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

Malus pumila Mill. cv Annurca apple extract might be therapeutically useful against oxidative stress and patterned hair loss

Patterned hair loss (PHL) or androgenetic alopecia is a condition affecting about 50% of people worldwide. Several pharmacological medications have been developed over the years, but few studies have investigated their effectiveness. Therefore, new, safer and more effective strategies are required. Recent investigations showed that Annurca apple extract application could induce keratin production and promote hair growth thanks to the high amount of procyanidin B2 contained in. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the role of an Annurca apple extract in preventing PHL by testing it on human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) for the first time. Treatment of HFDPCs with Annurca apple extract counteracted intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase 2 and catalase. Furthermore, treatment with Annurca apple extract increased β-catenin and fibroblast growth factor 2, which are involved in hair growth stimulation. These data suggest that Annurca apple extract may be a potential therapeutically useful nutraceutical product for preventing or treating hair loss by reducing oxidative stress and inducing the expression of hair growth-related factors.

Oxidative stress in hair follicle development and hair growth: Signalling pathways, intervening mechanisms and potential of natural antioxidants

Hair follicle development and hair growth are regulated by multiple factors and multiple signalling pathways. The hair follicle, as an important skin appendage, is the basis for hair growth, and it has the functions of safeguarding the body, perceiving the environment and regulating body temperature. Hair growth undergoes a regular hair cycle, including anagen, catagen and telogen. A small amount of physiological shedding of hair occurs under normal conditions, always in a dynamic equilibrium. Hair loss occurs when the skin or hair follicles are stimulated by oxidative stress, inflammation or hormonal disorders that disrupt the homeostasis of the hair follicles. Numerous researches have indicated that oxidative stress is an important factor causing hair loss. Here, we summarize the signalling pathways and intervention mechanisms by which oxidative stress affects hair follicle development and hair growth, discuss existing treatments for hair loss via the antioxidant pathway and provide our own insights. In addition, we collate antioxidant natural products promoting hair growth in recent years and discuss the limitations and perspectives of current hair loss prevention and treatment.

Autophagy Dysfunction: The Kernel of Hair Loss?

Autophagy is recognized as a crucial regulatory process, instrumental in the removal of senescent, dysfunctional, and damaged cells. Within the autophagic process, lysosomal digestion plays a critical role in the elimination of impaired organelles, thus preserving fundamental cellular metabolic functions and various biological processes. Mitophagy, a targeted autophagic process that specifically focuses on mitochondria, is essential for sustaining cellular health and energy balance. Therefore, a deep comprehension of the operational mechanisms and implications of autophagy and mitophagy is vital for disease prevention and treatment. In this context, we examine the role of autophagy and mitophagy during hair follicle cycles, closely scrutinizing their potential association with hair loss. We also conduct a thorough review of the regulatory mechanisms behind autophagy and mitophagy, highlighting their interaction with hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells. In conclusion, we investigate the potential of manipulating autophagy and mitophagy pathways to develop innovative therapeutic strategies for hair loss.

Formyl-peptide receptor 2 signalling triggers aerobic metabolism of glucose through Nox2-dependent modulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity

The human formyl-peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) is activated by an array of ligands. By phospho-proteomic analysis we proved that FPR2 stimulation induces redox-regulated phosphorylation of many proteins involved in cellular metabolic processes. In this study, we investigated metabolic pathways activated in FPR2-stimulated CaLu-6 cells. The results showed an increased concentration of metabolites involved in glucose metabolism, and an enhanced uptake of glucose mediated by GLUT4, the insulin-regulated member of GLUT family. Accordingly, we observed that FPR2 transactivated IGF-IRβ/IRβ through a molecular mechanism that requires Nox2 activity. Since cancer cells support their metabolism via glycolysis, we analysed glucose oxidation and proved that FPR2 signalling promoted kinase activity of the bifunctional enzyme PFKFB2 through FGFR1/FRS2- and Akt-dependent phosphorylation. Furthermore, FPR2 stimulation induced IGF-IRβ/IRβ-, PI3K/Akt- and Nox-dependent inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, thus preventing the entry of pyruvate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Consequently, we observed an enhanced FGFR-dependent lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and lactate production in FPR2-stimulated cells. As LDH expression is transcriptionally regulated by c-Myc and HIF-1, we demonstrated that FPR2 signalling promoted c-Myc phosphorylation and Nox-dependent HIF-1α stabilization. These results strongly indicate that FPR2-dependent signalling can be explored as a new therapeutic target in treatment of human cancers.

Biomolecules of Fermented Tropical Fruits and Fermenting Microbes as Regulators of Human Hair Loss, Hair Quality, and Scalp Microbiota

Plant-derived secondary metabolites (polyphenols/terpenes/alkaloids) and microbial exometabolites/membrane components of fermented tropical fruits are known as highly bioavailable biomolecules causing skin and hair improvement effects (wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiacne, skin/hair microbiota balancing, hair growth-promoting, and hair loss-inhibiting). Caffein is considered as a hair growth promoter. A randomized placebo- and caffein-controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of fermented papaya (FP) plus fermented mangosteen (FM) towards human hair quality and loss was conducted. Shampoo and lotion hair care products containing FP, FM, and caffein as active agents were developed and applied to 154 subjects of both sexes with clinically confirmed androgenic or diffuse alopecia for 3 months. Their clinical efficacy was assessed subjectively by questionnaires filled in by dermatologists/trichologists, and by the objective trichomicroscopical calculations. Hair and scalp skin quality was determined by microbiota pattern and ATP, SH-groups, protein, and malonyl dialdehyde quantification. Comparative clinical data showed that the experimental hair care cosmetics significantly inhibited hair loss, increased hair density/thickness, and improved hair follicle structure versus placebo and caffein controls. The cosmetics with FP and FM substantially normalized the microbiota pattern and increased ATP content in hair follicle, while inhibiting lipid peroxidation in the scalp skin, and SH-group formation in the hair shaft.

Extraction of Gallic Acid and Ferulic Acid for Application in Hair Supplements

Food supplements based on antioxidants and vitamins are often prescribed to correct inefficiencies in the human diet and delay diseases such as premature aging and alopecia (temporary or permanent hair loss), given the free radical scavenging activity of these biomolecules. By reducing the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which promote abnormal hair follicle cycling and morphology, follicle inflammation and oxidative stress are reduced, minimising the effects of these health issues. Gallic acid (GA), which is significantly present in gallnuts and in pomegranate root bark, and ferulic acid (FA), commonly found in brown rice and coffee seeds, are very important antioxidants for the preservation of hair colour, strength and growth. In this work, these two secondary phenolic metabolites were successfully extracted in the Aqueous Two-Phase Systems (ATPS) {ethyl lactate (1) + trisodium citrate (2) + water (3)} and {ethyl lactate (1) + tripotassium citrate (2) + water (3)} at 298.15 K and 0.1 MPa, moving towards the application of these ternary systems in extracting antioxidants from biowaste and their a posteriori processing as food supplements for hair fortification. The studied ATPS provided biocompatible and sustainable media for the extraction of gallic acid and ferulic acid, yielding low mass losses (<3%) and contributing to an eco-friendlier production of therapeutics. The most promising results were obtained for ferulic acid, which attained maximum partition coefficients (K) of 15 ± 5 and (3 ± 2) · 10¹ and maximum extraction efficiencies (E) of (92.7 ± 0.4)% and (96.7 ± 0.4)% for the longest tie-lines (TLL = 69.68 and 77.66 m%) in {ethyl lactate (1) + trisodium citrate (2) + water (3)} and {ethyl lactate (1) + tripotassium citrate (2) + water (3)}, respectively. Moreover, the effect of pH on the UV-Vis absorbance spectra was studied for all the biomolecules to minimise errors in solute quantification. Both GA and FA were found to be stable at the used extractive conditions.

An Exploratory In Vivo Study on the Effect of Annurca Apple Extract on Hair Growth in Mice

Hair loss is an important problem affecting the quality of life in modern society. Recent studies show that Annurca apple extract (AAE), enriched in procyanidin B2 and nutraceuticals, promotes hair growth and induces keratin production. In this study, we investigated the effects of AAE by orally administering AAE in six-week-old C57BL/6 mice once a day for 21 d. We observed improvement in hair length, thickness, weight, and density. The gene expression of two growth factors related to hair growth, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF-7), were measured using the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The gene expression of both VEGFA and FGF-7 increased significantly in the AAE-treated group. Additionally, treatment with AAE suppressed the gene expression of type 1 5α-reductase. Histological analysis showed that protein levels of cytokeratin 5 and 10 were increased in the skin tissues of the AAE-treated group. These results suggest that AAE might be a potential therapeutic natural product that prevents hair loss by promoting the expression of hair growth-related factors.

Formyl-Peptide Receptor 2 Signaling Redirects Glucose and Glutamine into Anabolic Pathways in Metabolic Reprogramming of Lung Cancer Cells

Glucose and glutamine play a crucial role in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. Proliferating cells metabolize glucose in the aerobic glycolysis for energy supply, and glucose and glutamine represent the primary sources of carbon atoms for the biosynthesis of nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids. Glutamine is also an important nitrogen donor for the production of nucleotides, amino acids, and nicotinamide. Several membrane receptors strictly control metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells and are considered new potential therapeutic targets. Formyl-peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) belongs to a small family of GPCRs and is implicated in many physiopathological processes. Its stimulation induces, among other things, NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS generation that, in turn, contributes to intracellular signaling. Previously, by phosphoproteomic analysis, we observed that numerous proteins involved in energetic metabolism are uniquely phosphorylated upon FPR2 stimulation. Herein, we investigated the role of FPR2 in cell metabolism, and we observed that the concentrations of several metabolites associated with the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), tricarboxylic acid cycle, nucleotide synthesis, and glutamine metabolism, were significantly enhanced in FPR2-stimulated cells. In particular, we found that the binding of specific FPR2 agonists: (i) promotes NADPH production; (ii) activates the non-oxidative phase of PPP; (iii) induces the expression of the ASCT2 glutamine transporter; (iv) regulates oxidative phosphorylation; and (v) induces the de novo synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides, which requires FPR2-dependent ROS generation.

Active Antialopecia Chemical Identification of Merremia peltata Leaves and Computational Study toward Androgen Receptor Using Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic Simulation

Alopecia is a health condition in which the hair loses its function in some or all of the body. Alopecia occurs due to various genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. One of the methods developed to treat alopecia is through inhibition of the enzyme 5-α-reductase, which converts testosterone into its more potent metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In ethnomedicine, the leaves of Merremia peltata are used by the people of Sulawesi as a remedy for baldness. Therefore, in this study, an in vivo study was conducted on rabbits to investigate the antialopecia activity of the ethanolic extract of M. peltata leaves. The purified M. peltata leaf extract was fractionated using vacuum liquid chromatography with several solvents to produce fractions F1–F5. Each fraction was then retested in vivo in rabbits, and its content was then analyzed by LC-MS. An in silico study was then carried out using minoxidil as a comparison ligand; 17 compounds derived from M. peltata leaves were identified as antialopecia compounds through prediction of molecular interactions and molecular dynamics simulation and prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicology (ADME-Tox). The assay results showed that fractions F2 and F3 had a better effect on hair growth compared to the positive control, and the test compound obtained from the LC-MS analysis, bufotalinin, had a strong binding energy to the receptor in the molecular docking interaction study: −5.99 kcal/mol compared to −4.8 kcal/mol for minoxidil. Molecular dynamics simulation analysis with complex stability parameters based on solvent-accessible surface area (SASA), principal component analysis (PCA), root mean square deviation (RMSD), and root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) showed that bufotalinin has good affinity for androgen receptors. ADME-Tox prediction for bufotalinin showed good results for the parameters of skin permeability, absorption, and distribution. Therefore, bufotalinin, a steroid compound, is a potential androgen receptor antagonist and could be useful in the treatment of alopecia.

Genotoxic Assessment of Nutraceuticals Obtained from Agricultural Biowaste: Where Do We "AMES"?

Several pharmaceutical companies are nowadays considering the use of agri-food waste as alternative raw material for the extraction of bioactive compounds to include in nutraceuticals and food supplements. This recycling activity is encountering the support of authorities, which are alarmed by air, soil and water pollution generated by agricultural waste disposal. Waste reuse has several economic advantages: (i) its low cost; (ii) its abundance; (iii) the high content of bioactive molecule (antioxidants, minerals, fibers, fatty acids); as well as (iv) the financial support received by governments eager to promote eco-compatible and pollution-reducing practices. While nutraceuticals produced from biowaste are becoming popular, products that have been risk-assessed in terms of safety are quite rare. This despite waste biomass, in virtue of its chemical complexity, could, in many cases, mine the overall safety of the final nutraceutical product. In this review, we summarize the scientific results published on genotoxicity risk-assessment of bioactive compounds extracted from agricultural waste. The review depicts a scenario where the risk-assessment of biowaste derived products is still scarcely diffuse, but when available, it confirms the safety of these products, and lets us envisage their future inclusion in the list of botanicals allowed for formulation intended for human consumption.

In Ovo Injection of CHIR-99021 Promotes Feather Follicle Development via Modulating the Wnt Signaling Pathway and Transcriptome in Goose Embryos (Anser cygnoides)

Feather performs important physiological functions in birds, and it is also one of the economic productions in goose farming. Understanding and modulating feather follicle development during embryogenesis are essential for bird biology and the poultry industry. CHIR-99021 is a potent Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activator associated with feather follicle development. In this study, goose embryos (Anser cygnoides) received an in ovo injection of CHIR-9902, which was conducted at the beginning of feather follicle development (E9). The results showed that feather growth and feather follicle development were promoted. The Wnt signaling pathway was activated by the inhibition of GSK-3β. Transcriptomic analyses showed that the transcription changes were related to translation, metabolism, energy transport, and stress in dorsal tissue of embryos that received CHIR-99021, which might be to adapt and coordinate the promoting effects of CHIR-99021 on feather follicle development. This study suggests that in ovo injection of CHIR-99021 is a potential strategy to improve feather follicle development and feather-related traits for goose farming and provides profiling of the Wnt signaling pathway and transcriptome in dorsal tissue of goose embryos for further understanding of feather follicle development.

Promelanogenic Effects by an Annurca Apple-Based Natural Formulation in Human Primary Melanocytes

Introduction

Melanocytes are engaged in synthesis, transport, and release of pigments at the epidermal-melanin units in response to the finely regulated melanogenic pathway. A multifaceted combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors – from endocrine and paracrine dynamics to exogenous stimuli such as sunlight and xenobiotics – modulates expression and activity of proteins involved in pigmentation, including the rate-limiting enzyme tyrosinase. As well as playing critical physiological functions comprising skin photoprotection, melanins define hair and skin pigmentation which in turn have impacted considerably to human social communication since time immemorial. Additionally, numerous skin diseases based on pigmentation alterations can have serious public influence. While several melanogenesis inhibitors are already available, the number of melanin activators and tyrosinase stimulators as drug-like agents is still limited.

Methods

To explore the biological effects of an Annurca Apple-based nutraceutical preparation (AMS) on melanin production, experiments in cellular models of human skin were performed. Both primary cultures and co-cultures of epidermal melanocytes (HEMa) and follicular keratinocytes (HHFK) were used.

Results

We show that AMS, by now branded for its cutaneous beneficial effects, induces in total biocompatibility a significant promelanogenic effect in human primary melanocytes. In line, we found melanin cytosolic accumulation consistent with tyrosinase up-regulation.

Conclusion

Disposal of skin pigmenting agents would be attractive for the treatment of hypopigmentation disorders, to postpone skin photoaging or simply for fashion, so that discovery and development of melanogenesis stimulators, especially from natural sources, is nowadays a dynamic area of research.

Genotoxicity Assessment of Three Nutraceuticals Containing Natural Antioxidants Extracted from Agri-Food Waste Biomasses

Grapes and apples are the most cultivated fruits in the Mediterranean basin and their agricultural processing is responsible for the production of a large amount of bio-waste. The reuse of this food biomass would increase the volume of recyclable/renewable biomaterial and lower the environmental impact due to the increasing demand for these biological products. To this purpose, agri-food waste from grape and apple processing have become an important source of phytochemicals, and many pharmaceutical industries are using it as starting material to produce dietary supplements, functional foods, and food additives for human consumption. In virtue of the chemical diversity and complexity of agri-food biowaste, developers and producers of nutraceuticals are advised to assess the safety of their final nutraceutical products, in compliance with European Food Safety Authority regulation. Here, we use the Ames test to assess the mutagenicity of three nutraceuticals obtained from agri-food waste biomasses: Taurisolo® from grape pomace of Vitis vinifera L. cv 'Aglianico', AnnurComplex® from Malus pumila M. cv 'Annurca' and Limoncella Apple Extract from Malus domestica B. cv 'Limoncella'. The results showed that all three nutraceuticals were non-mutagenic.

Biological Activity of MelAnnurca Flesh Apple Biophenols

Background:

The apple is among the most consumed fruits in the world and several studies suggest that apple polyphenols could play a role in preventing degenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that polyphenols possess a high antioxidant and/or anti-proliferative power, therefore their food intake could play a decisive role in the prevention of various pathologies, in particular those associated with the production of free radicals. The Annurca apple (MelAnnurca), a variety from southern Italy, is called the "queen of apples" due to its remarkable organoleptic qualities: taste, flavor and aroma. The Annurca apple is a constituent component of the Mediterranean diet and its potential health benefit could be attributed to a large amount of bioactive components; in fact, this apple is characterized by an extremely high content of polyphenols.

Objective:

The aim of this paper was to review the most recent literature regarding the health benefits of Annurca apples and their phytochemicals. In particular, this review highlighted the effects of the flesh of this fruit on different types of human cells.

Methods:

A literature research was performed using the keywords “Annurca”, “apple”, “flesh”, “fruit”, “polyphenols”, “nutrition”, “nutraceuticals”, individually or all together, in Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed.

Results:

The MelAnnurca apple has a higher content of bioactive compounds (polyphenols) than other apples, making it an ideal source of nutraceuticals. Both the cytotoxic activity and the antioxidant effect of the extracts of polyphenols obtained from its flesh have been highlighted.

Conclusion:

These results give new insights for future implementation of the production chain of the Annurca apple in the area of Campania, Southern Italy. However, although evidence to support the health benefits of MelAnnurca apple polyphenols is rapidly accumulating, further human studies may be needed before the public is convinced and willing to incorporate the apple Annurca into their diet, accepting the idea that the integration of polyphenols has a beneficial effect on the health of the human body.

Annurca apple polyphenol extract promotes mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and inhibits migration in triple-negative breast cancer cells through ROS/JNK signaling

Aberrant activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition has been shown to correlate with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression and metastasis. Thus, the induction of the reverse process might offer promising opportunities to restrain TNBC metastatic spreading and related mortality. Recently, the Annurca apple polyphenol extract (APE) has been highlighted as a multi-faceted agent that selectively kills TNBC cells by ROS generation and sustained JNK activation. Here, by qualitatively and quantitatively monitoring the real-time movements of live cells we provided the first evidence that APE inhibited the migration of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 TNBC cells and downregulated metalloproteinase-2 and metalloproteinase-9. In MDA-MB-231 cells APE decreased SMAD-2/3 and p-SMAD-2/3 levels, increased E-cadherin/N-cadherin protein ratio, induced the switch from N-cadherin to E-cadherin expression and greatly reduced vimentin levels. Confocal and scanning electron microscopy imaging of APE-treated MDA-MB-231 cells evidenced a significant cytoskeletal vimentin and filamentous actin reorganization and revealed considerable changes in cell morphology highlighting an evident transition from the mesenchymal to epithelial phenotype with decreased migratory features. Notably, all these events were reverted by N-acetyl-l-cysteine and JNK inhibitor SP600125 furnishing evidence that APE exerted its effects through the activation of ROS/JNK signaling. The overall data highlighted APE as a potential preventing agent for TNBC metastasis.

The Hepatoprotective Effect of Taurisolo, a Nutraceutical Enriched in Resveratrol and Polyphenols, Involves Activation of Mitochondrial Metabolism in Mice Liver

Liver diseases affect millions of people worldwide. In most of the cases, severe hepatic dysfunction and liver cancer stem from mild and common clinical signs including hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, liver inflammation, and oxidative stress, all together referred to as Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Nutraceuticals endowed with antioxidant activity have been shown to reduce NAFLD risk factors and exert hepatoprotective effects. Here, we test the protective effect exerted on liver by the antioxidant Taurisolo, a nutraceutical formulation produced by grape pomace and enriched in Resveratrol and Polyphenols. We analyze the effect of Taurisolo on liver cells by profiling the metabolome of in vitro cultured hepatic HuH7 cells and of C57BL-6J mice fed a High Fat Diet and treated with the nutraceutical. Both in vitro and in vivo, we provide evidence that Taurisolo reduces risk factor markers associated with NAFLD. Taurisolo stimulates glucose uptake and reduces hepatic cholesterol and serum triglycerides. Furthermore, we give new insights into the mechanism of action of Taurisolo. The nutraceutical increases mitochondrial activity and promotes respiration and ATP production, fostering catabolic reactions like fatty acid β-oxidation and amino acid catabolism. On the contrary, Taurisolo reduces anabolic reactions like biosynthesis of cholesterol, bile acids, and plasma membrane lipids.

Protective Role of Nutritional Plants Containing Flavonoids in Hair Follicle Disruption: A Review

Hair loss is a disorder in which the hair falls out from skin areas such as the scalp and the body. Several studies suggest the use of herbal medicine to treat related disorders, including alopecia. Dermal microcirculation is essential for hair maintenance, and an insufficient blood supply can lead to hair follicles (HF) diseases. This work aims to provide an insight into the ethnohistorical records of some nutritional compounds containing flavonoids for their potential beneficial features in repairing or recovering from hair follicle disruption. We started from a query for “alopecia” OR “hair loss” AND “Panaxginseng C.A. Mey.“ (or other six botanicals) terms included in Pubmed and Web of Sciences articles. The activities of seven common botanicals introduced with diet (Panaxginseng C.A. Mey., Malus pumila Mill cultivar Annurca, Coffea arabica, Allium sativum L., Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, Rosmarinum officinalis L., Capsicum annum L.) are discussed, which are believed to reduce the rate of hair loss or stimulate new hair growth. In this review, we pay our attention on the molecular mechanisms underlying the bioactivity of the aforementioned nutritional compounds in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro studies. There is a need for systematic evaluation of the most commonly used plants to confirm their anti-hair loss power, identify possible mechanisms of action, and recommend their best adoption.

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.

A Boost in Mitochondrial Activity Underpins the Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Annurca Apple Polyphenols on Hepatic Cells

Reduction in cholesterol blood levels represents one of the therapeutic goals to achieve in order to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Commonly, this goal is attempted by promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and low-fat diets. Recently, several nutraceuticals have been shown to possess cholesterol-lowering properties and are becoming common over the counter products. Among others, apple polyphenols efficiently lower total cholesterol levels in humans and impact overall lipid metabolism. Malus Pumila Miller cv Annurca is an apple native to Southern Italy presenting one of the highest content of procyanidin B2, a dimeric procyanidin. Tested in clinical trials, the oral consumption of an Annurca polyphenolic extract (AAE) exerted a cholesterol-lowering effect similar to the statins Atorvastatin and Simvastatin. Despite AAE activity, the analysis of the molecular mechanism behind its cholesterol-lowering effect is unclear. Using isotope labeling and high-resolution mass spectrometry approaches we here performed a metabolic profiling of in vitro cultured human hepatocytes treated with AAE to reveal its mechanism of action. The results show that AAE acts differently than statins. The extract reprograms hepatic cell metabolism and promotes mitochondrial respiration, lipolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation. Citrate and acetyl-CoA, both necessary for the production of cholesterol, are diverted to the Krebs Cycle by AAE, that, ultimately, lowers cholesterogenesis and fatty acid synthesis.

Annurca Apple Polyphenols Protect Murine Hair Follicles from Taxane Induced Dystrophy and Hijacks Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism toward β-Oxidation

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a common side effect of conventional chemotherapy and represents a major problem in clinical oncology. Even months after the end of chemotherapy, many cancer patients complain of hair loss, a condition that is psychologically difficult to manage. CIA disturbs social and sexual interactions and causes anxiety and depression. Synthetic drugs protecting from CIA and endowed with hair growth stimulatory properties are prescribed with caution by oncologists. Hormones, growth factors, morphogens could unwontedly protect tumour cells or induce cancer cell proliferation and are thus considered incompatible with many chemotherapy regimens. Nutraceuticals, on the contrary, have been shown to be safe and effective treatment options for hair loss. We here show that polyphenols from Malus Pumila Miller cv Annurca are endowed with hair growth promoting activity and can be considered a safe alternative to avoid CIA. In vitro, Annurca Apple Polyphenolic Extract (AAE) protects murine Hair Follicles (HF) from taxanes induced dystrophy. Moreover, in virtue of its mechanism of action, AAE is herein proven to be compatible with chemotherapy regimens. AAE forces HFs to produce ATP using mitochondrial β-oxidation, reducing Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP) rate and nucleotides production. As consequence, DNA replication and mitosis are not stimulated, while a pool of free amino acids usually involved in catabolic reactions are spared for keratin production. Moreover, measuring the effect exerted on Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) metabolism, we prove that AAE promotes hair-growth by increasing the intracellular levels of Prostaglandins F2α (PGF2α) and by hijacking PUFA catabolites toward β-oxidation.