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We previously found that 1% minoxidil (MXD) nanoparticles prepared using a bead mill method led to an increase I n hair follicle delivery and hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. In the present study, we designed a nanoparticle formulation containing 5% MXD (MXD-NPs) using the bead mill method and investigated the hair-growth effect of MXD-NPs and a commercially available MXD solution (CA-MXD). Hair growth and in vivo permeation studies were conducted using C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, we examined the MXD contents in the upper (hair bulge) and the lower hair follicle (hair bulb) and observed the hair follicle epithelial stem cells (HFSC) by immunohistochemical staining using the CD200 antibody. The mean particle size of the MXD in the MXD-NPs was 139.8 nm ± 8.9 nm. The hair-growth effect of the MXD-NPs was higher than that of CA-MXD, and the MXD content in the hair bulge of mice treated with MXD-NPs was 7.4-fold that of the mice treated with CA-MXD. In addition, the activation of HFSC was observed around the bulge in the MXD-NPs-treated mice. We showed that MXD-NPs enable the accumulation of MXD in the upper hair follicles more efficiently than CA-MXD, leading the activation of HFSC and the hair growth.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) was tested as a potential therapy for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) through two different clinical protocols in which one population (18 participants) received half-head treatment with autologous non-activated PRP (A-PRP) produced by CPunT Preparation System (Biomed Device, Modena, Italy) and the other half-head with placebo, and a second separated population in which all participants (n = 6, 3 participants per group) received treatment with calcium-activated PRP (AA-PRP) produced from one of two different PRP collection devices (Regen Blood Cell Therapy or Arthrex Angel System). For the A-PRP study, three treatments were administered over 30-day intervals. Trichoscan analysis of patients, three months post-treatment, showed a clinical improvement in the number of hairs in the target area (36 ± 3 hairs) and in total hair density (65± 5 hair cm2), whereas negligible improvements in hair count (1.1± 1.4 hairs) and density (1.9 ± 10.2 hair cm2) were seen in the region of the scalp that received placebo. Microscopic evaluation conducted two weeks after treatment showed also an increase in epidermal thickness, Ki67+ keratinocytes, and in the number of follicles. The AA-PRP treatment groups received a singular set of injections, and six months after the treatments were administered, notable differences in clinical outcomes were obtained from the two PRP collection devices (+90 ± 6 hair cm2 versus -73 ± 30 hair cm2 hair densities, Regen versus Arthrex). Growth factor concentrations in AA-PRP prepared from the two collection devices did not differ significantly upon calcium activation.

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) as a treatment for male pattern hair loss was investigated in a randomized, placebo‐controlled study in which 20 men received PRP on half of their scalp and placebo on the other. Patients received 3 treatments at 30‐day intervals. Hair regrowth was quantified by a blinded evaluator using computerized trichograms. Patients were followed for 2 years; study endpoints were hair regrowth, hair dystrophy as measured by dermoscopy, burning or itching sensation, and cell proliferation as measured by Ki‐67 evaluation. At the end of three treatment cycles, clinical improvement was seen in several parameters. Four of 20 patients experience continued hair loss and required retreatment. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a new treatment modality in regenerative plastic surgery, and preliminary evidence suggests that it might have a beneficial role in hair regrowth. Here, we report the results of a randomized, evaluator‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, half‐head group study to compare, with the aid of computerized trichograms, hair regrowth with PRP versus placebo. The safety and clinical efficacy of autologous PRP injections for pattern hair loss were investigated. PRP, prepared from a small volume of blood, was injected on half of the selected patients' scalps with pattern hair loss. The other half was treated with placebo. Three treatments were administered to each patient at 30‐day intervals. The endpoints were hair regrowth, hair dystrophy as measured by dermoscopy, burning or itching sensation, and cell proliferation as measured by Ki67 evaluation. Patients were followed for 2 years. Of the 23 patients enrolled, 3 were excluded. At the end of the 3 treatment cycles, the patients presented clinical improvement in the mean number of hairs, with a mean increase of 33.6 hairs in the target area, and a mean increase in total hair density of 45.9 hairs per cm2 compared with baseline values. No side effects were noted during treatment. Microscopic evaluation showed the increase of epidermis thickness and of the number of hair follicles 2 weeks after the last PRP treatment compared with baseline value (p < .05). We also observed an increase of Ki67+ keratinocytes in the epidermis and of hair follicular bulge cells, and a slight increase of small blood vessels around hair follicles in the treated skin compared with baseline (p < .05). Relapse of androgenic alopecia was not evaluated in all patients until 12 months after the last treatment. After 12 months, 4 patients reported progressive hair loss; this was more evident 16 months after the last treatment. Those four patients were re‐treated. Our data clearly highlight the positive effects of PRP injections on male pattern hair loss and absence of major side effects. PRP may serve as a safe and effective treatment option against hair loss; more extensive controlled studies are needed. Significance Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a new treatment modality in regenerative plastic surgery, and preliminary evidence suggests that it might have a beneficial role in hair regrowth. Here, the results of a randomized, placebo‐controlled, half‐head group study to compare the hair regrowth with PRP versus placebo are reported. Hair regrowth was quantified by a blinded evaluator using computerized trichograms. The safety and clinical efficacy of autologous PRP injections for pattern hair loss were investigated. Of the 23 patients enrolled, 3 were excluded. At the end of the 3 treatment cycles, the patients presented clinical improvement in the mean number of hairs, with a mean increase of 33.6 hairs in the target area and a mean increase in total hair density of 45.9 hairs per cm2 compared with baseline values. No side effects were noted during treatment. The data clearly highlight the positive effects of PRP injections on male pattern hair loss and absence of major side effects.

Background Cashmere goats are prized for their high-quality fibers, which are soft, fine, strong, and exhibit remarkable elasticity and luster. Cashmere growth occurs in secondary hair follicles and follows a distinct, periodic cycle. This study seeks to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms driving cashmere growth, as well as the impact of exogenous melatonin, by integrating transcriptomic and proteomic data. Results RNA-Seq data from skin samples of Inner Mongolia cashmere goats were analyzed, with the growth period divided into three stages. Differential genes and pathways involved in cashmere growth, including Wnt, BMP, Hippo, MAPK, TNF and JAK-STAT signaling pathways, were identified. Comparative transcriptomic and proteomic analyses between the control and melatonin groups revealed melatonin-sensitive key genes (MSKGs) such as DLX3 , KRT35 , KRT85 , and KRTAP11-1 . Enrichment analysis highlighted that melatonin influences signaling pathways such as Wnt, Hedgehog, ECM, FGF, and keratin-related genes, potentially regulating secondary shedding and hair follicle regeneration. The study also identified conserved genes and pathways related to cashmere growth in different cashmere goat breeds, including Wnt, Hippo, and JAK-STAT pathways. Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of the hair follicle growth phase in cashmere goats, revealing how exogenous melatonin influences cashmere growth. It also highlights potential targets, such as ATP6V0A4 , DLX3 , and SMOC2 , for future research in improving cashmere yield and quality. These findings lay the foundation for developing strategies to control cashmere growth and shedding across different goat breeds.

To investigate the safety and clinical efficacy of AA-PRP injections for pattern hair loss. AA-PRP, prepared from a small volume of blood, was injected on half of the selected patients’ scalps with pattern hair loss. The other half was treated with placebo. Three treatments were given for each patient, with intervals of 1 month. The endpoints were hair re-growth, hair dystrophy as measured by dermoscopy, burning or itching sensation, and cell proliferation as measured by Ki-67 evaluation. At the end of the 3 cycles of treatment, the patients presented clinical improvement in the mean number of hairs, with a mean increase of 18.0 hairs in the target area, and a mean increase in total hair density of 27.7 ( number of hairs/cm2) compared with baseline values. Microscopic evaluation showed the increase of epidermis thickness and of the number of hair follicles two weeks after the last AA-PRP treatment compared to baseline value (P<0.05). We also observed an increase of Ki67+ keratinocytes of epidermis and of hair follicular bulge cells and a slight increase of small blood vessels around hair follicles in the treated skin compared to baseline (P<0.05).

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss characterized by miniaturization of hair follicles. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) and microneedling have shown potential in promoting hair regrowth. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of an innovative light-emitting diode (LED) helmet cooperated with a novel light-guiding microneedle patch (LMNP) for stimulating hair growth in AGA. In this randomized clinical trial, 16 AGA patients received treatments using light-guiding microneedle patches (LMNPs) illuminated by a LED helmet equipped with green (522 nm) and red (633 nm) LEDs, delivering 50 mW/cm2 power and 40 J/cm2 energy. Treatments were applied weekly for 24 weeks, targeting the frontal recession area. The right side of the scalp was treated with green light and the left with red light, each combined with a LMNP featuring 900 µm height needles at a density of 105 per square centimeter. Hair density and diameter, along with patient and physician satisfaction scores, were assessed monthly. Both red and green LED treatments with LMNP, significantly enhanced hair density and diameter. Satisfaction scores, as reported by both physicians and participants, increased over time. Comparative analyses revealed no statistically significant differences in average satisfaction scores or in changes in hair density and diameter between the groups by the end of the study. Additionally, no serious adverse effects were reported, highlighting the safety of the treatments. The combined Light sources which is portable LED helmet and LMNPs shows promise as a non-invasive, effective treatment for AGA, with similar efficacy between red and green wavelengths.

Background. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) represents the most frequent clinical complaint encountered by dermatologists and is characterized by a progressive miniaturization of the hair follicle. However, the efficacy and safety of current medical treatment remain limited, and more personalized therapeutic approaches for AGA are needed. Therefore, the present study is aimed at investigating the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) in patients with AGA. Methods. 63 patients with AGA meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this study and treated with BTA injection or BTA injection combined with oral finasteride (FNS). In the scalp, 30 sites were injected with 100 U of BTA in each site and patients received BTA after every 3 months for a total of 4 times. Hair counts, head photographs, evaluation scores, and self-assessment were assessed in patients with AGA. Results. Hair counts in both groups at all time points were significantly higher as compared with those before treatment. After 4 times of treatment, hair counts in the BTA+FNS group were higher than those in the BTA group. Hair growth and density were significantly augmented, and the area of hair loss was attenuated after each treatment as revealed by head photographs. The effective rates of BTA and BTA+FNS groups were 73.3% and 84.8%, respectively, following 4 times treatment. Conclusion. BTA is a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AGA without adverse effects, and BTA combined with FNS exhibited a superior therapeutic effect than BTA alone.

Hair follicles, unique skin appendages, undergo cyclic phases (anagen, catagen, telogen) governed by melatonin and associated molecular pathways. Melatonin, synthesized in the pineal gland, skin, and gut, orchestrates these cycles through antioxidant activity and signaling cascades (e.g., Wnt, BMP). This review examines melatonin’s biosynthesis across tissues, its regulation of cashmere growth patterns, and its interplay with non-coding RNAs and the gut–skin axis. Recent advances highlight melatonin’s dual role in enhancing antioxidant capacity (via Keap1-Nrf2) and modulating gene expression (e.g., Wnt10b, CTNNB1) to promote hair follicle proliferation. By integrating multi-omics insights, we construct a molecular network of melatonin’s regulatory mechanisms, offering strategies to improve cashmere yield and quality while advancing therapies for human alopecia.

Background Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) as an important regulator has been demonstrated playing an indispensable role in the biological process of hair follicles (HFs) growth. However, their function and expression profile in the HFs cycle of yak are yet unknown. Only a few functional lncRNAs have been identified, partly due to the low sequence conservation and lack of identified conserved properties in lncRNAs. Here, lncRNA-seq was employed to detect the expression profile of lncRNAs during the HFs cycle of yak, and the sequence conservation of two datasets between yak and cashmere goat during the HFs cycle was analyzed. Results A total of 2884 lncRNAs were identified in 5 phases (Jan., Mar., Jun., Aug., and Oct.) during the HFs cycle of yak. Then, differential expression analysis between 3 phases (Jan., Mar., and Oct.) was performed, revealing that 198 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) were obtained in the Oct.-vs-Jan. group, 280 DELs were obtained in the Jan.-vs-Mar. group, and 340 DELs were obtained in the Mar.-vs-Oct. group. Subsequently, the nearest genes of lncRNAs were searched as the potential target genes and used to explore the function of DELs by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Several critical pathways involved in HFs development such as Wnt signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, and signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells, were enriched. To further screen key lncRNAs influencing the HFs cycle, 24 DELs with differ degree of sequence conservation were obtained via a comparative analysis of partial DELs with previously published lncRNA-seq data of cashmere goat in the HFs cycle using NCBI BLAST-2.9.0+, and 3 DELs of them were randomly selected for further detailed analysis of the sequence conservation properties. Conclusions This study revealed the expression pattern and potential function of lncRNAs during HFs cycle of yak, which would expand the knowledge about the role of lncRNAs in the HFs cycle. The findings related to sequence conservation properties of lncRNAs in the HFs cycle between the two species may provide valuable insights into the study of lncRNA functionality and mechanism.

Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most prevalent type of hair loss. Traditionally, treatment for AGA has primarily involved the topical application of minoxidil in conjunction with oral finasteride or spironolactone. Recently, platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a significant focus of research in hair loss treatment. However, many studies on PRP‐assisted hair transplantation have encountered various limitations. Objective This study aims to conduct a prospective, comparative clinical investigation to evaluate the therapeutic effects of combining PRP with minoxidil and finasteride/spironolactone as adjuncts to hair transplantation. Method From August 2019 to December 2022, we enrolled 30 patients with AGA in the study, randomly assigning them to an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received drug therapy alongside hair transplantation and underwent PRP injections, whereas the control group received only drug therapy to assist with hair transplantation. Results Prior to surgery, no significant differences in baseline data were observed between the two groups. Following treatment, the experimental group demonstrated significantly improved follicle survival rates, follicle growth rates, and hair strength compared with the control group. Conclusion This prospective, comparative clinical study demonstrated that the application of PRP in conjunction with pharmacological support during FUE treatment for AGA resulted in improved follicle survival rates, hair growth rates, and hair strength.