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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been considered as a promising treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The aim of the study was comparative evaluation of the clinical efficacy of PRP-therapy, minoxidil, and their combination in the treatment of men with AGA and to evaluate the effects of PRP on the proliferation of hair follicle (HF) cells in skin biopsy. Materials and Methods: The study involved 69 men who were divided into 3 groups who received PRP therapy, minoxidil, and their combination. The clinical efficacy of the therapy was evaluated by the dynamics of morphometric of hairs. To assess cell proliferation antibodies to β-catenin, CD34, Ki67, and to Dkk-1 were used. Results. PRP treatment was more effective than minoxidil therapy (p = 0.005). Complex therapy turned out to be more effective than minoxidil monotherapy (p < 0.0001) and PRP monotherapy (p = 0.007). After applying PRP the absolute and relative values of the β-catenin and CD34 expression area increased; an increase in Ki67+ index was also significant. Conclusions: PRP can be considered as a treatment option for AGA. Combined PRP and minoxidil use seems promising for the treatment of AGA. PRP increase in the proliferative activity of HF cells and improves hair morphology in patients with AGA.

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.

Functional mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) channels of cochlear hair cells require the presence of transmembrane channel-like protein isoforms TMC1 or TMC2. We show that TMCs are required for normal stereociliary bundle development and distinctively influence channel properties. TMC1-dependent channels have larger single-channel conductance and in outer hair cells (OHCs) support a tonotopic apex-to-base conductance gradient. Each MET channel complex exhibits multiple conductance states in ~50 pS increments, basal MET channels having more large-conductance levels. Using mice expressing fluorescently tagged TMCs, we show a three-fold increase in number of TMC1 molecules per stereocilium tip from cochlear apex to base, mirroring the channel conductance gradient in OHCs. Single-molecule photobleaching indicates the number of TMC1 molecules per MET complex changes from ~8 at the apex to ~20 at base. The results suggest there are varying numbers of channels per MET complex, each requiring multiple TMC1 molecules, and together operating in a coordinated or cooperative manner. Mechanoelectrical transduction channel (MET) current found in stereocilia of hair cells matures over the first postnatal week. Here the authors look at the contribution of transmembrane channel-like protein 1 and 2 (TMC1 and TMC2) to MET current during development of tonotopic gradients.

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.

Mammalian hearing requires the development of the organ of Corti, a sensory epithelium comprising unique cell types. The limited number of each of these cell types, combined with their close proximity, has prevented characterization of individual cell types and/or their developmental progression. To examine cochlear development more closely, we transcriptionally profile approximately 30,000 isolated mouse cochlear cells collected at four developmental time points. Here we report on the analysis of those cells including the identification of both known and unknown cell types. Trajectory analysis for OHCs indicates four phases of gene expression while fate mapping of progenitor cells suggests that OHCs and their surrounding supporting cells arise from a distinct (lateral) progenitor pool. Tgfβr1 is identified as being expressed in lateral progenitor cells and a Tgfβr1 antagonist inhibits OHC development. These results provide insights regarding cochlear development and demonstrate the potential value and application of this data set. How the development of the cochlear epithelium is regulated is unclear. Here, the authors use single cell RNAseq analysis to provide insight into the transcriptional changes arising during development of the murine cochlear inner and outer hair cells.

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.

Background Male pattern hair loss is the most common form of hair loss in men, occurring in specific patterns. Contributing factors include hormonal changes, stress, malnutrition, and insufficient blood microcirculation. Objective Topical applied dimethylglycine sodium salt (DMG‐Na) has been identified to increase skin microcirculation by activating endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inducing nitric oxide production. Given the importance of sufficient microcirculation on hair growth, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of topically applied DMG‐Na in combination with caffeine against male pattern hair loss. Methods A 24‐week, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted on 154 men with male pattern hair loss, treated with a DMG‐Na and caffeine‐containing shampoo or the corresponding placebo. The primary efficacy parameter was the change in the number of hairs pulled via hair pull test from baseline to 6 months of daily product application. Clinical efficacy was further evaluated via phototrichogram analysis on a subgroup of 30 subjects. Results The decreased number of hairs pulled during the hair pull test after 6 months of active shampoo application was significantly higher compared to the placebo (−2.8 ± 1.6 vs. 0.6 ± 2.2; p < 0.001), with no reported adverse events. Phototrichogram results showed an increase in the number of hairs, hair density, and percentage of anagen hairs after 6 months of active shampoo usage (p < 0.001). Conclusion The clinical efficacy of this novel DMG‐Na and caffeine‐containing shampoo demonstrates significant potential against male pattern hair loss, offering promising results without any undesirable side effects.

This narrative review aims to examine the therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of plant extracts in preventing and treating alopecia (baldness). We searched and selected research papers on plant extracts related to hair loss, hair growth, or hair regrowth, and comprehensively compared the therapeutic efficacies, phytochemical components, and modulatory targets of plant extracts. These studies showed that various plant extracts increased the survival and proliferation of dermal papilla cells in vitro, enhanced cell proliferation and hair growth in hair follicles ex vivo, and promoted hair growth or regrowth in animal models in vivo. The hair growth-promoting efficacy of several plant extracts was verified in clinical trials. Some phenolic compounds, terpenes and terpenoids, sulfur-containing compounds, and fatty acids were identified as active compounds contained in plant extracts. The pharmacological effects of plant extracts and their active compounds were associated with the promotion of cell survival, cell proliferation, or cell cycle progression, and the upregulation of several growth factors, such as IGF-1, VEGF, HGF, and KGF (FGF-7), leading to the induction and extension of the anagen phase in the hair cycle. Those effects were also associated with the alleviation of oxidative stress, inflammatory response, cellular senescence, or apoptosis, and the downregulation of male hormones and their receptors, preventing the entry into the telogen phase in the hair cycle. Several active plant extracts and phytochemicals stimulated the signaling pathways mediated by protein kinase B (PKB, also called AKT), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), Wingless and Int-1 (WNT), or sonic hedgehog (SHH), while suppressing other cell signaling pathways mediated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β or bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). Thus, well-selected plant extracts and their active compounds can have beneficial effects on hair health. It is proposed that the discovery of phytochemicals targeting the aforementioned cellular events and cell signaling pathways will facilitate the development of new targeted therapies for alopecia.

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.

Understanding the underlying mechanisms regulating hair regeneration is crucial, especially given the increasing demand for effective drugs to treat hair loss, which remain not fully elucidated. In the present study, we found that lipid metabolism was attenuated in the scalp tissues of patients with androgenetic alopecia. Lipid supplementation in the culture medium upregulated hair growth-related genes and promoted the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (DPCs). By using RNA-sequencing analysis and HIF-1α knockdown in DPCs, we found that HIF-1α is a potential candidate that governs lipid-reinforced upregulation of trichogenic genes. Finally, we assessed the hair growth-promoting effects of lipids using in vitro hair follicle organoids and found that lipids accelerated the elongation of hair-shaft-like structures. Our results highlight the importance of lipids in promoting hair growth through HIF-1 signaling, suggesting that this may be a promising target for the treatment of hair loss.