutis, similar to the PC group with developed hair roots. Moreover, the mRNA expression of VEGF and IGF-1 was higher in the NS group compared to the PC group, whereas TGF-β1 expression was lower (p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that NS modulates hair growth by increasing IGF-1 and VEGF expression while inhibiting that of TGF-β1. Therefore, our findings suggest that NS extract is a promising new hair loss treatment derived from a natural substance that helps promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.

Transdermal Composite Microneedle Composed of Mesoporous Iron Oxide Nanoraspberry and PVA for Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment

The transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents amplifying a local concentration of active molecules have received considerable attention in wide biomedical applications, especially in vaccine development and medical beauty. Unlike oral or subcutaneous injections, this approach can not only avoid the loss of efficacy of oral drugs due to the liver's first-pass effect but also reduce the risk of infection by subcutaneous injection. In this study, a magneto-responsive transdermal composite microneedle (MNs) with a mesoporous iron oxide nanoraspberry (MIO), that can improve the drug delivery efficiency, was fabricated by using a 3D printing-molding method. With loading of Minoxidil (Mx, a medication commonly used to slow the progression of hair loss and speed the process of hair regrowth), MNs can break the barrier of the stratum corneum through the puncture ability, and control the delivery dose for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). By 3D printing process, the sizes and morphologies of MNs is able to be, easily, architected. The MIOs were embedded into the tip of MNs which can deliver Mx as well as generate mild heating for hair growth, which is potentially attributed by the expansion of hair follicle and drug penetration. Compared to the mice without any treatments, the hair density of mice exhibited an 800% improvement after being treated by MNs with MF at 10-days post-treatment.

Bio-functional properties of probiotic Lactobacillus: current applications and research perspectives

Lactic acid bacteria as a starter culture are very important component in the fermentation process of dairy and food industry. Application of lactic acid bacteria as probiotic bacteria adds more functionality to the developed product. Gut colonizing bacteria have attractive benefits related to human health. Bio-functional properties such as antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory, ACE-inhibitory, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, antiviral, immunomodulatory, hypocholesterolemic, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer activities are the most applicable research areas of lactic acid bacteria. Different strains of Lactobacillus are generally consumed as probiotics and colonize the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes these bacteria may possess antimicrobial activity and may positively influence the effect of antibiotics. Use of Lactobacillus spp. for the development of functional foods is one of the promising areas of current research and applications. Individual bacterial species have unique biological activity, which may vary from strains to strains and identification of this uniqueness could be helpful in the development of functional and therapeutic food products.