Safety and efficacy analysis of liposomal insulin-like growth factor-1 in a fluid gel formulation for hair-loss treatment in a hamster model

Enhanced skin penetration of Finasteride loaded DMSO-liposomes for the treatment of androgenic alopecia: comparison with conventional liposomes

Long-term treatment with finasteride (FIN) for androgenic alopecia is restricted due to its systemic side effects. To address this problem, DMSO-modified liposomes were prepared in the present study to improve the topical delivery of FIN. DMSO-liposomes were prepared by a modification of the ethanol injection method. It was hypothesized that the permeation-enhancing property of DMSO could promote drug delivery to deeper skin layer where hair follicles are present. Liposomes were optimized by quality by design (QbD) approach and biologically evaluated in a rat model of testosterone-induced alopecia. Optimized DMSO-liposomes were spherical and had mean vesicle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency of 330.1 ± 1.5, -14.52 ± 1.32, and 59.02 ± 1.12%, respectively. Biological evaluation on testosterone-induced alopecia and skin histology shows that follicular density and anagen/telogen (A/T) ratio were increased in rats treated with DMSO-liposomes as compared to FIN-liposomes without DMSO and an alcoholic solution of FIN applied topically. DMSO-liposomes could be promising skin delivery vehicles for FIN or similar drugs.

Growth Hormone and the Human Hair Follicle

Ever since the discoveries that human hair follicles (HFs) display the functional peripheral equivalent of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, exhibit elements of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, and even generate melatonin and prolactin, human hair research has proven to be a treasure chest for the exploration of neurohormone functions. However, growth hormone (GH), one of the dominant neurohormones of human neuroendocrine physiology, remains to be fully explored in this context. This is interesting since it has long been appreciated clinically that excessive GH serum levels induce distinct human skin pathology. Acromegaly, or GH excess, is associated with hypertrichosis, excessive androgen-independent growth of body hair, and hirsutism in females, while dysfunctional GH receptor-mediated signaling (Laron syndrome) is associated with alopecia and prominent HF defects. The outer root sheath keratinocytes have recently been shown to express functional GH receptors. Furthermore, and contrary to its name, recombinant human GH is known to inhibit female human scalp HFs’ growth ex vivo, likely via stimulating the expression of the catagen-inducing growth factor, TGF-β2. These limited available data encourage one to systematically explore the largely uncharted role of GH in human HF biology to uncover nonclassical functions of this core neurohormone in human skin physiology.

Potential of nanoparticulate based delivery systems for effective management of alopecia

In recent times, more than 50 % of the global population is facing hair-related issues (alopecia) which is seen mostly amongst the people in the age group of 30-40 years. The conventional topical dosage forms available in the market falls short in effectively managing alopecia. Despite various advancements in topical dosage forms, it is still disposed to limited clinical application and provides poor penetration of drug molecules into the skin. The exact etiology of alopecia is still unknown and various researchers link lifestyle, hereditary, and auto immune-based events with its existence. Nanoparticulate-based delivery are hence brought in use to enhance the permeability properties of the drug. In comparison to conventional methods nanotechnology-based drug delivery system tames drug molecules to a specific site with much better efficacy. This review is engrossed in the journey and role of nano technological-based drug delivery in the management of alopecia and its clinical application.

Effects of experimental increase in insulin-like growth factor 1 on feather growth rate, moult intensity and feather quality in a passerine bird

Moulting is a crucial, yet often overlooked life-history stage in many animals, when they renew their integumental structures. This life-history stage is an energetically demanding somatic growth event that has particular importance in birds because feathers play a crucial role in flight, insulation and communication. Somatic growth processes are regulated by the evolutionarily conserved peptide hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). However, the role of IGF-1 in feather growth remains unknown. In this study, we captured 41 juvenile free-living bearded reedlings (Panurus biarmicus) that had started their first complete moult and brought them into captivity. Then, we manipulated their circulating IGF-1 levels using poly-(lactic-co-glycolid acid) microparticles (microspheres) that provide a sustained release of IGF-1. The treatment increased IGF-1 levels but did not affect the feather growth rate. However, 2 weeks after the treatment, birds in the increased IGF-1 group were moulting more feathers simultaneously than the controls and were at a more advanced stage of moult. Birds with experimentally increased IGF-1 levels had better quality feathers (measured by a lower number of fault bars) than the controls. These results suggest that an increase in IGF-1 does not speed up feather growth, but may alter moult intensity by initiating the renewal of several feathers simultaneously. This may shorten the overall moulting time but may imply costs in terms of IGF-1-induced oxidative stress.

Phospholipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle-mediated transfollicular delivery of quercetin: prospective implement for the treatment of androgenic alopecia

Objectives: The aim of the study was to deliver effective doses of quercetin (Que) to the lower region of hair follicles (HFs) using the transfollicular route through dipalmotylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC)-reinforced poly lactide-co- glycolide nanoparticles (DPPC-PLGA hybrid NPs) for the treatment of alopecia. Method: PLGA and DPPC-PLGA hybrid NPs were prepared by double-emulsification solvent evaporation method. NPs were characterized for size, shape, zeta potential entrapment and drug release. Drug-polymer interactions were determined by infrared spectroscopy (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Follicular uptake of fluorescent marker tagged NPs was assessed on isolated rat skin by fluorescent microscopy. Potential of hybrid NPs to induce hair regrowth was tested on testosterone-induced alopecia in rat models by visual inspection, hair follicular density measurement (no./mm), and histological skin tissue section studies. Key findings: Hybrid NPs had mean vesicles size 339 ± 1.6, zeta potential -32.6 ± 0.51, and entrapment efficiency 78 ± 5.5. Cumulative drug release after 12 h was found to be 47.27 ± 0.79%. FTIR and DSC confirmed that drug was independently dispersed in the amorphous form in the polymer. Data from fluorescence microscopy suggested that NPs were actively taken up by HFs. In-vivo studies on alopecia-induced rat models showed that hybrid NPs improved hair regrowth potential of Que and accumulation of NPs at HFs end region inhibit HFs cells apoptosis. Conclusion: This study concludes that phospholipid-polymer hybrid NPs could be the promising transfollicular delivery system for Que in the treatment of androgenic alopecia management.

Further Clinical Evidence for the Effect of IGF-1 on Hair Growth and Alopecia

Observations on the Laron syndrome originally offered the opportunity to explore the effect of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) deficiency on human hair growth and differentiation. According to its expression in the dermal hair papilla, IGF-1 is likely involved in reciprocal signaling. It has been shown to affect follicular proliferation, tissue remodeling, and the hair growth cycle, as well as follicular differentiation, identifying IGF-1 signaling as an important mitogenic and morphogenetic regulator in hair follicle biology. Of all the cytokines or growth factors that have been postulated to play a role in hair follicles, ultimately IGF-1 is known to be regulated by androgens. Accordingly, dermal papillary cells from balding scalp follicles were found to secrete significantly less IGF-1 than their counterparts from nonbalding scalp follicles. Herein, hypotrichosis in primary growth hormone deficiency, and a lack of response of female and male androgenetic-type alopecia to treatment with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride in patients who had undergone surgical resection of the pituitary gland, provide further evidence for an effect of IGF-1 on hair growth and alopecia.

Тіе Modern treatment of androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common reason for hair loss. Its frequency in Caucasian population is up to 80% in men and 42% in women. Current gold standard for AGA treatment includes minoxidil and/or finasteride. Both drugs have moderate treatment efficacy and can cause significant side effects. Minoxidil is the only option for treatment of AGA in women since finasteride has no efficacy. This review considers actual concepts of molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and current treatment options of AGA with their limitations and shortcomings. Current state and perspectives of novel approaches to AGA treatment, potentially more effective and safe than minoxidil and finasteride, are described. The review discusses growth factors and cytokines, topical 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, androgen receptor antagonists, prostaglandin analogs and antagonists, Wnt signaling activators and platelet-rich plasma injections.

Mechanism of action of herbs and their active constituents used in hair loss treatment

This article discusses the mechanisms via topically applied products containing herbs and their active constituents affect the hair growth process. It was reported that the mechanisms involving (1) insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), (2) vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), (3) epidermal growth factor (EGF), (4) fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), (5) endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), (6) Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, (7) prostaglandin E (PGE), (8) prostaglandin F (PGF) stimulate hair growth, whereas the mechanisms engaging (1) 5α-reductase and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), (2) transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), (3) fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF-5), (4) prostaglandin D₂ (PGD₂) inhibit hair growth. The knowledge summarized in the paper may be an inspiration to create new preparations for the treatment of hair loss.

Drug discovery for alopecia: gone today, hair tomorrow

INTRODUCTION

Hair loss or alopecia affects the majority of the population at some time in their life, and increasingly, sufferers are demanding treatment. Three main types of alopecia (androgenic [AGA], areata [AA] and chemotherapy-induced [CIA]) are very different, and have their own laboratory models and separate drug-discovery efforts.

AREAS COVERED

In this article, the authors review the biology of hair, hair follicle (HF) cycling, stem cells and signaling pathways. AGA, due to dihydrotesterone, is treated by 5-α reductase inhibitors, androgen receptor blockers and ATP-sensitive potassium channel-openers. AA, which involves attack by CD8(+)NK group 2D-positive (NKG2D(+)) T cells, is treated with immunosuppressives, biologics and JAK inhibitors. Meanwhile, CIA is treated by apoptosis inhibitors, cytokines and topical immunotherapy.

EXPERT OPINION

The desire to treat alopecia with an easy topical preparation is expected to grow with time, particularly with an increasing aging population. The discovery of epidermal stem cells in the HF has given new life to the search for a cure for baldness. Drug discovery efforts are being increasingly centered on these stem cells, boosting the hair cycle and reversing miniaturization of HF. Better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune attack in AA will yield new drugs. New discoveries in HF neogenesis and low-level light therapy will undoubtedly have a role to play.

Hematological and hepatic effects of vascular epidermal growth factor (VEGF) used to stimulate hair growth in an animal model

Background

Alopecia areata is the hair loss usually reversible, in sharply defined areas. The treatment of alopecia using growth factors shows interesting activity in promoting hair growth. In this concept, VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is a marker of angiogenesis, stimulating hair growth by facilitating the supply of nutrients to the hair follicle, increasing follicular diameter. The aim of this study was the evaluation of a topical gel enriched with VEGF liposomes on the hair growth stimulation and its toxicological aspects.

Methods

Mesocricetus auratus were randomly divided into three groups. Control group was treated with Aristoflex® gel, 1% group with the same gel but added 1% VEGF and 3% group with 3% VEGF. Biochemical, hematological and histological analyses were done.

Results

At the end of the experiment (15th day of VEGF treatment) efficacy was determined macroscopically by hair density dermatoscopy analysis, and microscopically by hair diameter analysis. They both demonstrated that hair of the VEGF group increased faster and thicker than control. On the other hand, biochemical and hematological results had shown that VEGF was not 100% inert.

Conclusions

VEGF increased hair follicle area, but more studies are necessary to confirm its toxicity.