Hair Follicle Density Research Articles

Dermoscopy as a novel tool to examine and assess treatment response of acne scars: A pilot study in an Indian population

Objectives: Acne scars are common and have limited methods of evaluation. They occur due to decreased collagen (atrophic, rolling, icepick, boxcar, and linear) or increased collagen (hypertrophic and keloidal). There are very few studies concerning the evaluation and treatment methodology of acne scars by dermoscopy. The primary aim of the study was to observe the dermoscopic features of different types of acne scars. The secondary aim was to evaluate the role of dermoscopy in the assessment of response to treatment. Material and Methods: Thirty consenting patients with post-acne scars were enrolled for the study in a tertiary care dermatology center. Detailed history and clinical examination data were recorded followed by dermoscopic evaluation at presentation. Consequently, the standard treatment modality was chosen depending on the type of acne scars, and the procedure was done at monthly intervals. Dermoscopy was repeated at a frequency of 6 months. Concurrently, histopathological evaluation for collagen and elastin was performed in a case of deep atrophic scar. Result: Initial dermoscopy showed a poorly defined pseudo reticular network on the face and diffuse pigmentation interrupted by adnexal openings. Ice pick scars appeared as comedo-like openings along with an accentuated perifollicular pigmented network and vascular structures. Rolling scars showed valley-like areas with sloping edges and a marginal rim of pigmentation. Boxcar scars had characteristic cup-shaped depressions with a hyperpigmented rim and dilution of central pigmentation. On sequential dermoscopy following treatment, a decrease in perifollicular pigmentation, and a granular pigment network was seen. There was considerable curtailment of size and depth of acne scars. Further, an increase in the hair follicle density was observed following treatment. Scars of shorter duration showed better response compared to scars of longer duration. In histopathology, increased collagen deposition and early elastogenesis were observed. Conclusion: Treatment is more effective in cases of acne scars of shorter duration. Dermoscopy may be a valuable tool in the assessment of acne scars and their response to treatment.

A potential therapeutic strategy of an innovative probiotic formulation toward topical treatment of diabetic ulcer: an in vivo study

BackgroundThe probiotic potential of Lacticacid bacteria has been studied in various medical complications, from gastrointestinal diseases to antibiotic resistance infections recently. Moreover, diabetic ulcer (DU) is known as one of the most significant global healthcare concerns, which comprehensively impacts the quality of life for these patients. Given that the conventional treatments of DUs have failed to prevent later complications completely, developing alternative therapies seems to be crucial.MethodsWe designed the stable oleogel-based formulation of viable probiotic cells, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), Lactobacillus casei (L. casei), Lactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum), and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) individually to investigate their effect on wound healing process as an in vivo study. The wound repair process was closely monitored regarding morphology, biochemical, and histopathological changes over two weeks and compared it with the effects of topical tetracycline as an antibiotic approach. Furthermore, the antibiofilm activity of probiotic bacteria was assessed against some common pathogens.ResultsThe findings indicated that all tested lactobacillus groups (excluded L. casei) included in the oleogel-based formulation revealed a high potential for repairing damaged skin due to the considerably more levels of hydroxyproline content of tissue samples along with the higher numerical density of mature fibroblasts cell and volume density of hair follicles, collagen fibrils, and neovascularization in comparison with antibiotic and control groups. L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus showed the best potential of wound healing among all lactobacillus species, groups treated by tetracycline and control groups. Besides, L. rhamnosus showed a significant biofilm inhibition activity against tested pathogens.ConclusionsThis experiment demonstrated that the designed formulations containing probiotics, particularly L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus, play a central role in manipulating diabetic wound healing. It could be suggested as an encouraging nominee for diabetic wound-healing alternative approaches, though further studies in detailed clinical trials are needed.

Oral minoxidil for late alopecia in cancer survivors.

Late alopecia, defined as incomplete hair regrowth > 6months following cytotoxic chemotherapy or > 6months from initiation of endocrine therapy, negatively impacts quality of life and may affect dose intensity of adjuvant therapy. This study investigates the effect of oral minoxidil in women with chemotherapy and/or endocrine therapy-induced late alopecia. The rate of clinical response was assessed by standardized photography and quantitated with trichoscopy. Two hundred and sixteen patients (mean age 57.8 ± 13.7) were included. The most common cancer diagnosis was breast, in 170 patients (79.1%). Alopecia developed after chemotherapy in 31 (14.4%) patients, endocrine monotherapy in 65 (30.1%) patients, and chemotherapy followed by endocrine therapy in 120 (55.6%) patients. In 119 patients, standardized photography assessments were used to determine clinical change in alopecia after a median of 105 (IQR = 70) days on oral minoxidil and revealed improvement in 88 (74%) patients. Forty-two patients received quantitative trichoscopic assessments at baseline and at follow-up after a median of 91 (IQR = 126) days on oral minoxidil. Patients had clinically and statistically significant increases in frontal hair shaft density (from 124.2 hairs/cm2 at initial to 153.2 hairs/cm2 at follow-up assessment, p = 0.008) and occipital shaft density (from 100.3 hairs/cm2 at initial to 123.5 hairs/cm2 at follow-up assessment. p = 0.004). No patients discontinued oral minoxidil due to adverse events. Overall, oral minoxidil was well tolerated by patients and may benefit both frontal and occipital late alopecia in cancer survivors treated with cytotoxic and/or endocrine therapy by increasing hair shaft and follicle density.

Stimulation of hair regrowth in an animal model of androgenic alopecia using 2-deoxy-D-ribose.

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) affects both men and women worldwide. New blood vessel formation can restore blood supply and stimulate the hair regrowth cycle. Recently, our group reported that 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR) is 80%-90% as effective as VEGF in the stimulation of neovascularization in in vitro models and in a chick bioassay. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of 2dDR on hair growth. We prepared an alginate gel containing 2dDR, polypropylene glycol, and phenoxyethanol. AGA was developed in C57BL6 mice by intraperitoneally injecting testosterone (TE). A dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-treated group was used as a negative control, a minoxidil group was used as a positive control, and we included groups treated with 2dDR gel and a combination of 2dDR and minoxidil. Each treatment was applied for 20 days. Both groups treated with 2dDR gel and minoxidil stimulated the morphogenesis of hair follicles. H&E-stained skin sections of C57BL/6 mice demonstrated an increase in length, diameter, hair follicle density, anagen/telogen ratio, diameter of hair follicles, area of the hair bulb covered in melanin, and an increase in the number of blood vessels. Masson's trichrome staining showed an increase in the area of the hair bulb covered in melanin. The effects of the FDA-approved drug (minoxidil) on hair growth were similar to those of 2dDR (80%-90%). No significant benefit were observed by applying a combination of minoxidil with 2dDR. We conclude that 2dDR gel has potential for the treatment of androgenic alopecia and possibly other alopecia conditions where stimulation of hair regrowth is desirable, such as after chemotherapy. The mechanism of activity of 2dDR remains to be established.

A Prospective Self-controlled Clinical Trial of Nonactivated Low Leukocyte PRP in Female Pattern Hair Loss Patients of Childbearing Age.

Alopecia significantly affects the mental health and social relationship of women since childbearing age, highlighting the need for a safe, effective, and convenient treatment. The authors have conducted a prospective self-controlled trial involving 15 female patients at childbearing age with alopecia. These patients received a subcutaneous scalp injection of platelet-rich plasma once every 4 weeks for 3 treatments in total. Outcome measurements were included below: changes in hair density (hair/cm 2 ), hair follicle density (hair follicle/cm 2 ), and overall photographic assessment (improved or not) at 4, 12, and 24 weeks right after the first treatment. Comparing the photographs taken before and after the intervention, 67% of patients' hair density increased from 151 ± 39.82 hairs/cm 2 (preintervention) to 170.96 ± 37.14 hairs/cm 2 (at 24-week follow-up), representing an approximate increase of 19 hairs/cm 2 . Meanwhile, hair follicle density increased by approximately 15 follicles/cm 2 after 24 weeks since the first treatment, rising from 151.04 ± 41.99 follicles/cm 2 to 166.72 ± 37.13 follicles/cm 2 . The primary adverse reactions observed were local swelling and pain due to injections. Local injection of nonactivated platelet-rich plasma with low leukocytes concentration could be an effective strategy to alleviate alopecia symptoms in female patients.

Ultrasound measurement of traumatic scar and skin thickness: a scoping review of evidence across the translational pipeline of research-to-practice

ObjectivesTo identify the ultrasound methods used in the literature to measure traumatic scar thickness, and map gaps in the translation of these methods using evidence across the research-to-practice pipeline.DesignScoping review.Data...

The Effects of Negative Pressure Therapy on Hair Growth of Mouse Models.

Negative pressure therapy (NPT) has been shown to facilitate wound healing and promote hair growth in a porcine model. However, there is a paucity of research on the impact of negative pressure on hair growth in murine models. Despite the ability of nude mice to develop hair follicles, the hair they produce is often flawed towing to genetically induced keratin disorders, rendering them a pertinent animal model for assessing hair regeneration. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of negative pressure on hair follicle growth in a nude mouse model. To achieve this, a customized external tissue expansion device was developed to apply negative pressure to the dorsum of nude mice. The mice were subjected to several treatment courses consisting of 15 and 30 min of continuous negative pressure at 10 mmHg, which were repeated 5 and 10 times every other day until sacrifice. Dorsal skin samples were subsequently extracted from the suction and nonsuction areas. The sections were stained with various antibodies to assess the expression of SOX-9, LHX-2, Keratin-15, β-catenin, CD31, and vascular endothelial growth factor-A, and a TUNEL assay was used to analyze cell apoptosis. The results showed that the number of hair follicles and angiogenesis were significantly higher in the suction area than in the nonsuction area in all groups. Moreover, mice that received NPT for 15 min for 10 times had a higher hair follicle density than the other three groups. Immunofluorescence staining for LHX-2 and Keratin 15 further validated the results of these findings. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that negative pressure effectively promotes hair follicle growth and angiogenesis in nude mice through SOX-9- and LHX-2-mediated follicular regeneration and β-catenin-mediated hair follicle morphogenesis. Impact Statement The results of this study indicate that negative pressure therapy (NPT) is effective in promoting hair growth in nude mice, as evidenced by increased hair follicle density and angiogenesis in the treated areas. Using a custom external tissue expansion device (ETED) device, 15-min NPT treatment conducted over 10 sessions demonstrated the highest follicle density. This suggest that developing a regimen for NPT may offer to create innovative treatment approaches for hair loss, ultimately benefiting individuals suffering from hair loss disorders.

Effects of Dietary Selenium Yeast Supplementation in Pregnant Cashmere Goats on the Development of Offspring Hair Follicles

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal dietary selenium yeast (SY) supplementation during pregnancy on the hair follicle development of kids. Sixty pregnant Hanshan white cashmere goats were randomly divided into the con group (fed with a basal diet) and the SY group (fed with a basal diet with 0.4 mg/kg SY). SY was supplemented during the pregnancy until the birth of the kids. The growth performance, cashmere performance, hair follicle characteristics, and serum antioxidant capacity of the kids were periodically determined. The results showed that the birth weight of the kids in the SY group was significantly higher than that in the con group (p < 0.05), and the average weight at 15 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 5 months of age increased by 13.60%, 8.77%, 8.86%, and 3.90%, respectively (p > 0.05). The cashmere fineness at early birth was dramatically reduced with SY supplementation (p < 0.001), whereas cashmere length and production were significantly increased at 5 months of age (p < 0.05). Histology assays indicated that the primary hair follicles were fully developed at birth, and there was no significant difference in the number of primary hair follicles between the two groups (p > 0.05). The number of secondary hair follicles and the number and density of active secondary hair follicles in the SY group at 15 days were significantly higher than those in the con group (p < 0.05) and were increased by 11.18%, 6.18%, and 22.55% at 5 months of age, respectively (p > 0.05). The serum antioxidant capacity analysis revealed that the SY group had higher levels of T-AOC, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities and lower levels of MDA (p > 0.05). These results reveal that the maternal dietary supplementation of SY in gestation can promote the morphogenesis and maturation of secondary hair follicles and increase the number and density of secondary hair follicles by enhancing the body’s antioxidant capacity, contributing to the improvement of cashmere quality and yield.

Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) Seed Oil in C57BL/6 Mice.

Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) seeds, a by-product of the food processing industry, contain various bioactive compounds that have potential cosmetic and pharmacological applications. Rosehip seed oil (RHSO) has been shown to exert therapeutic effects in skin disorders, but its role in promoting hair growth remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the hair growth-promoting activity of RHSO and the related mechanisms of action. The depleted dorsal skin of telogenic C57BL/6 mice was topically treated with RHSO for 21 days, and the extent of hair regrowth was assessed. The results indicated that RHSO stimulated hair growth by inducing the early transition of hair follicles from telogen to anagen phase. Histological analysis revealed significant increases in hair follicle density, hair bulb size, and skin thickness. RHSO treatment also upregulated the expression of hair growth-associated genes, including β-catenin, phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta, Sonic hedgehog, smoothened, cyclin D1, cyclin E, and insulin like growth factor 1. These findings suggest that RHSO stimulates hair growth and may show promise as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for hair loss.

FEATURES OF WOOL QUALITIES AND FORMATION OF SKIN COVER OF YOUNG SHEEP OF THE SOUTH KAZAKH MERINO BREED IN ZHAMBYL REGION CONDITIONS

Until 2030, 17 key areas were selected, the implementation of which could potentially lead the country to the sustainable development of all major spheres of life and the solution of global problems affecting every person in this world. The article reflects and presents scientific research data, objective characteristics of wool qualities and age-related changes signs of the structure of the skin of young South Kazakh merino sheep, as well as studies of the morphological parameters of the skin tissue in the age aspect (from birth to 18 months), and an analysis of their connection with the commercial properties and quality of the semi-finished product obtained from sheep of this breed is given. Productive qualities were studied in a flock of sheep of the South Kazakh Merino breed in “Batay-Shu” LLP. Sheep have a high live weight, shearing and yield of pure wool; rams have a fairly high live weight for the breed; component depending on age from 100-106 kg, and high wool productivity both in physical weight and in washed fiber - 10.3-6.6 kg, with an average output of washed wool of 64.5% thickness, with corresponding development epidermis (0.97-1.3% of the total skin thickness), a well-developed pilar layer (up to 67.7% of the total skin thickness) and relatively weak development of the reticular layer (about 33% of the total skin thickness). The density of hair follicles per 1 mm2 at 18 months of age is 52-60 units, and the secondary follicles/ primary follicles ratio is 12.17-12.77. After weaning and up to 7.5 months, buck lambs experience a noticeable increase in skin within 200 μm. During the same period, a slight increase in skin tissue occurs in ewe hoggs.

Hair Follicle Development of Rex Rabbits Is Regulated Seasonally by Wnt10b/β-Catenin, TGFβ-BMP, IGF1, and EGF Signaling Pathways

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of different skinning seasons on the fur quality and hair follicle development of Rex rabbits. A total of 80,150-day-old Rex rabbits were slaughtered on 15 July 2022 (summer), 15 October 2022 (autumn), 15 January 2023 (winter), and 15 April 2023 (spring) in Shandong Province (10 males and 10 females in each season). The results show that the skin weight, skin area, skin thickness, and hair follicle density of the Rex rabbits (at 150 days of age) were lower in summer than in winter (p < 0.05). Moreover, the coat length was shorter in summer than in spring, autumn, and winter (p < 0.05). The shoulder fat weight, perirenal fat weight, and perigastric fat weight of the Rex rabbits in winter were higher than those in summer (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the leptin levels in serum were higher in winter than in summer in the Rex rabbits (p < 0.05). In terms of serum biochemistry, the glucose levels were higher in autumn and winter than in spring and summer (p < 0.05). The cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) in summer had higher values than in winter in the Rex rabbits (p < 0.05). In winter, the expression of the Wnt10b, catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1), glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), insulin like growth factor I (IGF-I), Type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) genes was higher (p < 0.05), and the expression of the dickkopf-1 (DDK1), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ-1), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) genes was lower than in summer (p < 0.05). In summer, the heat shock 70 kDa protein (HSP70) expression and CTNNB1 protein phosphorylation levels in skin tissue were higher than in spring, autumn, and winter (p < 0.05). In winter, Wnt10b protein expression was higher (p < 0.05), and GSK-3β protein phosphorylation levels were lower than in spring, autumn, and winter (p < 0.05). These results show that the skinning season can affect the production performance and hair follicle development of Rex rabbits. Compared with other seasons, the quality of skin from rabbits slaughtered in winter is better. Seasons may regulate hair follicle development via the Wnt10b/β-catenin, TGFβ-BMP, IGF1, and EGF signaling pathways in Rex rabbits.

Ultrasonic Characterization of Human Scalp.

The ultrasonic properties of scalp may be relevant to a variety of applications including transcranial ultrasound. However, there is no information about the ultrasonic properties of scalp available in the literature. While ultrasonic studies of skin from other anatomic regions have been previously reported, scalp tissue is generally thicker with a higher density of hair follicles, blood vessels and sebaceous glands. Thus, it is unknown if the ultrasonic properties of scalp are similar to skin from other regions. The goal of this study was to measure the ultrasonic properties of human scalp. Pulse-echo measurements were performed with a 7.5 MHz ultrasound transducer to determine the speed of sound (SOS), frequency slope of attenuation (FSA) and integrated backscatter coefficient (IBC) of 32 specimens of formalin-fixed human scalp from four donors. The means ± standard deviations for these three ultrasonic quantities measured in the frequency range 2.83-7.74 MHz over all specimens were SOS=1525 ± 16.92 m/s, FSA=2.59 ± 0.724 dB/cm/MHz and IBC=0.122 ± 0.0746 cm-1 Sr-1. These values are comparable to reported values for human skin from other parts of the body, but some differences in SOS and IBC exist.

Beyond Traditional Treatments: Exploring Cutting-Edge Approaches for Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic Alopecia is a genetically predetermined disorder resulting in hair loss from an excessive sensitivity to androgens. Several treatment options have been investigated for androgenetic alopecia, yet only topical minoxidil and finasteride have received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. This review article examines and evaluates the efficacy of new, cutting-edge techniques for treating AGA, including Low-Level Laser Therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, Micro needling, and Topical Growth Factors and Peptides. Several essential factors are stimulated by minoxidil, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. IGF-1 also plays a significant role in regulating follicular differentiation, which makes it a vital regulator of hair follicle development and function. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses low-intensity light at red or near-infrared wavelengths to induce changes in cellular activity, which improves blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and boosts cellular energy, ultimately leading to improved hair follicle density and diameter. Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) is used in dermatology for acne scar treatment, lipid transplantation, wound healing, and hair regeneration. It involves a centrifugation process that increases the platelet concentration and reduces the red blood cell ratio. Micro needling is a minimally invasive procedure that stimulates the production of collagen, growth factors, and neovascularization, which promotes tissue rejuvenation. It is most utilized for individuals who are unable to achieve successful results using medical therapy. These approaches have shown positive outcomes in terms of hair regrowth, improved hair density, increased hair shaft thickness, and patient satisfaction.

Microstructural characterization of the skin in the African straw-coloured fruit bat, Eidolon helvum (Pteropodidae).

The African straw-coloured fruit Bat, Eidolon helvum, is a Yinpterochiroptera bat that is of public health and ecological importance. This study investigated the light microscopic morphology, morphometry and histochemistry of the skin and its glands across the cheek, withers, croup, ventral abdomen, perianal region, wing membrane, intercrural membrane and foot pad of the species. Sweat glands were absent and hypodermis was observed only in the withers, croup and ventral abdomen. The croup had the highest density of hair follicles while the perianal region had the highest density of sebaceous gland acini. The thicknesses of the dermis and epidermis were significantly high in the withers and foot pad respectively. Hair follicles and sebaceous glands were absent in the wing membrane. The sebaceous glands had melanin pigmentation at the periphery and stained positive to Alcian Blue-periodic acid Schiff at the withers and ventral abdomen. Epidermal and dermal thicknesses reported in this study were generally higher than those of Yangochiroptera bats and the presence of sebaceous glands and hair follicles in the wing membrane were variable in different bat species. This study has provided baseline information on the light microscopic morphology and morphometry of the skin and its glands across the various body regions in the African straw-coloured fruit bat. This information would be helpful in the understanding, handling, skin disease treatment and management of the bat in captivity for biomedical research purposes.

Linear alopecia in pediatrics: RCM and dermoscopy reveal diagnostic cues.

Alopecia areata (AA), trichotillomania (TM), nevus sebaceous (NS), and linear scleroderma en coup de sabre (LSCS) can all present with a patch of linear alopecia, making diagnosis challenging. The purpose of this study was to combine reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and dermoscopy in the diagnosis of these lesions in children. A total of 36 patients with linear alopecia were enrolled, of whom 14 had AA, seven had TM, nine had NS, and six had LSCS. We evaluated the characteristics and distinguishing features of the four conditions using RCM and dermoscopy. The key to differential diagnosis was the dermal Hair follicle density in the dermis was decreased in AA, and the size and density of the follicular openings were normal in TM. In NS, the major features were petal-like and frogspawn-like structures. In LSCS, dermal papillary rings, sebaceous glands, and follicles were partially or completely missing, and abundant fibrous material was distributed in the dermis. Dermoscopy revealed alopecia, and all four conditions resulted in decreased hair density. AA patients exhibited yellow dots, black dots, and exclamation mark hairs. TM patients presented with irregularly broken hairs and blood spots. Both NS and LSCS patients exhibited an absence of follicular openings; NS patients demonstrated whitish and yellowish round structures, while an atrophic area with white patches, linear vessels, and no yellow or black dots was observed in LSCS patients CONCLUSION: RCM combined with dermoscopy can provide additional information on disease states and differentiate between AA, TM, NS, and LSCS.

Cell-free fat extract restores hair loss: a novel therapeutic strategy for androgenetic alopecia

BackgroundAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is one of the most common hair loss diseases worldwide. However, current treatments including medicine, surgery, and stem cells are limited for various reasons. Cell-free fat extract (CEFFE), contains various cell factors, may have potential abilities in treating AGA. This study aims to evaluate the safety, effectiveness and the underlying mechanism of CEFFE in treating AGA.MethodsSex hormone evaluation, immunogenicity assay and genotoxicity assay were conducted for CEFFE. In vivo study, male C57BL/6 mice were injected subcutaneously with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and were treated with different concentration of CEFFE for 18 days (five groups and n = 12 in each group: Control, Model, CEFFELow, CEFFEMiddle, CEFFEHigh). Anagen entry rate and hair coverage percentage were analyzed through continuously taken gross photographs. The angiogenesis and proliferation of hair follicle cells were evaluated by hematoxylin–eosin, anti-CD31, and anti-Ki67 staining. In vitro study, dermal papilla cells (DPCs) were incubated with different concentrations of CEFFE, DHT, or CEFFE + DHT, followed by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry to evaluate cell proliferation cycle and apoptosis. The intracellular DHT level were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of 5α-reductase type II, 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and androgen receptor were assessed through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) or/and western blot.ResultsIn CEFFE-treated mice, an increase in the anagen entry rate and hair coverage percentage was observed. The number of CD31-positive capillaries and Ki67-positive cells were increased, suggesting that CEFFE promoted the proliferation of DPCs, modulated the cell cycle arrest, inhibited apoptosis caused by DHT, reduced the intracellular concentration of DHT in DPCs, and downregulated the expression of AR.ConclusionsCEFFE is a novel and effective treatment option for AGA through producing an increased hair follicle density and hair growth rate. The proposed mechanisms are through the DHT/AR pathway regulation and regional angiogenesis ability.

Seasonal changes in the scrotal skin histology in relation to thermoregulation and testosterone level in camel and buffalo bull.

This study was conducted to compare the scrotal skin dynamics of camel and buffalo bulls regarding thermoregulation, season and testosterone. Scrotal skin and blood samples (n = 8 each) were collected during breeding (October to March) and non-breeding seasons (April to August). Tissue slides were prepared by the paraffin embedding technique followed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and were analysed by ImageJ®. Relative humidity and temperature were recorded in different seasons to calculate the thermal humidity index (THI). Serum testosterone level was estimated through radioimmunoassay (RIA). The data were analysed by applying ANOVA, the THS test was used as a post-ANOVA interface and the correlation coefficient was also calculated among season, testosterone and skin parameters. The results showed that skin thickness, season and THI were negatively correlated with testosterone levels. In the neck, body and apex, the papillary layer was thicker in buffalo bull compared to camel bull during the breeding season; however, the reticular layer followed a reverse trend in the apex when THI was low. In the scrotal neck during the non-breeding season, hair follicle (HF) length and density were recorded high in camel bull compared to buffalo bull when THI was elevated. The density of HF followed the otherwise trend in the apex during the breeding season. The density of SG was found highest in all regions of camel bull as compared to buffalo bull and showed direct relation with THI. To conclude, this study delineates how the histo-dynamics of scrotal skin varies and accommodate itself with testosterone and THI over the different season in camel and buffalo.

Extremely hair follicle density is associated with a significantly different cecal microbiota in rex rabbits.

It has become increasingly clear that gut microbiota and skin are interconnected since the discovery of the 'gut-brain-skin' axis. Hair follicles (HFs) are skin microorganisms, but few studies have investigated their relationship to gut microbiota. Hence, we hypothesize that HFs have a close relationship with the gut, similarly to what was reported for the skin. Using rex rabbits as an animal model, one hundred healthy half-sibling rex rabbits were selected for the experiment, and 16 s rRNA gene sequencing was performed on the cecal microbiota of nine rabbits with the extremely high (HS) and low (LS) hair density (n = 9 per group) to determine differences between the composition and function of these communities. In comparison with the LS group, several alpha diversity index values were significantly lower in the HS group, although the higher variation in species composition in the HS group. Additionally, species diversity and abundance differed significantly in the cecum microbiota of HS and LS rabbits. Further, primary and secondary HF density was significantly correlated with the families Muribaculaceae and Bacteroidaceae, and genera Blautia, Bacteroides and Desulfovibrio. In particular, Muribaculaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Blautia and Bacteroides may support the development of HFs. Moreover, the expression of WNT4, WNT10a, WNT10b, CTNNB1 (β-catenin) and LEF1 in the skin was significantly higher in the HS group compared with the LS group. Altogether, the results of this study suggest that the extremely high density of HF in rabbits is associated with a significantly different microbiota diversity and community structure, and the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway was activated in the HS group. Thus, key bacteria may promote the development of HF.

Melatonin promotes the development of the secondary hair follicles by regulating circMPP5

BackgroundThe quality and yield of cashmere fibre are closely related to the differentiation and development of secondary hair follicles in the skin of cashmere goats. The higher the density of secondary hair follicles, the higher the quality and yield of cashmere from the fleece. Development of secondary hair follicles commences in the embryonic stage of life and is completed 6 months after birth. Preliminary experimental results from our laboratory showed that melatonin (MT) treatment of goat kids after their birth could increase the density of secondary hair follicles and, thus, improve the subsequent yield and quality of cashmere. These changes in the secondary hair follicles resulted from increases in levels of antioxidant and expression of anti-apoptotic protein, and from a reduction in apoptosis. The present study was conducted to explore the molecular mechanism of MT-induced secondary hair follicle differentiation and development by using whole-genome analysis.ResultsMT had no adverse effect on the growth performance of cashmere kids but significantly improved the character of the secondary hair follicles and the quality of cashmere, and this dominant effect continued to the second year. Melatonin promotes the proliferation of secondary hair follicle cells at an early age. The formation of secondary hair follicles in the MT group was earlier than that in the control group in the second year. The genome-wide data results involved KEGG analysis of 1044 DEmRNAs, 91 DElncRNAs, 1054 DEcircRNAs, and 61 DEmiRNAs which revealed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is involved in the development of secondary hair follicles, with key genes (FGF2, FGF21, FGFR3, MAPK3 (ERK1)) being up-regulated and expressed. We also found that the circMPP5 could sponged miR-211 and regulate the expression of MAPK3.ConclusionsWe conclude that MT achieves its effects by regulating the MAPK pathway through the circMPP5 sponged the miR-211, regulating the expression of MAPK3, to induce the differentiation and proliferation of secondary hair follicle cells.In addition there is up-regulation of expression of the anti-apoptotic protein causing reduced apoptosis of hair follicle cells. Collectively, these events increase the numbers of secondary hair follicles, thus improving the production of cashmere from these goats.

Changes of the skin and wool coat of sheep of fi ne-wool breeds related with age

Sheep breeding is a unique branch of animal husbandry, characterized by a variety of products: wool, meat, milk, sheep pelts. The successful development of the industry is largely determined by the development of modern technologies, the creation of new genotypes that make it possible to produce competitive, high-quality products that meet market demands as much as possible at the lowest cost. In sheep breeding in the North Caucasus and Southern Federal Districts for many decades and up to the present, the fine-wool direction has a signifi cant share. The purpose of the research was to identify the effectiveness of the use of objective indicators of the basic properties of the skin and wool coat of sheep in the breeding process. In a comparative aspect, the indicators of wool productivity and histostructure of the skin of sheep of fi ne-wooled breeds such as Stavropol, Manych merino and Dzhalginsky merino at the age of 4,5 months (when weaning) and 1,5 years. The results of studies of the skin and hair coat, which revealed that in the period from 4,5 months to 1,5 years, the total thickness of the skin of experimental animals increased in the breeds Stavropol, Manych merino and Dzhalginsky merino by 14,2; 13,0; 12,2 %, respectively. The increase in the depth of both primordial and secondary follicles occurred by 12,3, 13,4 and 12,9 %, respectively, in the breeds Stavropol, Manych merino and Dzhalginsky merino. In the studied breeds, the density of hair follicles per mm2 decreased by 17,3 %, 9,4 and 8,2 %, respectively, but the ratio of secondary follicle/primordial follicle remained unchanged. The results of a comprehensive assessment of the fl eece revealed that both quantitative and qualitative indicators on the score scale had an excellent rating. The use of rams with established characteristics in the breeding campaign on the ewes of the breeding core will contribute to the production of young animals with the specified most productive indicators.