Hair Loss Research And Causes In Men And Women |
|
Abstract:
Chronic inflammation of the hair follicle (HF) is considered a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Previously, we clinically tested liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) and its glycoside, β-sitosterol, in subjects with AGA and showed a highly positive response to treatment. In this study, we sought to determine whether blockade of inflammation using a composition containing LSESr as well as two anti-inflammatory agents (carnitine and thioctic acid) could alter the expression of molecular markers of inflammation in a well-established in vitro system. Using a well-validated assay representative of HF keratinocytes, specifically, stimulation of cultured human keratinocyte cells in vitro, we measured changes in gene expression of a spectrum of well-known inflammatory markers. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) provided an inflammatory stimulus. In particular, we found that the composition effectively suppressed LPS-activated gene expression of chemokines, including CCL17, CXCL6 and LTB(4) associated with pathways involved in inflammation and apoptosis. Our data support the hypothesis that the test compound exhibits anti-inflammatory characteristics in a well-established in vitro assay representing HF keratinocyte gene expression. These findings suggest that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors combined with blockade of inflammatory processes could represent a novel two-pronged approach in the treatment of AGA with improved efficacy over current modalities.
|
| Click Here for Full Article |
|
|
|
Advanced Restoration Technologies, Inc., 9035 North 15th Place, Phoenix,
AZ 85020, USA. docgmarcovici@aol.com.
Chronic inflammation of the hair follicle (HF) is considered a
contributing factor in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
Previously, we clinically tested liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens
(LSESr) and its glycoside, beta-sitosterol, in subjects with AGA and showed
a highly positive response to treatment. In this study, we sought to
determine whether blockade of inflammation using a composition containing
LSESr as well as two anti-inflammatory agents (carnitine and thioctic acid)
could alter the expression of molecular markers of inflammation in a
well-established in vitro system. Using a well-validated assay
representative of HF keratinocytes, specifically, stimulation of cultured
human keratinocyte cells in vitro, we measured changes in gene expression
of a spectrum of well-known inflammatory markers. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
provided an inflammatory stimulus. In particular, we found that the
composition effectively suppressed LPS-activated gene expression of
chemokines, including CCL17, CXCL6 and LTB(4) associated with pathways
involved in inflammation and apoptosis. Our data support the hypothesis
that the test compound exhibits anti-inflammatory characteristics in a
well-established in vitro assay representing HF keratinocyte gene
expression. These findings suggest that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors
combined with blockade of inflammatory processes could represent a novel
two-pronged approach in the treatment of AGA with improved efficacy over
current modalities.
|
| Click Here for Full Article |
|
| |
|
|
|
Clinical Research and Development Network, Aurora, CO,
USA.
BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is
characterized by the structural miniaturization of androgen-sensitive hair
follicles in susceptible individuals and is anatomically defined within a
given pattern of the scalp. Biochemically, one contributing factor of this
disorder is the conversion of testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR). This metabolism is also key to the
onset and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Furthermore,
AGA has also been shown to be responsive to drugs and agents used to treat
BPH. Of note, certain botanical compounds have previously demonstrated
efficacy against BPH. Here, we report the first example of a
placebo-controlled, double-blind study undertaken in order to examine the
benefit of these botanical substances in the treatment of AGA. OBJECTIVES:
The goal of this study was to test botanically derived 5AR inhibitors,
specifically the liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) and
beta-sitosterol, in the treatment of AGA. Subjects: Included in this study
were males between the ages of 23 and 64 years of age, in good health, with
mild to moderate AGA. RESULTS: The results of this pilot study showed a
highly positive response to treatment. The blinded investigative staff
assessment report showed that 60% of (6/10) study subjects dosed with the
active study formulation were rated as improved at the final visit.
CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes the effectiveness of naturally
occurring 5AR inhibitors against AGA for the first time, and justifies the
expansion to larger trials.
|
| Click Here for Full Article |
|
|
 |
Androgenic Alopecia, or pattern hair loss, is an autosomally mediated
chronbiologic phenomenon, affecting over 40 million American men and
20 million American women. To date, there has been no safe,
efficacious method of treating and/or reversing the progression of
this disorder without the potential for negative side effect.
There have been numerous proposed treatments for baldness, but only a
few have provided effective treatment over a wide range of patients,
and none so far have been based on naturally occurring substances.
AGA which describes pattern alopecia, is considered to be a
genetically based disorder and is commonly characterized by thinning
and loss of hair in affected individuals within a given pattern on
the scalp. This disorder progresses by causing the affected hair
follicles to become smaller and correspondingly
|
|
finer. Eventually, the fine hairs may be lost
and, thus, baldness results in the affected area. Hair has been
classified as being of at least two distinct types, terminal and
vellus.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
This study contemplates the benefit of a naturally derived
composition for AGA in order to reduce or arrest the onset of hair
loss associated with the disorder. The preferred formulation employs
Beta-Sitosterol, saw palmetto berry extract, lecithin, inositol,
phosphatidyl choline, niacin, and biotin in orally administered
dosages. The method of treatment is administering a dosage of the
stated ingredients. In one embodiment, the dosages may be combined in
a single soft gel capsule. The preferred quantities of each is as
shown in the following preferred dosage.
|
|
According to the capsule formulation of Table 1, a gel capsule
containing 200 mg of standardized saw palmetto extract is taken twice
per day such as eachmorning and each evening.
|
|
|
|
|
|