A preliminary observation: Male pattern hair loss among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Spain - A potential clue to the role of androgens in COVID-19 severity.

A preliminary observation of high frequency of male pattern hair loss among admitted COVID-19 patients and suggest that androgen expression might be a clue to COVID-19 severity.

Cell Enriched Autologous Fat Grafts to Follicular Niche Improves Hair Regrowth in Early Androgenetic Alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Adipose and adipose derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) play an increasing role in androgenetic alopecia. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to evaluate the safety and feasibility of fat grafts enriched with ADRCs in early androgenetic alopecia. METHODS: Seventy-one patients were treated: 16 with Puregraft fat and 1.0 × 106 ADRCs/cm2 scalp; 22 with Puregraft fat and 0.5 × 106 ADRCs/cm2 scalp, 24 with Puregraft fat alone, and 9 with saline control. Treatments were delivered into the skin and subcutaneous layer of the scalp. A total of 40 cm2 of scalp was treated and macrophotography and global photography were obtained at baseline and at 6, 24, and 52 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients tolerated the procedures well. No unanticipated associated adverse events were reported. When evaluating all patients at 24 weeks, there were no statistical differences between any of the treatment groups with respect to nonvellus (terminal) hair counts or width. There were increases (mean change from baseline) in terminal hair count for the low-dose ADRC group in the Norwood Hamilton 3 subgroup at week 6 (13.90 ±â€…16.68), week 12 (11.75 ±â€…19.42), week 24 (16.56 ±â€…14.68), and week 52 (2.78 ±â€…16.15). For this subgroup, the difference in hair count between the low-dose ADRC group and no-fat saline control was statistically significant (P = 0.0318) at week 24. CONCLUSIONS: Puregraft fat and ADRCs are safe and well tolerated. In early male hair loss, this therapy demonstrated a statistically significant increase in terminal hair counts relative to the control population at 24 weeks and represents a promising approach for early androgenetic alopecia.

Objective outcome measures: Collecting meaningful data on alopecia areata.

BACKGROUND: Although alopecia areata is a common disorder, it has no US Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment and evidence-based therapeutic data are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To develop guidelines for the diagnosis, evaluation, assessment, response criteria, and end points for alopecia areata. METHODS: Literature review and expert opinion of a group of dermatologists specializing in hair disorders. RESULTS: Standardized methods of assessing and tracking hair loss and growth, including new scoring techniques, response criteria, and end points in alopecia areata are presented. LIMITATIONS: The additional time to perform the assessments is the primary limitation to use of the methodology in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Use of these measures will facilitate collection of standardized outcome data on therapeutic agents used in alopecia areata both in clinical practice and in clinical trials.

A Phase III, Multicenter, Parallel-Design Clinical Trial to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of 5% Minoxidil Foam Versus Vehicle in Women With Female Pattern Hair Loss.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a common hair disorder that affects millions of women. A new 5% minoxidil topical foam (MTF) formulation, which does not contain propylene glycol, has been developed.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of once-daily 5% MTF with vehicle foam for the treatment of FPHL.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a Phase III, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group, international multicenter trial (17 sites) in women aged at least 18 years with FPHL (grade D3 to D6 on the Savin Density Scale), treated once daily with 5% MTF or vehicle foam for 24 weeks. The co-primary efficacy endpoints were the change from baseline at week 24 in target area hair count (TAHC) and subject assessment of scalp coverage. Also evaluated were TAHC at week 12, expert panel review of hair regrowth at week 24, and change from baseline in total unit area density (TUAD, sum of hair diameters/cm2) at weeks 12 and 24.
RESULTS: A total of 404 women were enrolled. At 12 and 24 weeks, 5% MTF treatment resulted in regrowth of 10.9 hairs/cm2 and 9.1 hairs/cm2 more than vehicle foam, respectively (both P<.0001). Improved scalp coverage at week 24 was observed by both subject self-assessment (0.69-point improvement over vehicle foam; P<.0001) and expert panel review (0.36-point improvement over the vehicle foam; P<.0001). TUAD increased by 658 μm/cm2 and 644 μm/cm2 more with 5% MTF than with vehicle foam at weeks 12 and 24, respectively (both P<.0001). MTF was well tolerated. A low incidence of scalp irritation and facial hypertrichosis was observed, with no clinically significant differences between groups.
CONCLUSION: Five percent MTF once daily for 24 weeks was well tolerated and promoted hair regrowth in women with FPHL, resulting in improved scalp coverage and increased hair density compared with vehicle foam. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: nCT01226459

J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(7):874-881.

Full-thickness skin with mature hair follicles generated from tissue culture expanded human cells.

The goal of regenerative medicine is to reconstruct fully functional organs from tissue culture expanded human cells. In this study, we report a method for human reconstructed skin (hRSK) when starting with human cells. We implanted tissue culture expanded human epidermal and dermal cells into an excision wound on the back of immunodeficient mice. Pigmented skin covered the wound 4 weeks after implantation. Hair shafts were visible at 12 weeks and prominent at 14 weeks. Histologically, the hRSK comprises an intact epidermis and dermis with mature hair follicles, sebaceous glands and most notably, and unique to this system, subcutis. Morphogenesis, differentiation, and maturation of the hRSK mirror the human fetal process. Human antigen markers demonstrate that the constituent cells are of human origin for at least 6 months. The degree of new skin formation is most complete when using tissue culture expanded cells from fetal skin, but it also occurs with expanded newborn and adult cells; however, no appendages formed when we grafted both adult dermal and epidermal cells. The hRSK system promises to be valuable as a laboratory model for studying biological, pathological, and pharmaceutical problems of human skin.

Future horizons in hair restoration.

This article reviews the history of hair follicle regeneration from follicular fragments and dissociated cells. The challenges of trichogenic in vitro culture and subsequent delivery into the patient are discussed, as well as cosmetic acceptance, recent achievements on regeneration of human hair follicles, and new potential cell sources for hair regeneration.

Psychological effect, pathophysiology, and management of androgenetic alopecia in men.

Androgenetic alopecia In men, or male pattern baldness, is recognized increasingly as a physically and psychologically harmful medical condition that can be managed effectively by generalist clinicians. This article discusses the clinical manifestations, epidemiology, physical and psychosocial importance, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of androgenetic alopecia in men. Androgenetic alopecia affects at least half of white men by the age of 50 years. Although androgenetic alopecia does not appear to cause direct physical harm, hair loss can result in physical harm because hair protects against sunburn, cold, mechanical injury, and ultraviolet light. Hair loss also can psychologically affect the balding individual and can Influence others' perceptions of him. A progressive condition, male pattern baldness is known to depend on the presence of the androgen dihydrotestosterone and on a genetic predisposition for this condition, but its pathophysiology has not been elucidated fully. Pharmacotherapy, hair transplantation, and cosmetic aids have been used to manage male pattern baldness. Two US Food and Drug Administration-approved hair-loss pharmacotherapies-the potassium channel opener minoxidil and the dihydrotestosterone synthesis inhibitor finasteride--are safe and effective for controlling male pattern baldness with long-term daily use. Regardless of which treatment modality is chosen for male pattern baldness, defining and addressing the patient's expectations regarding therapy are paramount in determining outcome.

Etanercept does not effectively treat moderate to severe alopecia areata: an open-label study.

In this prospective, open-label pilot study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of etanercept, a TNF-alpha inhibitor, in the treatment of moderate to severe alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, or alopecia universalis. Seventeen otherwise healthy adults with moderate to severe alopecia areata were enrolled. The primary outcome measure was the extent of hair regrowth during and after the end of treatment as evaluated by the Severity of Alopecia Tool (the SALT score). After between 8 and 24 weeks of continuous treatment with etanercept 50 mg given subcutaneously twice weekly, significant regrowth of hair was not shown in any of the subjects treated. Based on these results, etanercept appears to be ineffective in treating subjects with treatment-refractory, moderate to severe alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, or alopecia universalis.

A systemic type I 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor is ineffective in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Excessive sebum production is a central aspect of the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris. Sebaceous gland function is under androgen control and it is hypothesized that dihydrotestosterone is formed by the action of 5 alpha-reductase. Type I is the controlling isoenzyme. This study describes a 3-month, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a potent, selective inhibitor of type I 5 alpha-reductase used alone and in combination with systemic minocycline. Inhibition of type I 5 alpha-reductase was not associated with clinical improvement of acne when used alone and did not enhance the clinical benefit of systemic minocycline. These results indicate the need for further work at the molecular level to better understand the action of androgens on sebaceous gland function.

CD4+ T-cell-directed antibody responses are maintained in patients with psoriasis receiving alefacept: results of a randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Alefacept, human LFA-3/IgG(1) fusion protein, selectively reduces memory-effector (CD45RO(+)) T cells, a source of the pathogenic mediators of psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of alefacept on immune function, T-cell-dependent humoral responses to a neoantigen (PhiX174) and recall antigen (tetanus toxoid) were assessed. METHODS: Patients with psoriasis were randomized to the control group or to receive alefacept (7.5 mg intravenously weekly for 12 weeks). The alefacept group received PhiX174 immunizations at weeks 6, 12, 20, and 26 and tetanus toxoid at week 21; control subjects received PhiX174 at weeks 6 and 12 and tetanus at week 10. RESULTS: Mean anti-PhiX174 titers were comparable in both groups. There was no difference in the percentage of responders (anti-PhiX174 IgG >/=30% of the total anti-PhiX174) between the alefacept group and the control group (86% and 82%, respectively; P =.73). The percentage of patients with anti-tetanus toxoid titer increases >/=2 times baseline also was similar (alefacept, 89%; control 91%). CONCLUSION: A single 12-week course of alefacept did not impair primary or secondary antibody responses to a neoantigen or memory responses to a recall antigen. The selective immunomodulatory effect of alefacept against a potentially pathogenic T-cell subset is associated with maintenance of a significant aspect of immune function (antibody response) to fight infection and respond to vaccinations.

Imiquimod; an international update on therapeutic uses in dermatology.

Imiquimod, the first member of a new class of immune response modifiers, is approved for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts. The clinical effect of imiquimod stems from cytokine-induced activation of the immune system. Topical application of imiquimod elevates the production of cytokines, including the principal cytokine for antiviral activity, interferon-alpha. This is the initial event in an immunological cascade resulting in the stimulation of the innate immune response as well as the cell-mediated pathway of acquired immunity. This immune modification mediates the indirect antiviral, antiproliferative and antitumor activity of imiquimod in vivo. These properties highlight the potential of imiquimod not only as an effective treatment for genital warts, but also as a treatment for other cutaneous viral infections and cutaneous neoplasms.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of clobetasol propionate 0.05% foam in the treatment of nonscalp psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Topical corticosteroids are the primary treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis. Foam preparations of corticosteroids offer potential cosmetic and pharmacodynamic advantages over cream and ointment vehicles. A clobetasol propionate foam product is as effective as clobetasol propionate solution in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of clobetasol propionate foam in the treatment of psoriasis involving sites other than the scalp. METHODS: Eighty-one subjects with mild to moderate psoriasis were randomized in a 3 : 1 ratio to receive clobetasol propionate foam vs. placebo foam treatment in this double-blind study of psoriasis involving nonscalp sites. The investigator's and subject's global assessment of the response at week 2 (or at the end of treatment) and at week 4 (follow-up) and the severity of erythema, scaling, and plaque thickness were assessed. Safety was assessed from reported adverse events. RESULTS: After 2 weeks of treatment, there was significantly greater improvement with clobetasol propionate foam compared with placebo foam in both investigator's and subject's global assessment of the response (P < 0.0005). The improvement with clobetasol propionate foam was still present at the 4-week follow-up visit. Adverse effects were generally limited to mild to moderate application site reactions. No subjects withdrew because of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Clobetasol propionate foam is more effective than placebo in the treatment of nonscalp psoriasis. Twice-daily applications are well tolerated, compliance exceeds 90%, cosmetic characteristics are acceptable, and the medication may eliminate the need for separate scalp and body prescriptions.

Allergic contact dermatitis to topical minoxidil solution: etiology and treatment.

After more than a decade of use, topical minoxidil solution has proven to be a safe and effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia. However, some patients present with complaints of pruritus and scaling of the scalp. The most common causes of these symptoms include irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, or an exacerbation of seborrheic dermatitis. Patients suffering from allergic contact dermatitis may benefit from patch testing to determine the causative allergen. Among the patients we patch tested, propylene glycol was found to be the contactant in a majority of cases, not the minoxidil itself. Many of these patients may be candidates for treatment with alternative formulations using other solvents, such as butylene glycol, polysorbate, or glycerol. Although predictive, patch testing results do not ensure that the compounded preparations will be tolerated. Unfortunately, patients found to be allergic to minoxidil are no longer candidates for topical treatment of their alopecia with any preparations of minoxidil.

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum treated with chloroquine.

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) is an idiopathic granulomatous skin disorder. We review previously described therapies from the recent literature and report the first case of successful treatment of NLD with oral chloroquine.