Androgenetic Alopecia Research Articles

RETROSPECTIVE OF TREATMENT FORMS AGAINST ANDROGENIC ALOPECIA

Androgenic Alopecia is a pathology that affects a significant percentage of the population. The search for forms of treatment arises from the need for acceptance or to achieve the beauty standards required in society, whether as a definitive or temporary treatment. This is a retrospective through the analysis of digitally collected data on the development of forms of treatment against androgenic alopecia. Using a basic, descriptive research, carried out using bibliographic and documentary data. The longitudinal research on the development of techniques and the use of published methods, aims at delineating the treatment against AGA.

Evaluation of the efficacy of a biomimetic peptide solution for rejuvenation of donor scalp and as storage media for hair follicle grafts during FUE hair transplantation

ABSTRACT Androgenetic alopecia significantly affects individuals’ quality of life, creating a need for better therapeutic strategies. Hair transplant surgery plays a key role in treating hair loss, with adjuncts like PRP and meso-cocktails explored to enhance results and procedure longevity. A prospective, single-blind study involved 112 males aged 25–50 years with Norwood-Hamilton grade IV-VI alopecia. Patients were randomly divided into two groups receiving different transplant methods. In Stage I, hair condition was evaluated, and QR678 Neo® was administered intradermally in Group A. Stage II involved hair transplantation surgery with diluted QR678 Neo® for graft preservation. Post-transplantation (Stage III) included additional QR678 Neo® administration in Group A. Evaluation methods consisted of global photographic assessment and videomicroscopy to measure hair growth and density. Group A (QR678 Neo®) demonstrated significant improvements in regrowth, density, and shaft diameter compared to Group B (conventional transplant). By Stage III, Group A had higher Global Photographic Assessment scores (8.87) and terminal hair count (181.02), with statistically significant differences (p < .001). The study suggests that QR678 Neo® improves outcomes and offers a promising treatment option for androgenetic alopecia.

Hyaluronic Acid Microneedles Loaded with Chinese Herbal Extracts as an Intradermal Delivery System for Hair Regeneration.

Androgenic alopecia is one of the most common chronic problems for dermatologists worldwide. Some Chinese herbal extracts have been shown to promote hair growth, but the active ingredients are difficult to enter the dermis. Therefore, delivering the active ingredients into the dermis becomes a key factor. Herein, Platycladus orientalis leaf extract (PO-ex) was obtained using ethanol as a solvent, and then hyaluronic acid methacrylate/hyaluronic acid (HAMA/HA) hydrogel was loaded with PO-ex to prepare hyaluronic acid microneedles (PO-ex MN). The double cross-linked HAMA/HA provides sufficient mechanical strength to pierce the stratum corneum and deliver PO-ex into the dermis; PO-ex can effectively improve the environment for hair follicle cell proliferation by removing reactive oxygen free radicals; in addition, the self-repair reaction caused by microneedle mechanical stimulation activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway associated with trauma repair and promotes hair follicle growth. PO-ex MN is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of androgenic alopecia.

Identifying the Active Components and Mechanisms of Persicae Semen in Treating Androgenetic Alopecia: Insights from Network Pharmacology and Experimental Evaluations.

Identifying the Active Components and Mechanisms of Persicae Semen in Treating Androgenetic Alopecia: Insights from Network Pharmacology and Experimental Evaluations.

Minoxidil cyclodextrin inclusion complex-loaded microemulsions and transfersomes for androgen alopecia treatment: a comparative study.

Our MXD/SCD@TF designed by the combination of transfersome and inclusion technology was obviously superior to commercial 2% MXD tincture in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in mice, but its complex preparation and poor stability undoubtedly increased both development and usage costs. In this paper, using our previous alcohol-free low surfactant microemulsion technology with VES as auxiliary oil phase, microemulsions loaded with the inclusion complex of MXD and sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) were prepared, optimized and characterized, and the therapeutic effect on AGA C57BL/6 mice was compared with MXD/SCD@TF. According to the ternary phase diagram, steady-state permeation rate of MXD through SD rat skin and drug retention, MXD/SCD@ME was selected as the optimal prescription, composed of 5.25% oil phase, 9.75% surfactants, 10.20% SBE-β-CD, 1.02% MXD and 73.78% water, which conformed to the characteristics of microemulsion. MXD/SCD@ME had good stability, and the application of inclusion technology increased the MXD loading in microemulsion to nearly 5 times. The results of in vivo skin penetration test and laser confocal scanning visualization showed that MXD/SCD@ME was easier to deliver drugs to deeper skin tissues than MXD/SCD@TF. Hair regeneration study demonstrated that MXD/SCD@ME had higher ability than MXD/SCD@TF in promoting hair growth, prolonging hair growth period, reducing ROS level and promoting cell proliferation of hair follicles. In addition, the blank microemulsion of MXD/SCD@ME had certain therapeutic effect on AGA, indicating the synergistic effect between VES and MXD. All these indicated that MXD/SCD@ME is expected to provide a better choice for pharmacological therapy of MXD on AGA than MXD/SCD@TF.

Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: intradermal injection or microneedle delivery?

ABSTRACT Objective This study compared the clinical effectiveness of two methods of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) administration for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA): microneedle delivery and intradermal injection. The study also evaluated adverse reactions associated with both methods. Patients and Methods Twenty patients with AGA were selected according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The scalp of each patient was divided into two treatment areas along the midline, each randomly assigned to receive PRP either via intradermal injection (n = 20) or microneedle delivery (n = 20). The treatment comprised three sessions spaced 1 month apart. Scalp photographs and trichoscopic measurements were obtained before the first session and 6 month after the final session. Patient outcomes were assessed 6 month after the last treatment using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale and a self-satisfaction questionnaire. Pain levels during the first session were measured using a Numerical Rating Scale, and adverse reactions were recorded throughout the study. Results Six month after completing all treatments, no significant differences were observed between the microneedle delivery and intradermal injection groups for hair density, hair diameter, single hair follicle ratio, or trichoscopic findings (p > .05). However, the microneedle group reported significantly lower pain levels than the intradermal injection group (p < .001). No adverse events were observed during the treatment period. Conclusion The clinical efficacy of microneedle delivery of PRP was comparable to that of intradermal injection for AGA treatment, with the added benefit of significantly lower pain levels. This suggests that microneedle delivery may be a promising alternative for AGA management.

Randomized controlled trial on the efficacy and safety of the combination therapy of topical 0.1% finasteride - 5% Minoxidil in male androgenetic alopecia.

Current FDA-approved treatments for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) are oral finasteride and topical minoxidil. Topical finasteride offers a potential alternative with similar efficacy and fewer systemic side effects. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of combining topical finasteride and minoxidil for male AGA. This 12-week randomized controlled trial divided subjects into two groups which are topical finasteride 0.1%-minoxidil 5% (treatment) and topical minoxidil 5% (control) (NCT05990400, registered 2023-08-04). Hair density, hair diameter, terminal hair rate, and vellus hair rate (assessed using phototrichogram), and the occurrence of side effects (SE) was monitored at four-week intervals. Out of 40 subjects, 2 dropped out in the treatment group. Significant increases in hair density, diameter, and terminal hair rate; and decrease of vellus hair rate were observed at each visit compared to baseline, yet no differences between groups. Systemic SEs included libido reduction (control), mild erectile dysfunction, and chest pain (treatment). Common local SEs (itching, shedding, and dandruff) were similar between groups. One patient (treatment) experienced contact dermatitis. Combining topical finasteride 0.1% with topical minoxidil 5% has similar safety and effectiveness for increasing hair density and diameter in male AGA patients compared to topical minoxidil 5% after 12 weeks of observation.

LncRNA H19 inhibited dermal papilla cell senescence process through miR-29a by targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Androgenetic alopecia is a common type of hair loss disease. As the most promising seeder for cell-based therapy, dermal papilla cells are prone to undergo premature senescence during passaging in vitro. Our previous studies revealed high expression of lncRNA H19 in early-passage dermal papilla cells and the maintenance of hair follicle-inducing ability upon prolonged culture. However, the exact mechanism of H19 regulating Wnt signaling pathway related to hair follicle regeneration has not been fully elucidated. Here, a cell senescence model was constructed by continuous cultivation in vitro to investigate the molecular mechanism of H19 in human dermal papilla cells. Animal hair follicle inductivity, cell proliferation and molecular experiments were performed to evaluate the cell inductivity, proliferation, senescence, expression of Wnt signaling key factors in early- and late-passage dermal papilla cells. Ectopic expression and silencing experiments were conducted to estimate effects of H19 on the proliferation and senescence of dermal papilla cells and the possible mechanism. Hair follicles from frontal baldness-prone and occipital non-balding areas of patients with androgenetic alopecia were exploited to detect the expression of H19 and relevant factors. Results showed late-passage DP8 cells exhibited lost hair follicle inductive properties, attenuated cell proliferation, elevated senescent marker and key Wnt factor levels, decreased inducing marker levels. Furthermore, overexpression of H19 inhibited senescence marker expression by binding to SAHH to upregulate miR-29, thus activating the Wnt signaling pathway to maintain inducing ability of DP cells. Knockdown of H19 showed opposite experimental results. Consistently, H19 together with miR-29a levels were lower and the expression levels of miR-29a target genes (DKK1, SFRP2) increased in the dermal papilla cells from frontal baldness-prone and occipital non-balding areas. Conclusively, our data provide a novel insight into the regulation and mechanism of H19 in inhibiting dermal papilla cell senescence, suggesting a potential therapy strategy for androgenetic alopecia.

Cytokine-Targeting Biologic Therapies for Alopecia Areata: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanism of Action, Clinical Efficacy, and Adverse Events

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease affecting 2% of the global population, often causing localized scalp hair loss that can progress to alopecia totalis or universalis. While corticosteroids and JAK inhibitors are effective, their significant side effects highlight the need for safer, more targeted treatments. Recently, biologics have gained attention as potential treatments for AA. Methods: A review of clinical trials, case series, and case reports published on PubMed was conducted to assess the efficacy of cytokine-targeting biologics for the treatment of AA. Data on the mechanism of action, treatment outcomes, and safety were extracted and analyzed. Results: Cytokine-targeting biologics identified included Dupilumab, Secukinumab, Tralokinumab, Etanercept, Ustekinumab, Infliximab, Adalimumab, and Tildrakizumab. Dupilumab and ustekinumab demonstrated strong efficacy, with dupilumab showing significant regrowth in 89% of cases and ustekinumab in all patients. Tralokinumab demonstrated a 33.75% improvement, with no patients achieving SALT50. Limited efficacy was observed with secukinumab, tildrakizumab, and adalimumab, with 71.4%, 77.8%, and 50% of patients, respectively, showing no response. Disease worsening was observed in patients who received etanercept (29%) and infliximab (50%). Conclusions: Further research is necessary to optimize treatment protocols, identify predictive biomarkers, and, crucially, discover novel and more effective cytokine targets to advance biologics as a cornerstone therapy for AA.

Summation and Recommendations for the Safe and Effective Use of Topical and Oral Minoxidil.

Summation and Recommendations for the Safe and Effective Use of Topical and Oral Minoxidil.

Analysis on the treatment compliance of patients with androgenetic alopecia and its influencing factors: based on the comparison between microneedle therapy and drug therapy

Analysis on the treatment compliance of patients with androgenetic alopecia and its influencing factors: based on the comparison between microneedle therapy and drug therapy

Modulating immune responses in alopecia: therapeutic insights and potential targets of antisense oligonucleotides

BackgroundAlopecia areata (AA) are hair loss disorders with distinct pathogenetic mechanisms involving immune dysregulation and microRNA modulation. AA, a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease, is characterized by sudden hair loss, with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) playing a pivotal role in pathogenesis. The upregulation of IFN response genes, including IFN-inducible chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11, in lesional skin reflects the activation of the IFN response pathway and contributes to immune cell recruitment and inflammation.ResultsRecent research highlights the role of SIRT1, a class III histone deacetylase, in modulating immune responses in AA. SIRT1 inhibition promotes the production of Th1 cytokines and chemokines, impairing inflammation, while SIRT1 activation suppresses autoreactive responses through NF-κB deacetylation and STAT3 phosphorylation. Additionally, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting miR-485-3p show therapeutic potential in promoting hair regrowth and mitigating inflammation in murine models of androgenic alopecia (AGA) and AA.ConclusionUnderstanding chemokine dysregulation provides key insights into AA pathogenesis and highlights TAMI-M as a potential therapy for reducing inflammation and promoting hair regeneration. These findings advance the exploration of immune, microRNA, and SIRT1 pathways as targets for novel hair loss treatments.

Understanding Eyebrow and Eyelash Involvement in Patients with Alopecia Areata and Responsiveness to Treatment with Baricitinib.

Eyebrow and eyelash (EB/EL) involvement is an important consideration in the assessment of alopecia areata (AA) severity. We report integrated results from BRAVE-AA1 (NCT03570749) and BRAVE-AA2 (NCT03899259) characterising EB/EL involvement at baseline in patients with AA and response to baricitinib treatment. BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2 were randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials conducted at 169 centres in 10 countries. Patients were randomised to placebo, baricitinib 2 mg, or baricitinib 4 mg. Pooled data from patients continually treated with baricitinib through Week 52 were included. Outcomes were assessed using the Clinician-Reported Outcome (ClinRO) measure for EB/EL and Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score for scalp. At baseline, patients with more severe EB/EL involvement had more severe scalp hair loss, with mean SALT scores ranging from 70.6 to 96.0 for patients with no gaps to complete absence of hair, respectively, at EB/EL sites. EB/EL response rates [ClinRO (0,1) with ≥1-point improvement] at Week 36 were significantly higher in patients treated with both baricitinib 2 mg (28.2%, odds ratio [OR]=3.27, 25.1% OR=2.95) and baricitinib 4 mg (44.3% OR=6.84, 46.4% OR=8.21) as compared with placebo (12.6%, 12.4%). There was high concordance between EB response and EL response, with approximately 80% of patients who achieved hair regrowth at one site, achieving regrowth at the other with baricitinib 4 mg. Among scalp responders (SALT score <20 at Week 52), 78.5% and 82.6% achieved an EB and EL response, respectively, and 71.1% of patients achieved a response in both EB and EL with baricitinib 4 mg. Among scalp nonresponders (SALT score >20 at Week 52), 46.7% and 48.7% achieved EB and EL responses, respectively, and 35.4% achieved responses in both EB and EL. Similar trends but lower response rates were observed with baricitinib 2 mg. Baseline severity of EB/EL involvement parallels that of the scalp. Baricitinib was efficacious in achieving holistic response across all three hair-bearing sites in a majority of Week 52 scalp responders. These data detail the benefits of baricitinib across important hair-bearing sites involved in AA and highlight that individual patient treatment success should account for the totality of the clinical presentation. BRAVE-AA1, ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03570749, start date, September 24, 2018; BRAVE-AA2, ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03899259, start date, July 8, 2019.

Integrating Ayurvedic therapies with minoxidil: a randomized, single-blinded, parallel-controlled trial assessing the efficacy and safety of Traya's customized approach for treating male androgenetic alopecia

Background: Male androgenetic alopecia (MAA) is the most common form of hair loss in men, influenced by genetics, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and stress. While treatments like minoxidil address symptoms, they do not target underlying causes. This study compares the effectiveness of a customized regimen versus minoxidil in treating male pattern hair loss (MPHL) in men with MAA stages 2-4. Methods: A 6-month, single-blinded, randomized, controlled study with 135 adult males (stages 2-4 MAA) was conducted. Participants were assigned to group A (holistic hair treatment regimen), group B (minoxidil), or group C (placebo). Baseline and follow-up assessments (2, 4, and 6 months) included dermatological and Trichoscan® assessments, imaging, and self-assessment questionnaires. Results: 6 months of TrichoScan® assessment showed a 3.16-fold increase in hair density for group A compared to group B and 5.82-fold compared to group C. Groups A and B showed significant improvements over group C. Conclusions: The holistic hair treatment regimen proved to be more effective than minoxidil for treating MAA stages 2-4, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments.

Bicalutamide 25mg combined with minoxidil 1mg versus minoxidil 1mg for female pattern hair loss: A randomized double-blind clinical trial.

Antiandrogenic drugs are often used to treat female pattern hair loss (FPHL) despite limited evidence supporting their use. There is growing interest in bicalutamide for this purpose, but its efficacy in treating FPHL has not been evaluated in clinical trials. To assess the efficacy of 25mg/d bicalutamide combined with 1mg/d minoxidil compared to 1mg/d minoxidil monotherapy over 24weeks for FPHL treatment. A randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial enrolled 74 participants into 2 groups: bicalutamide 25mg/d plus minoxidil 1mg/d or placebo plus minoxidil 1mg/d for 24weeks. The primary outcome was the change in total hair density in the target area. Sixty-four (86.5%) participants completed the study (32 per group). There was a mean increase of 18.1 hairs/cm2 in the bicalutamide-minoxidil group and 21.5 hairs/cm2 in the minoxidil group (P=.86). According to the global consensus analysis of clinical photographs, there was no difference in clinical improvement between the groups (P=.78). Single-center study and short follow-up period (24weeks). Bicalutamide 25mg/d combined with minoxidil 1mg/d did not provide additional improvement in FPHL treatment compared to minoxidil alone after 24weeks.

The efficacy of topical cetirizine using microneedling in androgenetic alopecia male patients.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) affects both sexes equally and lasts long. AGA is the most common kind of hair loss in men. Gradual, pattern-based hair thinning on the scalp is a hallmark of the disease. The front, back, center, and sides of a man's head are the most common areas where hair thinning and loss occur. To evaluate the efficacy of microneedling-administered topical cetirizine in treating androgenetic alopecia in men. A total of 80 AGA male patients were randomly assigned to this single-blind, parallel placebo-controlled study conducted at Beni-Suef University Hospital's Dermatology Outpatient Clinic. Researchers allocated 40 patients to undergo topical cetirizine microneedling (MN) and 40 patients to saline MN for 8 weeks. In the 8th week, the cetirizine group demonstrated a greater prevalence of vellus hair (70.0%) than the saline group (30.0%), with a statistically significant difference (p-value = 0.001). The majority of patients administered cetirizine by MN exhibited enhanced hair density (80.0%) in contrast to 25.0% in the saline group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p-value = 0.001). No notable adverse effects linked to the administration of cetirizine by MN were reported. The microneedling of 1% topical cetirizine proved efficient in promoting hair growth without problems in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia.

Novel method for preparation of autologous leucocyte rich platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) under closed system and assessment of its clinical efficacy in androgenetic alopecia-A retrospective cohort study.

Novel method for preparation of autologous leucocyte rich platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) under closed system and assessment of its clinical efficacy in androgenetic alopecia-A retrospective cohort study.

Potential Causal Relationship Between Extensive Lipid Profiles and Various Hair Loss Diseases: Evidence From Univariable and Multivariable Mendelian Randomization Analyses.

Hair loss disorders, including non-cicatricial forms such as alopecia areata (AA) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA), as well as cicatricial forms, represent significant dermatological concerns influenced by various factors, including lipid metabolism. While observational studies and clinical trials have suggested a link between lipid levels and hair loss, the causal relationship remains unclear. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of 983 lipid variables [including triglycerides (TG), fatty acids, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, phospholipids, and lipoproteins] and 4 hair loss disorders. Two-sample univariable Mendelian randomization (UVMR) and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analyses were employed to investigate the causal effects of lipids on hair loss disorders. Sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure the robustness of our findings. The UVMR analysis identified 56 significant causal associations between lipid levels and hair loss disorders, with cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), TG, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a) emerging as key contributors. The MVMR analysis evaluated the independent effects of HDL-C, LDL-C, and TG on alopecia disorders, identifying significant associations only between HDL-C, TG, and AA. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the consistency and robustness of these results. This study provides strong evidence for potential causal associations between lipids and hair loss disorders, highlighting potential therapeutic targets and the importance of lipid management in affected patients.

Early Exposure to Sexualized Content and Androgenetic Alopecia: Can Culture Shape Our Biology?

Early Exposure to Sexualized Content and Androgenetic Alopecia: Can Culture Shape Our Biology?

Commentary on "Clinical Safety and Efficacy of Dual Wavelength Low-Level Light Therapy in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study".

Commentary on "Clinical Safety and Efficacy of Dual Wavelength Low-Level Light Therapy in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study".