Άκης
Administrator
Είδα σε ένα ποστ στο hairlosstalk κάποιον που μάζεψε σε ένα θέμα όλες τις θεραπείες.
Επειδή η φινα, μινοξ, σπιρο κλπ μας είναι λίγο πολύ γνωστές, σκέφτηκα να βάλω εδώ τα υπόλοιπα, μιας και στο ποστ του ο τυπάς έχει ανανεώσεις σε διαφορετικές σελίδες.
Το θέμα είναι στα Αγγλικά, μιας και είναι clopy-paste από το original, αλλά από εδώ μπορείτε να το μεταφράσετε με το google (ψιλοχάλια βέβαια).
~RU58841 was developed in France by Dr. T. Battmann and colleages of the Roussel Uclaf Corporation. It's said to be one of the most potent antiandrogens available for topical use, yet does not seem to have any systemic absorption. If it lived up to the claims, this would be a holy grail for topical treatments.
Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, Roussel had not pursued marketing and approval for RU58841. This didn't stopp companies in other parts of the world from synthesizing the same chemical, however. One such company is Faith Eagle Lab in China. Quality and composition has not been verified at this time, but users report that the company sends the chemical in a powder form to be mixed at home. Because of purported instability when mixed, users typically make small batches when needed.
Presently unverified: the rights to RU58841 were purchased by a Scottish company called ProStrakan. The drug is now officially referred to as PSK3841.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7947350
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8136306
~CB-03-01 Is a new topical antiandrogen, you can see the abstract from the CB-03-01 study here-
''The aim of this study was to investigate the antiandrogenic activity of a new monoester of cortexolone, cortexolone 17alpha-propionate (CAS 19608-29-8, CB-03-01). Although the compound displayed a strong local antiandrogenic activity in hamster's flank organ test, it did not exhibit antiandrogenic activity in rats after subcutaneous injection, nor did it affect gonadotropins hypersecretion when injected to parabiotic rats. As topical antiandrogen, the steroid resulted about 4 times more active than progesterone (CAS 57-83-0) and, when compared to known antiandrogen standards, it was about 3 times more potent than flutamide (CAS 13311-84-7), about 2 times more effective than finasteride (CAS 98319-26-7) and approximately as active as cyproterone acetate (CAS 427-51-0). Its pharmacological activity seemed to be primarily related to its ability to antagonistically compete at androgen receptor level; nevertheless its primary pharmacological target needs to be further investigated. Its topical activity, along with the apparent absence of systemic effects, anticipates this compound to have the potential of representing a novel and safe therapeutic approach for androgen-dependent skin disorders.
http://www.investis.com/csm/presentations/RDday2010.pdf
~ASC-J9 is a topical antiandrogen originally developed by AndroScience Corporation for the treatment of acne, it may be a viable option for treatment of MPB.
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00525499
Bimatoprost (sold in the U.S., Canada and Europe by Allergan, under the trade name Lumigan, and ) is a prostaglandin analog/prodrug used topically (as eye drops) to control the progression of glaucoma and in the management of ocular hypertension. It is also sold under the name Latisse, to treat inadaquate lashs, it has been shown to increase eye lash length by 25% and increase thickness as well as stimulate new hair growth. It may be a viable option to stimulae hair growth in men suffering with MPB.
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01189279?term=Androgenetic+alopecia&rank=23
Miconazole is an imidazole antifungal agent, developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica, commonly applied topically to the skin or to mucus membranes to cure fungal infections. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a critical component of fungal cell membranes. It can also be used against certain species of Leishmania protozoa which are a type of unicellular parasite that also contain ergosterol in their cell membranes. In addition to its antifungal and antiparasitic actions, it also has some limited antibacterial properties. It is marketed in various formulations under various brand names,
Anecdotal reports suggest that Miconazole stimulates hair cycles which can lead to more hair shafts growing in the tellogen phase, which can lead to an appearence of thicker hair. It is an antifungal agent similar to Ketozale so these reports may be accurate. Miconazale can be found in OTC Yeast infection products such as Monistat 3.
Adenosine
•According to a study conducted by Japanese cosmetic firm Shiseido, the results of a randomized, placebo-controlled study of 30 Japanese women suffering from hair loss who used 0.75 percent adenosine lotion twice daily for one year showed that adenosine significantly improves hair loss by stimulating hair growth and thickening the shaft of each hair.
In another Shiseido study, thickened hair with adenosine treatment was also observed in a small clinical study of Japanese men suffering from hair loss.
Products
•Shiseido launched its adenosine product, Adenogen, in 2005. In addition, other adenosine hair growth treatments include Spectral DNC and Nioxin. Dermenodex is a hair-loss shampoo that contains adenosine.
Side Effects
•Chest pressure, dizziness and nausea, headaches, elevated blood pressure, shortness of breath and tingling in the arms are side effects of adenosine. More serious side effects include a severe allergic reaction. If this occurs, contact a health care provider immediately
Naminidil: Phase II
Naminidil (BMS-234303) is currently in Phase II clinical
trials with scientists at Bristol-Myers Squibb in the US to be
used as a topical therapy for alopecia [102]. The mechanism
of action involves ATP-sensitive potassium channel vasodilator
activity [102]. A trial comparing naminidil, minoxidil and
placebo is in the Phase II stage [102]. No preliminary results
of this study have been made available, despite contacting
the company
P-45 is a plant-derived substance being developed and investigated
by Phytopharm as a topical product for AGA in the
UK [102]. It is thought to act by inhibiting IL-4-induced
CD23 expression [102]. CD23 is an IgE-binding molecule on
the surface of B lymphocytes and macrophages shown to be
involved in allergic-type reactions and responses. In 2001,
results from a 52-week, Phase II, randomised clinical trial of
75 patients with AGA was reported, showing that the active
cream was well tolerated with only mild scalp reactions [103].
Data from 69 patients was analysed showing 29% efficacy in
the treatment group compared with 38% in the placebo
group [103]. No further developments have been reported.
Until more evidence is gathered, the data do not currently
support the efficacy of P-45 cream in AGA.
KF19418 is a newly synthesised compound by Kytowa
Hakko Kogyo Company Ltd, Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories
and is shown to possess various pharmacological
properties including immunosuppression and anti-inflammation
[26]. The product was also found to have hair stimulatory
properties similar to minoxidil 1% solution. Investigators
used the model of in vitro cultured mouse hair bulb cells to
demonstrate increased proliferation in a concentrationdependent
manner with the addition of KF19418 [26].
In vivo, KF19418 applied to the dorsal skin of alopecia
model C3H mice caused accelerated hair regrowth [26]. The
mechanism of action of the compound is hypothesised to be
prevention of cell differentiation and the retention of the
growing or anagen phase
LGD-1331 is classified as a non-steroidal antagonist of the
androgen receptor [102]. This molecule is in preclinical stages
with Ligand Pharmaceuticals in the US for the treatment of
AGA [105]. LGD-1331 is also being studied for indications
such as hirsutism, prostate cancer and acne. LGD-1331 was
formerly in preclinical stages for the indications of benign
prostatic hypertrophy and polycystic ovary syndrome; however,
no developments have been reported for
these indications [102]. LGD-1331 animal toxicology studies
have boasted a decreased incidence of side effects on the
nervous system as compared with other medications with
similar indications [102].
Steroid sulfatase inhibitors: preclinical
Steroid sulfatase inhibitors are a class of compounds in the preclinical
stages being investigated for the potential use in
oestrogen- and androgen-dependent disorders [27]. Potential therapeutic
uses for this novel class include androgen-dependent skin
disorders, including AGA [27].
The conversion of T to DHT via 5-α-reductase is thought
to be the primary trigger for initiating miniaturised hair
follicles in AGA. However, other pathways may lead to
increased production of DHT in the hair follicle. Dehydroepiandrosterone
(DHEA) can undergo conversion to DHT
in the skin or pilo-sebaceous unit, which may exacerbate
AGA [28-30]. This enzymatic pathway is initiated by the conversion
of the adrenal steroid dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
(DHEAS) to DHEA by steroid sulfatase [27,30]. Thus, the
DHEAS pathway may be an additional target for future
pharmacological agents in the management of AGA.
Hoffman et al. [30] showed that steroid sulfatase is expressed
in the dermal papilla portion of the hair follicle through
monoclonal antibody staining experiments and steroid sulfatase
enzyme assays. The dermal papilla is the location of the
greatest type II 5-α-reductase activity [30,31] and is also the
location of the androgen receptor [30,32].
Hoffman et al. [30] found that a steroid sulfatase inhibitor,
estrone-3-O-sulfamate, blocked the enzymatic action of steroid
sulfatase in the hair follicle, thereby completely inhibiting
DHEA formation. Enzymatic inhibition via the steroid
sulfatase enzyme provides a potential new therapeutic
approach to the management of AGA.
Thymosin β4
RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals holds a patent for a variety of
thymosin β4 indications, including hair regrowth. At this
time, however, hair regrowth studies are still in a preclinical
phase and according to the chief executive officer (CEO) of
RegeneRx, they are currently pursuing partnerships with
other companies to further develop thymosin β4 for this use
(pers. commun. with CEO of RegeneRx).
Thymosin β4 offers a unique approach to the treatment of
hair loss. The molecule stimulates hair growth via stem cell
migration, extracellular matrix-degrading enzyme production,
and differentiation [33]. It’s ability to enhance angiogenesis
may also contribute to the stimulatory effect on the hair
follicle [34].
Initially, thymosin β4 was being studied for wound repair
in rat skin; however, researchers at the National Institutes of
Health (NIH) noted an increase in hair growth at wound
margins treated with topical thymosin β4 [33]. Philp et al. [33]
thus began exploring therapeutic alternatives for
the molecule.
Researchers at the NIH applied thymosin β4 unilaterally to
shaved skin of healthy rats. The opposing portion of the shaved
area received treatment with a control vehicle. An increase in
anagen follicles, was noted in the thymosin β4-treated areas
after 7 days of therapy [33]. The thymosin β4-treated rats displayed
a twofold increase in the number of anagen follicles [33].
These beneficial effects were maintained with triweekly applications
for 30 days [33]. A total of 14 days after treatment discontinuation,
the number of the anagen follicles regressed to
pretreatment levels [33].
Philp et al. [33] next tested thymosin β4 in C57Bl/6 wildtype
mice with all follicles in the telogen or resting phase of
the hair cycle. Topical thymosin β4 was applied to shaven
mice. A control vehicle was applied to the opposing group
and only the thymosin β4 group experienced rapid hair
growth [33]. Findings were confirmed through histological
evaluation of the hair follicles.
Philp et al. [33] investigated endogenous thymosin β4.
This was explored during depilation-induced, synchronised
adult hair cycling in C57Bl/6J mice [33]. During the telogen
phase, only a small amount of thymosin β4 was present and
was confined to the bulge region. On reaching the early anagen
phase of the hair growth cycle, an increased number of
thymosin β4 cells were located in this area. During late anagen,
a number of matrix cells located in the lower follicle
region expressed thymosin β4 [33]. Therefore, as the hair
growth cycle advanced, thymosin β4-producing cells
appeared to be migrating from the bulge to bulb region of
the hair follicle. The NIH researchers then studied rat vibrissa keratinocytes
of the bulge region to determine if thymosin β4 was expressed
by isolated stem cells [33]. These isolated clonogenic hair follicle
keratinocytes are perhaps identical to hair follicle stem
cells [33]. The keratinocytes produce thymosin β4 in vitro [33].
Exogenous thymosin β4 caused a dose-dependent decrease in
the stem cell marker K15, thus indicating stem cell differentiation
[33]. These findings suggested that thymosin β4 is a significant
factor in early stem cell differentiation [33]. It is also
important to note that thymosin β4 increased the rate of
endothelial cell migration [33].
The effect of thymosin β4 on matrix metalloproteinases
(MMPs) was also studied by Philp et al. [33]. MMPs, produced
by clonogenic keratinocytes, are critical in hair follicle
development and vitality [33]. Exogenous thymosin β4 caused
almost dose-dependent doubling of MMP-2 production [33].
MMP-2, involved in collagen IV and laminin degredation, is
involved in hair growth-associated extracellular matrix
remodelling and cell migration [33]. Therefore, Philps et al.
[33] proposed that thymosin β4 may exert some of its effects
through MMP-2.
Philps et al. [33] indicated that hair growth promotion via
thymosin β4 may be due to the molecule’s stimulatory effect
on angiogenesis synergistically with hepatocyte growth factor.
Thymosin β4 also has potent anti-inflammatory properties
[34]. The molecule is elevated in steroid monocytes; therefore,
the effectiveness of steroids in various types of alopecia may
rely on thymosin β4 activity [33].
OmegaGenesis
OmegaGenesis is developing a nanotechnology solution to treat hair loss resulting from natural or medically induced causes. Based on the newly discovered angiogenic properties of inorganic nanorod materials, we are developing a topical product to treat hair loss. The product enhances blood supply to hair follicle, stimulates the hair roots and invigorates the growth cycle of hair. A topical cream or gel will be applied to the scalp similar to other topical hair loss treatments. The nanorods are a size that allows penetration into the follicle cavity thereby allowing absorption in the dermal papilla. Data have shown both para- and intracellular transport of the nanorods indicating good percutaneous permeability characteristics. Our product will dispensed by a dropper, from a collapsible laminated tube or metered dose pump as needed to ensure consistent application rates and dosing schedule.
Application and Patient Benefit A topical product is under development for use in hair loss. The product will be applied on a routine basis over several weeks to months to stimulate new hair growth through follicle restoration. The product may be used for an indefinite period to maintain hair growth for patients with androgenic alopecia, a progressive condition. Once perifollicular vascularization has been stimulated, we anticipate a lower maintenance dose to reverse the effects of follicle shrinking. Further benefits may include accelerated hair regrowth and increased size of hair follicles and hair shafts.
http://www.omegagenesis.com/resources/pdfs/OmegaGenesis%20Product%20Overview%20-%20Hair%20Growth.pdf
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/OmegaGenesis+Unveils+Novel+Nanotechnology+Platform+With+Broad...-a0190658055
Expert Opinion
Επειδή η φινα, μινοξ, σπιρο κλπ μας είναι λίγο πολύ γνωστές, σκέφτηκα να βάλω εδώ τα υπόλοιπα, μιας και στο ποστ του ο τυπάς έχει ανανεώσεις σε διαφορετικές σελίδες.
Το θέμα είναι στα Αγγλικά, μιας και είναι clopy-paste από το original, αλλά από εδώ μπορείτε να το μεταφράσετε με το google (ψιλοχάλια βέβαια).
~RU58841 was developed in France by Dr. T. Battmann and colleages of the Roussel Uclaf Corporation. It's said to be one of the most potent antiandrogens available for topical use, yet does not seem to have any systemic absorption. If it lived up to the claims, this would be a holy grail for topical treatments.
Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, Roussel had not pursued marketing and approval for RU58841. This didn't stopp companies in other parts of the world from synthesizing the same chemical, however. One such company is Faith Eagle Lab in China. Quality and composition has not been verified at this time, but users report that the company sends the chemical in a powder form to be mixed at home. Because of purported instability when mixed, users typically make small batches when needed.
Presently unverified: the rights to RU58841 were purchased by a Scottish company called ProStrakan. The drug is now officially referred to as PSK3841.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7947350
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8136306
~CB-03-01 Is a new topical antiandrogen, you can see the abstract from the CB-03-01 study here-
''The aim of this study was to investigate the antiandrogenic activity of a new monoester of cortexolone, cortexolone 17alpha-propionate (CAS 19608-29-8, CB-03-01). Although the compound displayed a strong local antiandrogenic activity in hamster's flank organ test, it did not exhibit antiandrogenic activity in rats after subcutaneous injection, nor did it affect gonadotropins hypersecretion when injected to parabiotic rats. As topical antiandrogen, the steroid resulted about 4 times more active than progesterone (CAS 57-83-0) and, when compared to known antiandrogen standards, it was about 3 times more potent than flutamide (CAS 13311-84-7), about 2 times more effective than finasteride (CAS 98319-26-7) and approximately as active as cyproterone acetate (CAS 427-51-0). Its pharmacological activity seemed to be primarily related to its ability to antagonistically compete at androgen receptor level; nevertheless its primary pharmacological target needs to be further investigated. Its topical activity, along with the apparent absence of systemic effects, anticipates this compound to have the potential of representing a novel and safe therapeutic approach for androgen-dependent skin disorders.
http://www.investis.com/csm/presentations/RDday2010.pdf
~ASC-J9 is a topical antiandrogen originally developed by AndroScience Corporation for the treatment of acne, it may be a viable option for treatment of MPB.
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00525499
Bimatoprost (sold in the U.S., Canada and Europe by Allergan, under the trade name Lumigan, and ) is a prostaglandin analog/prodrug used topically (as eye drops) to control the progression of glaucoma and in the management of ocular hypertension. It is also sold under the name Latisse, to treat inadaquate lashs, it has been shown to increase eye lash length by 25% and increase thickness as well as stimulate new hair growth. It may be a viable option to stimulae hair growth in men suffering with MPB.
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01189279?term=Androgenetic+alopecia&rank=23
Miconazole is an imidazole antifungal agent, developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica, commonly applied topically to the skin or to mucus membranes to cure fungal infections. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a critical component of fungal cell membranes. It can also be used against certain species of Leishmania protozoa which are a type of unicellular parasite that also contain ergosterol in their cell membranes. In addition to its antifungal and antiparasitic actions, it also has some limited antibacterial properties. It is marketed in various formulations under various brand names,
Anecdotal reports suggest that Miconazole stimulates hair cycles which can lead to more hair shafts growing in the tellogen phase, which can lead to an appearence of thicker hair. It is an antifungal agent similar to Ketozale so these reports may be accurate. Miconazale can be found in OTC Yeast infection products such as Monistat 3.
Adenosine
•According to a study conducted by Japanese cosmetic firm Shiseido, the results of a randomized, placebo-controlled study of 30 Japanese women suffering from hair loss who used 0.75 percent adenosine lotion twice daily for one year showed that adenosine significantly improves hair loss by stimulating hair growth and thickening the shaft of each hair.
In another Shiseido study, thickened hair with adenosine treatment was also observed in a small clinical study of Japanese men suffering from hair loss.
Products
•Shiseido launched its adenosine product, Adenogen, in 2005. In addition, other adenosine hair growth treatments include Spectral DNC and Nioxin. Dermenodex is a hair-loss shampoo that contains adenosine.
Side Effects
•Chest pressure, dizziness and nausea, headaches, elevated blood pressure, shortness of breath and tingling in the arms are side effects of adenosine. More serious side effects include a severe allergic reaction. If this occurs, contact a health care provider immediately
Naminidil: Phase II
Naminidil (BMS-234303) is currently in Phase II clinical
trials with scientists at Bristol-Myers Squibb in the US to be
used as a topical therapy for alopecia [102]. The mechanism
of action involves ATP-sensitive potassium channel vasodilator
activity [102]. A trial comparing naminidil, minoxidil and
placebo is in the Phase II stage [102]. No preliminary results
of this study have been made available, despite contacting
the company
P-45 is a plant-derived substance being developed and investigated
by Phytopharm as a topical product for AGA in the
UK [102]. It is thought to act by inhibiting IL-4-induced
CD23 expression [102]. CD23 is an IgE-binding molecule on
the surface of B lymphocytes and macrophages shown to be
involved in allergic-type reactions and responses. In 2001,
results from a 52-week, Phase II, randomised clinical trial of
75 patients with AGA was reported, showing that the active
cream was well tolerated with only mild scalp reactions [103].
Data from 69 patients was analysed showing 29% efficacy in
the treatment group compared with 38% in the placebo
group [103]. No further developments have been reported.
Until more evidence is gathered, the data do not currently
support the efficacy of P-45 cream in AGA.
KF19418 is a newly synthesised compound by Kytowa
Hakko Kogyo Company Ltd, Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories
and is shown to possess various pharmacological
properties including immunosuppression and anti-inflammation
[26]. The product was also found to have hair stimulatory
properties similar to minoxidil 1% solution. Investigators
used the model of in vitro cultured mouse hair bulb cells to
demonstrate increased proliferation in a concentrationdependent
manner with the addition of KF19418 [26].
In vivo, KF19418 applied to the dorsal skin of alopecia
model C3H mice caused accelerated hair regrowth [26]. The
mechanism of action of the compound is hypothesised to be
prevention of cell differentiation and the retention of the
growing or anagen phase
LGD-1331 is classified as a non-steroidal antagonist of the
androgen receptor [102]. This molecule is in preclinical stages
with Ligand Pharmaceuticals in the US for the treatment of
AGA [105]. LGD-1331 is also being studied for indications
such as hirsutism, prostate cancer and acne. LGD-1331 was
formerly in preclinical stages for the indications of benign
prostatic hypertrophy and polycystic ovary syndrome; however,
no developments have been reported for
these indications [102]. LGD-1331 animal toxicology studies
have boasted a decreased incidence of side effects on the
nervous system as compared with other medications with
similar indications [102].
Steroid sulfatase inhibitors: preclinical
Steroid sulfatase inhibitors are a class of compounds in the preclinical
stages being investigated for the potential use in
oestrogen- and androgen-dependent disorders [27]. Potential therapeutic
uses for this novel class include androgen-dependent skin
disorders, including AGA [27].
The conversion of T to DHT via 5-α-reductase is thought
to be the primary trigger for initiating miniaturised hair
follicles in AGA. However, other pathways may lead to
increased production of DHT in the hair follicle. Dehydroepiandrosterone
(DHEA) can undergo conversion to DHT
in the skin or pilo-sebaceous unit, which may exacerbate
AGA [28-30]. This enzymatic pathway is initiated by the conversion
of the adrenal steroid dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
(DHEAS) to DHEA by steroid sulfatase [27,30]. Thus, the
DHEAS pathway may be an additional target for future
pharmacological agents in the management of AGA.
Hoffman et al. [30] showed that steroid sulfatase is expressed
in the dermal papilla portion of the hair follicle through
monoclonal antibody staining experiments and steroid sulfatase
enzyme assays. The dermal papilla is the location of the
greatest type II 5-α-reductase activity [30,31] and is also the
location of the androgen receptor [30,32].
Hoffman et al. [30] found that a steroid sulfatase inhibitor,
estrone-3-O-sulfamate, blocked the enzymatic action of steroid
sulfatase in the hair follicle, thereby completely inhibiting
DHEA formation. Enzymatic inhibition via the steroid
sulfatase enzyme provides a potential new therapeutic
approach to the management of AGA.
Thymosin β4
RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals holds a patent for a variety of
thymosin β4 indications, including hair regrowth. At this
time, however, hair regrowth studies are still in a preclinical
phase and according to the chief executive officer (CEO) of
RegeneRx, they are currently pursuing partnerships with
other companies to further develop thymosin β4 for this use
(pers. commun. with CEO of RegeneRx).
Thymosin β4 offers a unique approach to the treatment of
hair loss. The molecule stimulates hair growth via stem cell
migration, extracellular matrix-degrading enzyme production,
and differentiation [33]. It’s ability to enhance angiogenesis
may also contribute to the stimulatory effect on the hair
follicle [34].
Initially, thymosin β4 was being studied for wound repair
in rat skin; however, researchers at the National Institutes of
Health (NIH) noted an increase in hair growth at wound
margins treated with topical thymosin β4 [33]. Philp et al. [33]
thus began exploring therapeutic alternatives for
the molecule.
Researchers at the NIH applied thymosin β4 unilaterally to
shaved skin of healthy rats. The opposing portion of the shaved
area received treatment with a control vehicle. An increase in
anagen follicles, was noted in the thymosin β4-treated areas
after 7 days of therapy [33]. The thymosin β4-treated rats displayed
a twofold increase in the number of anagen follicles [33].
These beneficial effects were maintained with triweekly applications
for 30 days [33]. A total of 14 days after treatment discontinuation,
the number of the anagen follicles regressed to
pretreatment levels [33].
Philp et al. [33] next tested thymosin β4 in C57Bl/6 wildtype
mice with all follicles in the telogen or resting phase of
the hair cycle. Topical thymosin β4 was applied to shaven
mice. A control vehicle was applied to the opposing group
and only the thymosin β4 group experienced rapid hair
growth [33]. Findings were confirmed through histological
evaluation of the hair follicles.
Philp et al. [33] investigated endogenous thymosin β4.
This was explored during depilation-induced, synchronised
adult hair cycling in C57Bl/6J mice [33]. During the telogen
phase, only a small amount of thymosin β4 was present and
was confined to the bulge region. On reaching the early anagen
phase of the hair growth cycle, an increased number of
thymosin β4 cells were located in this area. During late anagen,
a number of matrix cells located in the lower follicle
region expressed thymosin β4 [33]. Therefore, as the hair
growth cycle advanced, thymosin β4-producing cells
appeared to be migrating from the bulge to bulb region of
the hair follicle. The NIH researchers then studied rat vibrissa keratinocytes
of the bulge region to determine if thymosin β4 was expressed
by isolated stem cells [33]. These isolated clonogenic hair follicle
keratinocytes are perhaps identical to hair follicle stem
cells [33]. The keratinocytes produce thymosin β4 in vitro [33].
Exogenous thymosin β4 caused a dose-dependent decrease in
the stem cell marker K15, thus indicating stem cell differentiation
[33]. These findings suggested that thymosin β4 is a significant
factor in early stem cell differentiation [33]. It is also
important to note that thymosin β4 increased the rate of
endothelial cell migration [33].
The effect of thymosin β4 on matrix metalloproteinases
(MMPs) was also studied by Philp et al. [33]. MMPs, produced
by clonogenic keratinocytes, are critical in hair follicle
development and vitality [33]. Exogenous thymosin β4 caused
almost dose-dependent doubling of MMP-2 production [33].
MMP-2, involved in collagen IV and laminin degredation, is
involved in hair growth-associated extracellular matrix
remodelling and cell migration [33]. Therefore, Philps et al.
[33] proposed that thymosin β4 may exert some of its effects
through MMP-2.
Philps et al. [33] indicated that hair growth promotion via
thymosin β4 may be due to the molecule’s stimulatory effect
on angiogenesis synergistically with hepatocyte growth factor.
Thymosin β4 also has potent anti-inflammatory properties
[34]. The molecule is elevated in steroid monocytes; therefore,
the effectiveness of steroids in various types of alopecia may
rely on thymosin β4 activity [33].
OmegaGenesis
OmegaGenesis is developing a nanotechnology solution to treat hair loss resulting from natural or medically induced causes. Based on the newly discovered angiogenic properties of inorganic nanorod materials, we are developing a topical product to treat hair loss. The product enhances blood supply to hair follicle, stimulates the hair roots and invigorates the growth cycle of hair. A topical cream or gel will be applied to the scalp similar to other topical hair loss treatments. The nanorods are a size that allows penetration into the follicle cavity thereby allowing absorption in the dermal papilla. Data have shown both para- and intracellular transport of the nanorods indicating good percutaneous permeability characteristics. Our product will dispensed by a dropper, from a collapsible laminated tube or metered dose pump as needed to ensure consistent application rates and dosing schedule.
Application and Patient Benefit A topical product is under development for use in hair loss. The product will be applied on a routine basis over several weeks to months to stimulate new hair growth through follicle restoration. The product may be used for an indefinite period to maintain hair growth for patients with androgenic alopecia, a progressive condition. Once perifollicular vascularization has been stimulated, we anticipate a lower maintenance dose to reverse the effects of follicle shrinking. Further benefits may include accelerated hair regrowth and increased size of hair follicles and hair shafts.
http://www.omegagenesis.com/resources/pdfs/OmegaGenesis%20Product%20Overview%20-%20Hair%20Growth.pdf
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/OmegaGenesis+Unveils+Novel+Nanotechnology+Platform+With+Broad...-a0190658055
Expert Opinion
