Incidence Of Hair Loss Research Articles

Systematic review: Impact of stem cells-based therapy, and platelet-rich plasma in hair loss and telogen effluvium related to COVID-19

BackgroundThe incidence of hair loss (HL) and telogen effluvium (TE) in COVID-19 patients has been reported in several studies. ObjectivesEvaluate both the increased incidence of HL and TE in COVID-19 and the effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AD-MSCs), and Human Follicle Stem Cells (HFSCs) in these patients. MethodsThe protocol was developed by the Preferred Reporting for Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. A multistep search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Clinicaltrials. gov, Scopus, and Cochrane databases has been performed to identify papers focusing on HL and TE COVID-19 related, and papers focusing on AD-MSCs, HFSC, and PRP use. ResultsOf the 404 articles initially identified focusing on HL and TE, 44 were related to COVID-19, and finally, only 6 were analyzed. On the other way, 331 articles focusing on AD-MSCs, HFSC, and PRP were initially identified. Of these, only 6 articles PRP (n = 3), AD-MSCs, and HFSCs (n = 3) have been analyzed. ConclusionCollected data confirmed both an increased incidence of HL and TE in COVID-19 patients, preliminarily, the related effectiveness of AD-MSCs, HFSCs, and PRP without major side effects.

Preliminary Investigation on Micro-Needling with Low-Level LED Therapy and Growth Factors in Hair Loss Related to COVID-19.

The incidence of hair loss (HL) and telogen effluvium (TE) has increased due to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). New biotechnologies based on micro-needling (MND) with Low-Level LED Therapy (LLLT) and Growth Factors (GFs) used for hair re-growth (HR-G) in Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) need to be standardized also in HL and TE related to COVID-19. This article aims to describe the preliminary clinical results obtained from an open-label case-series observational study. MND with LLLT and GFs was used in patients affected by HL and TE-related to COVID-19. In total, 10 patients (6 men were identified in stage I–III vertex according to the Norwood–Hamilton scale, and 4 women were identified in stage I–II according to the Ludwig scale) were enrolled and analyzed after screening (exclusion and inclusion criteria evaluation). HR-G assessment was analyzed through photography, physician’s and patient’s global assessment scale, and standardized phototrichograms during a short follow-up: T0—baseline; T1—20 weeks (wks). In the targeted area computerized trichograms showed encouraging results with a hair density increase of 11 ± 2 hairs/cm2 at T1 after 20 wks (20 wks vs. 0 wks) compared with baseline (58 ± 2 hairs/cm2 at T1 versus 47 ± 2 hairs/cm2 at baseline) with a not quite statistically significant difference in HR-G (p = 0.0690). The preliminary effectiveness of MND with LLLT and GFs use has been demonstrated in mild-to-moderate HL and TE related to COVID-19. Further controlled trials are required to confirm these preliminary results.

Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium Related to COVID-19: The Potential Implication of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma as Regenerative Strategies.

The diffusion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) inducing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has increased the incidence of several dermatological disorders, including hair loss (HL). This article aims to review the literature regarding the incidence of HL and telogen effluvium (TE) in COVID-19 patients and critically appraise the available evidence regarding the role of regenerative strategies like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Human Follicle Stem Cells (HFSCs). A literature review regarding the correlation of HL and TE in COVID-19 patients analyzing the biomolecular pathway involved and the role of regenerative strategies was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PreMEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane databases. Observational studies revealed an escalated incidence of pattern HL and TE in COVID-19 patients. Psychological stress, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress are potential culprits. Proinflammatory cytokines and stress hormones negatively affect the normal metabolism of proteoglycans. Reduced anagenic expression of proteoglycans is a potential mediating mechanism that connects HL to COVID-19. Currently, only one study has been published on PRP against HL in COVID-19 patients. Further controlled trials are required to confirm PRP and HFSCs efficacy in COVID-19 patients.

Hair Loss After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BackgroundHair loss is a common complication after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). There is a lack of published systematic review in the scientific literature on this topic. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on hair loss after MBS in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.MethodsPubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and four Chinese databases were searched. Data were pooled using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 12.0, and subgroups were performed if necessary and feasible.ResultsA total of 18 studies (n = 2538) were included. The pooled results showed that the incidence of hair loss after MBS was 57% (95% CI 42–71%). It decreased with longer follow-up times. Hair loss was significantly more common in younger (mean difference (MD), − 2.45; 95% CI, − 4.26 to − 0.64; p = 0.008) women (OR, 3.87; 95% CI, 0.59 to 17.59; p = 0.08). Serum zinc (standardized mean difference (SMD), − 1.13; 95% CI, − 2.27 to 0.01, p = 0.05), folic acid (SMD = − 0.88, 95% CI − 1.29 to − 0.46, p < 0.0001), and ferritin levels (SMD, − 0.22; 95% CI, − 0.38 to − 0.05; p = 0.01), but not serum iron and vitamin B12, were associated with hair loss following MBS.ConclusionsHair loss is common after MBS especially in younger women, and those with low serum levels of zinc, folic acid, and ferritin. Prospective studies on larger cohorts are needed.

Abstract PS9-20: Prospective observational study of chemotherapy-induced alopecia after sequential FEC+taxane and the effects of age in breast cancer patients

Abstract BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a common and quite distressing adverse effects of chemotherapy. CIA, which can occurr not only in the scalp but also in the eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair, has been known to be a transient condition. However, the degree, pattern, phenotype and processes of CIA are not fully known. CIA might be influenced by many factors, such as the specific chemotherapy regimen, drug doses, the patient’s age, and hormonal statuses. There are few detailed observational studies of CIA or of the impact of age on CIA. We performed a prospective observational study to investigate the prevalence and degree of CIA, including CIA of eyebrows, eyelashes, and body, and we examined patient’s recovery from CIA, focusing on age-depending effects. METHODS: We analyzed 68 female Japanese patients with breast cancer (median age 53 years, range 29-76 yrs) who received perioperative adjuvant chemotherapy with fluorouracil/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (FEC) and taxane. A questionnaire was administered at the point of chemotherapy completion and 6 and 12 months after chemotherapy completion. The data collected by the questionnaire were as follows: the degree of alopecia, including the eyebrows, eyelashes, and body (pubic, leg, and axillary hair), the onset of alopecia, the onset of hair regrowth, and changes in hair characteristics (color, texture, thickness, structure). RESULTS: CIA occurred in all patients, with severe hair loss irrespective of age. CIA occurred mainly in the scalp but also in the eyebrows, eyelashes, and body for most of the patients. There were significant associations between the patient’s age and the onset of hair regrowth in the eyebrows, eyelashes, and body. The onset of eyebrows, eyelash, and body hair growth were significantly shorter in the premenopausal patients. Any hair changes (e.g., thinned diameter, softer texture, curlier structure) were reported by 85.3% of the patients. The changes in hair diameter were significantly more often ‘thinner’ in the menopausal group compared to the premenopausal group, but the changes in texture, structure, and color were not significantly different between these groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed the clinical process of CIA in early breast cancer patients who received standard chemotherapy. Severe CIA occurred in all 68 patients who received FEC and taxane chemotherapy. The present findings provide the first data demonstrating that age was not associated with the degree or incidence of hair loss, but age affected the recovery from CIA. These findings are important for the provision of more accurate information to patients who may undergo chemotherapy, and our data will contribute to the optimal treatment for CIA. Citation Format: Takaaki Fujii, Kei Ichiba, Chikako Honda, Yuko Nakazawa, Misato Ogino, Sasagu Kurozumi, Sayaka Obayashi, Reina Yajima. Prospective observational study of chemotherapy-induced alopecia after sequential FEC+taxane and the effects of age in breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS9-20.

Impact of smoking on heavy metal contamination and DNA fragmentation.

Tobacco is smoked by different techniques through cigarette and shisha smoking. The prevalence of tobacco is considered one of the major threats to public health. This study aims to assess the effect of cigarette, shisha, and mixed (cigarette/shisha) smoking on heavy metal contamination in hair samples, hair loss, and DNA fragmentation, to correlate age, incidence of hair loss, and smoking duration with the amount of accumulated metals and the DNA fragmentation, and to correlate the level of heavy metal contamination with DNA fragmentation. This study was implemented in Saudi Arabia among sixty males divided into four groups (15/group): control and cigarette, shisha, and mixed smokers. Heavy metal contamination in hair samples and urinary DNA levels were assayed. All metal and urinary DNA levels were significantly elevated in cigarette, shisha, and mixed smokers compared to non-smokers. Hair loss was also higher among smokers especially among participants with high DNA concentrations. There were positive significant correlations of age and incidence of hair loss with urinary DNA concentration. There were positive significant correlations between urinary DNA concentration and all heavy metal levels. Cigarette, shisha, and mixed smoking trigger metal contamination, DNA fragmentation, and hair loss. Moreover, hair loss was observed to be associated with Sb, Cd, and Ni as well as urinary DNA level, while age was associated only with lead and urinary DNA levels. The duration of smoking had a major impact on Pb and Sb levels. Finally, contamination with all six metals was significantly associated with DNA fragmentation.

Prospective observational study of chemotherapy-induced alopecia after sequential FEC + taxane and the effects of age in breast cancer patients.

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a common and quite distressing adverse effects of chemotherapy. There are few detailed observational studies of CIA or of the impact of age on CIA. We performed a prospective observational study to investigate the prevalence and degree of CIA, including CIA of eyebrows, eyelashes, and body, and we examined patient's recovery from CIA, focusing on age-depending effects. We analyzed 68 female Japanese patients with breast cancer (median age 53years, range 29-76 years) who received perioperative adjuvant chemotherapy with fluorouracil/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (FEC) and taxane. A questionnaire was administered at the point of chemotherapy completion and 6 and 12months after chemotherapy completion. CIA occurred in all patients, with severe hair loss irrespective of age. CIA occurred mainly in the scalp but also in the eyebrows, eyelashes, and body for most of the patients. There were significant associations between the patient's age and the onset of hair regrowth in the eyebrows, eyelashes, and body. The onset of eyebrows, eyelash, and body hair growth were significantly shorter in the premenopausal patients. Any hair changes (e.g., thinned diameter, softer texture, curlier structure) were reported by 85.3% of the patients. Severe CIA occurred in all 68 patients who received FEC and taxane chemotherapy. The present findings provide the first data demonstrating that age was not associated with the degree or incidence of hair loss, but age affected the recovery from CIA. These results contribute more accurate information provision and insights regarding the proper treatment of CIA.

Study on Hair Distribution in Healthy Males for Hair Restoration Design.

The incidence of hair loss among Chinese male has increased to 21.3 per hundred. Hair restoration has been an effective technique. Detailed hair distribution has a tremendous impact on the surgery design. To investigate the pattern of hair distribution in Chinese young adult males. A total of 1000 males without hair disease were enrolled. We evaluated the locations of the main anatomical marks at different sites on the scalp and analyzed the hair density and follicular unit structure using the standard photographs and trichoscope. The hairline shapes were classified as: linear (48.7%), linear with central protrusion (27.9%), round (9.8%), round with central protrusion (13.7%). The average height of the median line was 6.78 ± 0.75 cm, the ratio of the median line and the forehead height was 0.333. The average distance from the parietal whorl to the vertical bimeatal line was 7.05 ± 3.32 cm, and most of the PWs were on the right (51.4%) and had a clockwise pattern (73.3%). The hair density was 171.12 ± 18.32 hairs/cm in the vertex. 1-hair follicular units were (75.90% and 56.39%) in anterior hairline and temporal area. Our study clearly assisted understanding of scalp anatomy and hair distribution in Chinese young adult males.

NonScarring Diffuse Hair Loss in Women: a Clinico-Etiological Study from tertiary care center in North-West India.

Diffuse hair loss (DHL) is a common problem in adult women and has a major impact on quality of life. Ascertaining the etiological diagnosis is a challenging task in such patients. Satisfactory treatment can only be instituted after ascertaining the cause of hair loss. To study the clinico-epidemiological profile of nonscarring DHL in females and to ascertain its underlying etiological factors. Of a total of 110 females, who presented with nonscarring DHL to the outpatient dermatology department, 100 qualified for inclusion in the study. A detailed history, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations were performed in all the patients. Statistical analysis was performed on the data collected. Of 100 cases of DHL which were included in the study, commonest was chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) (62%), followed by female pattern hair loss (FPHL) (22%) and acute telogen effluvium (ATE) (16%). Incidence of hair loss was highest in 21-40years age group. Psychological stress was seen to be a precipitating factor in 18 patients and found most commonly in women belong to CTE group (n-16, 25.8%). Hemoglobin levels ranged from 80 to 142gm/L (mean: 119±110). Low hemoglobin level (<120gm/L) was observed in 57% patients. Total serum ferritin <10ng/mL was seen in 20 patients, vitamin B12<211pg/mL in 76 cases, vitamin D3<30ng/mL in 81 cases. Subclinical hypothyroidism was present in 11% cases. Nonscarring DHL is a multifactorial condition with highest incidence in 21- to 40-year age group. Serum ferritin, serum vitamin B12, and D3 levels seem to have a contributing role in the pathogenesis of hair loss, and their supplementation may be needed for a faster regrowth of hair in all cases of hair loss irrespective of the pattern.

CD80CD86 deficiency disrupts regulatory CD4+FoxP3+T cell homoeostasis and induces autoimmune-like alopecia.

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that results in spot baldness in humans. Adequate animal models for AA are currently lacking. The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of autoimmune-like alopecia (ALA) in C57BL/6.CD80CD86-deficient (B6.CD80CD86-/- ) mice. Incidence and severity of alopecia were analysed in 58 B6.CD80CD86-/- mice using histological examination, flow cytometry, multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative RT-PCR and CD25 inhibition test. Both male and female B6.CD80CD86-/- mice showed almost 100% incidence of hair loss at 40 weeks of age. Moreover, CD4+FoxP3+Treg (Treg) cell population in B6.CD80CD86-/- mice was significantly lower than in B6 mice, which presumably underlined autoimmune reaction. Histologically, B6.CD80CD86-/- mice showed CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell infiltration around terminal follicle region and exhibited hair follicle destruction in the anagen or catagen stage. Negative correlation between the number of CD4+FoxP3+ Tregs and ALA was confirmed by the CD25 depletion test in B6 mice, as follicle destruction was similar to that observed in B6.CD80CD86-/- animals. CD80CD86 deficiency disrupted CD4+FoxP3+ Treg homoeostasis and prompted the development of ALA. We demonstrated that B6.CD80CD86-/- mice might have several advantages as an ALA model, because they exhibited high incidence of disease phenotype and epipathogenesis similar to that observed in human AA.

Experience and impact of alopecia in patients (pts) with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in the SystHERs registry.

239 Background: Although alopecia is common with systemic chemotherapy, its psychological impact is often overlooked in treatment (tx) decisions. We sought to better understand the impact of alopecia using data from SystHERs, an observational registry of pts with HER2+ MBC. Methods: SystHERs enrolled pts ≥ 18 years within 6 mos of an MBC diagnosis. Pt-reported outcomes are assessed quarterly. The Alopecia Patient Assessment (APA, Genentech) is a validated instrument measuring the incidence of hair loss in the prior 3 mos and the impact of hair loss in the prior 7 days. The APA includes 5 items scored on a 5-point scale (total range: 1–25). Higher scores indicate greater impact. Pts completed the APA within 30–90 days of initial MBC tx. Subgroups with no hair loss, hair loss without impact, or impactful hair loss were compared descriptively. Results: As of June 3, 2016, 591 of 976 pts were eligible for this analysis. Of these, 175 (30%) reported no hair loss, 123 (21%) reported hair loss without impact, and 293 (50%) reported impactful hair loss within 30–90 days of initial MBC tx. Respectively, 23% (41/175), 82% (101/123), and 79% (231/293) were on active chemotherapy, most commonly docetaxel (39% [16/41], 66% [67/101], and 62% [144/231]) and paclitaxel (5% [2/41], 27% [27/101], and 23% [54/231]). Median time from initial chemotherapy tx to APA was 55, 70, and 64 days. Of all pts with no hair loss, 39% had de novo MBC vs 56% of pts with hair loss but no impact and 55% with impactful hair loss. Relative to the no-hair-loss and hair-loss-but-no-impact subgroups, the subgroup with impactful hair loss was younger (median 57 and 59 vs 54 years, respectively) and had more pts with ≥ 2 metastatic sites (51% and 54% vs 63%) and visceral metastases (59% and 63% vs 69%). The median total APA score for pts with impactful hair loss was 8.8 (IQR 7.0–12.5). Conclusions: Of pts reporting hair loss, 79–82% were receiving systemic chemotherapy. Pts with impactful hair loss may have had greater disease burden. Alopecia impacted self-image and embarrassment more than work or social functioning. Clinical trial information: NCT01615068. [Table: see text]

Hair Loss in Females after Sleeve Gastrectomy: Predictive Value of Serum Zinc and Iron Levels

A common complication after bariatric surgery is hair loss, which is related to rapid weight reduction, but zinc, iron, and other micronutrient deficiencies can also be involved. Little is studied after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). A prospective observational study was performed of 42 morbidly obese females undergoing LSG. Incidence of hair loss was monitored. Micronutrients were investigated preoperatively and three, six, and 12 months after surgery. Sixteen patients (41%) reported hair loss in the postoperative course. A significant association was observed between hair loss and zinc levels (P = 0.021) but mean zinc levels were within the normal range in patients reporting hair loss. Only three patients (7.7%) presented low zinc levels, all of them reporting hair loss. There was also a significant association between iron levels and alopecia (P = 0.017), but mean values of the patients with hair loss were within normal range. Only four patients (10.2%) presented low iron levels, all of them presenting hair loss. A variable consisting of the addition of zinc + iron showed a significant association with hair loss (P = 0.013). A cutoff point was established in 115 (odds ratio, 4; P = 0.006). All the patients but two reporting hair loss presented addition levels under 115. This variable showed sensibility 88 per cent, specificity 84 per cent, positive predictive value 79 per cent, and negative predictive value 91 per cent to predict hair loss. Hair loss is a frequent condition after sleeve gastrectomy. In most cases, iron and zinc levels are within the normal range. The variable addition (zinc + iron) is a good predictor of hair loss. Patients with addition levels below 115 are fourfold more susceptible to present hair loss. In these cases, zinc supplements achieve the stop of hair loss in most cases.

Hair Loss Is a Potential Side Effect of Novel Oral Anticoagulants – Findings From the Dresden Noac Registry (NCT01588119)

AbstractAbstract 1173 Background:Among other side effects, hair loss is a frequent complaint in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy with Vitamin-K antagonists (VKA) and sometimes also found in patients receiving low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) such as apixaban, dabigatran or rivaroxaban have been tested in large prospective phase-III trials including over 100.000 patients. Furthermore, after approval more than one million patients have been treated with these novel drugs in daily care. So far, hair loss has not been reported as a side effect of NOAC therapy. Using data from a large monocentric prospective NOAC registry, we evaluated incidence and risk profile of newly reported hair loss in patients receiving dabigatran or rivaroxaban therapy. Objectives:To evaluate the incidence of newly reported hair loss as a potential side effect of NOAC therapy in daily care. Patients and methods:In the district of Saxony, Germany, a network of 200 physicians from private practice and hospitals enrol patients in the prospective NOAC registry. Inclusion criteria are: 1) indication for NOAC anticoagulation >3 month; 2) age > 18 years; 3) written informed consent; 4) availability for follow-up. No Exclusion criteria apply. In the registry, up to 2000 patients will receive prospective follow up (FU) by phone visits at day 30 day and quarterly thereafter to collect efficacy and safety data. Results:Until July 31th 2012, 938 patients were registered. Of these, 730 patients received rivaroxaban for atrial fibrillation (AF) or venous thromboembolism (demographic data in table 1) and 208 received dabigatran for AF. For these patients, current follow up data cumulate to 270.8 patient years of NOAC treatment. During follow-up visits, twelve patients spontaneously reported new hair loss (nine with rivaroxaban, 3 with dabigatran; demographic data in table 1). Therefore, total incidence of newly reported hair loss in our registry is 4.4 per 100 patient years. The mean time between start of NOAC and first report of hair loss was 68±76 days. Despite the fact that all twelve patients were female, uni- and multivariate analysis did not detect any correlation to baseline data including demographic data, co-morbidity or co-medication. Conclusion:In patients receiving long-term NOAC therapy, the incidence of hair loss as a spontaneously reported side effect is around 4.4 per 100 patient years. Before treatment initiation, patients should be informed about this potential side effect. Further data in larger cohorts are necessary to evaluate potential risk factors for hair loss with novel oral anticoagulants.Table 1patient characteristics of 12 patients with newly reported hair loss during NOAC therapy. F=female; D=dabigatran, R= rivaroxaban; SPAF = stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation; VTE = venous thromboembolismAgegender M/FNOACTotal daily dosage (mg)indicationTreatment duration until report of hair loss (days)diabeteshyper-tensionMalignant diseasealcoholsmoking71FD220SPAF183––x––77FD300SPAF260–x––73FD220SPAF25–x–––99FR15VTE22––x––60FR20VTE24–x–––21FR20VTE32–––x–85FR20SPAF30–xx––75FR20SPAF34–x–x–80FR15VTE30–xxx–68FR20SPAF25–x–x–49FR20SPAF68–x–––79FR30VTE87–––x– Disclosures:Werth:Bayer Healthcare: Honoraria. Beyer-Westendorf:Bayer Healthcare: Bayer provided a grant to support the NOAC registry in part Other, Honoraria; Boehringer Ingelheim: Boehringer provided a grant to support the NOAC registry in part, Boehringer provided a grant to support the NOAC registry in part Other, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria.

The clinical recent effects of two neoadjuvant chemotherapies in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer

Objective To observe the recent effects and toxicity in advanced gastric carcinoma by two kinds of neoadjuvant chemotherapies ( PF and FOLFOX).Methods A total of 60 patients with advanced gastric cancer ( Ⅲ ～ Ⅳ ),they were randomly divided into 2 groups; PF group ( 30 cases) and FOLFOX group ( 30 cases).All patients were given 3 cycles of docetaxel or L-OHP chemotherapy preoperatively,to observe the recent effects and toxicity in advanced gastric carcinoma.Results The total effective rate in PF group was 77.67％,while it was 50.00％ in FOLFOX group,it had significant difference between in two groups ( x2 =4.59,P ＜ 0.05 ).There is no difference in the incidence of neutropenia,transaminase elevation,nausea and diarrhea two groups.The incidence of hair loss in PF group is higher than in FOLFOX group,but there is no difference between two groups; The incidence of peripheral nerve paresthesia in FOLFOX group is higher than that in PF group( x2 =5.08,P ＜0.05).Conclusion PF as neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a very effective and well-tolerated regimen in patients with advanced gastric cancer. Key words: Stomach neoplasms; Antineoplastic combined chemotherapy protocols; Docetaxel; Oxaliplatin

Heat treatment increases the incidence of alopecia areata in the C3H/HeJ mouse model

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by non-scarring hair loss. Previous studies have demonstrated an association between AA and physiological/psychological stress. In this study, we investigated the effects of heat treatment, a physiological stress, on AA development in C3H/HeJ mice. Whereas this strain of mice are predisposed to AA at low incidence by 18months of age, we observed a significant increase in the incidence of hair loss in heat-treated 8-month-old C3H/HeJ mice compared with sham-treated mice. Histological analysis detected mononuclear cell infiltration in anagen hair follicles, a characteristic of AA, in heat-treated mouse skin. As expected, increased expression of induced HSPA1A/B (formerly called HSP70i) was detected in skin samples from heat-treated mice. Importantly, increased HSPA1A/B expression was also detected in skin samples from C3H/HeJ mice that developed AA spontaneously. Our results suggest that induction of HSPA1A/B may precipitate the development of AA in C3H/HeJ mice. For future studies, the C3H/HeJ mice with heat treatment may prove a useful model to investigate stress response in AA.