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Abstract Chronic ulcers significantly affect the quality of life of patients and impose a high cost on the healthcare system. The therapeutic management should be comprehensive, taking into consideration the etiological diagnosis of the wound and the characteristics of the wound bed when deciding on a therapeutic proposal appropriate to the healing phase, correcting factors that delay healing. During the epithelialization phase, repair techniques with grafts are recommended to shorten re-epithelialization time, improve the quality of scar tissue, and achieve adequate pain management. Currently, due to the reported benefits of skin appendages, the technique of follicular unit auto-grafting obtained with a scalp punch is among the chosen strategies for wound repair. This is a minimally invasive, outpatient practice, whose technique has advantages over the donor site, patients recovery and well-being.
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Background:Hair loss, a common multifactorial condition affecting both genders, results from causes like extrinsic factors (pollution, sun, humidity, and temperature), nutritional variation, or intrinsic factors such as ageing, heredity, hormonal and medical conditions. Some of the damages caused by these factors can be effectively managed with multivitamins, minerals, antioxidant natural products. Present study assessed use of standardised herbal Sesbania grandifloraextract for improving hair density, hair thicknessand scalp health along with a serum biomarker to establish the probable mechanism of action.Methods:The study was approved by the ethics committee and was conducted as per standard national regulations. 51 randomized subjects (mean age: 39.40±5.80 years) received either test-treatment or placebo for consecutive 56 days. Instrumental assessments included a phototrichogram to assess hair density, thickness, and scalp condition.Results:SesZen-BioTMwhich is derived from Sesbania grandifloraextracts showed an improvement in hair density, hair thickness and ferritinin 8 weeks of usage suggesting it stimulates the keratin production which resulted in improved follicle growth. By day 56 of usage, hair density and thickness improved by 58.92±28.69 cm2and 3.68±2.69 ?m respectively from baseline (both p<0.0001) in the treatment group.This indicates towards 25% improvement in hair density,16.94%in hair thickness and almost 72% volunteers indicated an improvement in hair healthalong with 27% increase in serum ferritin. Conclusions: Sesbania grandifloraextract -SesZen-Bio®showed beneficial nutritional effects on research subjects, proving its usefulness as a well-tolerated and efficient daily supplement to improve hair health.
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Regardless of gender, premature hair greying naturally happens in the fourth decade. But these days, it may strike in the early twenties as well. According to Ayurveda faulty eating habits, physical strain, psychological issues, environmental variables, and changes in lifestyle are major reasons which lead to impaired digestion and Pitta dosha vitiation (associated with fire and water element). This mostly leads to loss of hair colour. Present study was phytochemical and interventional study done to assess the efficacy of Kaidarya [Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel] siddha taila plus Kaidarya vati and Kaidarya vati alone in Akala palitya. The selection of plant was done on bases of classical lexicons. The group A patients were allotted to Kaidarya siddha taila plus kaidarya vati treatment. The group B patients were only assigned with kaidarya vati. Total enrolled subjects were 95 with respect to dropout rate. The paired t-test was used to analyse the data from Group A and Group B before and after treatment. A noteworthy distinction was noted between the mean values obtained prior to and following the therapy. An independent t-test was used to compare the results between Groups A and B. A significant difference in Akala palitya was found between groups. Group A's mean difference score is higher than Group B's. Therefore, the effect of Kaidarya siddha taila plus kaidarya vati is more than Kaidarya vati in the management of Akala palitya. Furthermore, it requires thorough study, restricted diet and alteration in regimen for more effective results.
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Background: Excessive hair shedding occurs in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 induced telogen effluvium. Dr. SKS hair booster serum has demonstrated encouraging benefits in different types of alopecia in previous studies. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of Dr. SKS hair booster serum for the treatment of COVID-19 induced persistent TE. Methods: A total of 500 patients aged 18 to 60 years who had recovered from reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction proven COVID-19 infection but experienced sustained hair fall even after 6 months were included in the study. One millilitre of Dr. SKS hair booster serum injection was administered intradermally in scalp per session. Efficacy and safety outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months after the treatment. Results: Approximately half of the patients demonstrated excellent improvement in expert panel global photographic assessment at 3 months (vertex area; 43.6% and frontal area; 46%) that was increased at 6 months (vertex area; 48% and frontal area; 50%). Each patient's clinical condition improved. All patients were satisfied with the results in terms of mean total hair growth satisfaction scale score of five aspects at 3 and 6 months treatment. Conclusions: Intradermal injection of Dr. SKS hair booster serum proves to be effective treatment for hair loss in COVID-19-induced persistent TE.
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Alopecia means loss of hair. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) now called as patterned hair loss (male pattern hair loss; MPHL, female pattern hair loss; FPHL) is caused by androgens in a predisposed individual. It is modulated by factors like age, sex, genes, smoking, and alcohol. If untreated this leads to psychological problems like stress, anxiety, depression and decrease self-confidence which affect quality of life. A thorough clinical examination and a certain hormonal estimation could reveal levels of androgens, hyperandrogenism, adrenal hyperplasia, (PCOS) polycystic ovarian syndrome, and ovarian/adrenal tumors. A simple Trichoscopy could show the typical picture of hair miniaturization commonly seen in this condition. Finally, a biopsy of the scalp could help in clinching conclusive diagnosis. Out of the many treatments at our disposal, the non-pharmacologic methods like temporary camouflage techniques, synthetic hair wigs, hair-thickening fibers, hair weaving, pigmented powders are useful. Semi-permanent options like scalp micro-pigmentation (thorough tattooing) are useful to enhance appearances. Presently the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approved pharmacologic treatments are Minoxidil and Finasteride. The non-USFDA approved methods of treatments like various surgical procedures {[hair transplantation]: follicular unit transplantation (FUT), follicular unit extraction (FUE), microneedling, light therapy, indigenous medicines, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)}, and various loco-regional hair care practices are in vogue. The outcome of this review is to offer the latest update and insights into the newer novel therapies in patterned hair loss. Also, the patients could enhance their knowledge about the condition, the benefits and prognosis of each treatment.
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The surface scalp of hair matrix cells differentiation during migration induces by vigorous proliferation result hair growth. The objective of current investigation was to explore the needs to know of Helianthus annuus seed oil extract and Martynia annua seed oil extract as a potential of hair growth. In albino mice on to the back skin surface spread prepared oil extract to assess telogen to anagen phase transition. The quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed and observed. The outcomes of their research revealed that Helianthus annuus seed oil extract of petroleum ether and Martynia annua oil extract of petroleum ether in combination shows exhibited prominent activity. In different dosage of petroleum ether oil extract of both plant combinations of dosage applied topically 10 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml and 30 mg/ml, in to the shaved skin of albino mice treated groups observed for 21 days. Result shown that petroleum ether oil extract of both plant in combination shown significantly hair growth potential in a different dosage dependent manner observed, particularly on albino mice. Albino mice groups treated with petroleum ether 30 mg/ml of both plants required shorter time to the control (positive) group and 2% minoxidil (standard) group at different growth stages. The hair length of albino mice treated with petroleum ether 30 mg/ml oil extract of both plants showed remarkable increase 21.35±0.25 mm. and the thickness of hair of albino mice group treated with combination of both plant oil extract is 0.020±0.0010 mm with respect to 2% minoxidil (0.021±0.008). These finding suggested that Helianthus annus seed oil extract and Martynia annua oil extract have the potential of show hair growth.
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Objective To explore the related influencing factors of androgenic alopecia(AGA)in young women(FAGA).Methods A total of 296 cases of FAGA initially diagnosed in the dermatology clinic of this hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were selected as the observation group,and 296 young women without suffering from FAGA in the physical examination of this hospital at the same time were selected as the control group.The clinical data were compared between the two groups and the influencing factors causing FAGA in young women were analyzed.Results The familial inheritance history,often staying up,sleep disor-der,like to eat high carbohydrate food,like to eat high fat food,high mental stress,going on a diet,irregular menstruation,childbearing history and complicating other diseases had statistical differences between the two groups(P＜0.05).The multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that the familial inheritance history,often staying up,sleep disorder,like to eat high carbohydrate food,like to eat high fat food,high men-tal stress,going on a diet,irregular menstruation,childbearing history and complicating other diseases were the independent risk factors leading to FAGA(P＜0.05).Conclusion It is necessary to do a good job in the complicating disease screening of young female hair loss groups and pay attention to the related risk factors.
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Objective To analyze micronutrient levels in three types of female patients with diffuse hair loss.Methods The clinical data of 299 female patients with diffuse alopecia from January 2018 to June 2021 in the Department of Dermatology of Daping Hospital were analyzed retrospectively.Results The level of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in patients with diffuse alopecia was significantly lower than that in the control group,and had no impact to the type of diffuse alopecia.The concentration of serum zinc in patients with diffuse alopecia areata was also significantly lower than that in the control group.When ferritin≤50 ng/mol was taken as the threshold of iron deficiency and 25-hydroxyvitamin D≤20 ng/mol,as the indicator level of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency,the proportion of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and serum ferritin deficiency in all the three types of diffuse hair loss patients was higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05).So,lack of iron and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were belived to be related to the occurrence of diffuse alopecia of women.Conclusions Iron metabolism disorder and se-rum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level play a key role in female diffuse alopecia,while the effects of copper and zinc on hair growth and hair loss cycle are not well identified yet.
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Objective To investigate the clinical features of Menkes disease(MD)caused by ATP7A gene mutation.Methods Clinical data of one MD patient was retrospectively analyzed,and the literature on the MD cases was reviewed.Results The patient was a 7-month-old male.The initial symptoms were epilepsy,feeding difficulties and psychomotor retardation,followed by distinctive facial appearance,hair abnormality,pectus excavatum and hypotonia.Biochemical tests revealed reduced serum ceruloplasmin and copper.Brain MRI showed diffuse cerebral atrophy,cerebral dysplasia and subdural effusion.Genetic testing showed that there was a new hemizygous mutation c.2916+2(IVS14)T＞C in the ATP7A gene splicing site on the X chromosome,which verified that the mother was a heterozygous carrier with a normal phenotype.Conclusions MD often starts in infancy and childhood.MD may involve multi-system such as the nervous system and connective tissues,and should be diagnosed with genetic testing.
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Objective To investigate the ameliorating effect of salidroside(SAL)on cisplatin(CIS)-induced damages of cochlear hair cells(CHC)and spiral ganglion neurons(SGNs)and its relationship with cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)/protein kinase A(PKA)/cAMP response element binding protein(CREB)pathway.Methods The cochlear basilar membranes of newborn C 57BL/6 mice were isolated and separated into control(C)group,CIS group,SAL group,SAL+SQ22536(cAMP inhibitor)group and SAL+H-89(PKA inhibitor)group,20 per group.Immunofluorescence staining was applied to observe the damages of CHC and SGNs.The kits were applied to detect the contents of ROS and cAMP in the basement membrane of the cochlea.Western blot was applied to detect the protein levels of PKA,p-CREB,CREB,Bcl-2,BDNF,and NF-M.Results CHC in CIS group were disorderly arranged and enlarged in size,SGNs had fragmented nuclei and lost neurites.SAL alleviated the damages of CHC and SGNs.Compared with the C group,the numbers of CHC and SGNs in the CIS group were less(P＜0.05),the contents of ROS and cAMP,and the levels of PKA,BDNF,NF-M,Bcl-2 proteins and p-CREB/CREB were higher(P＜0.05).Compared with the CIS group,the numbers of CHC and SGNs in the SAL group were higher(P＜0.05),the content of ROS was lower(P＜0.05),the content of cAMP,and the levels of PKA,BD-NF,NF-M,Bcl-2 proteins and p-CREB/CREB were higher(P＜0.05).Both SQ22536 and H-89 reversed the pro-tective effects of SAL on CHC and SGNs.Conclusion SAL may promote the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and neuroprotective factors by activating the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway to alleviate the damages of CHC and SGNs caused by CIS.
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BACKGROUND:Autophagy has become a rapidly developing research hotspot in the biomedical fields.Many researchers are actively exploring the molecular regulatory mechanism of autophagy in a variety of diseases.However,the role of autophagy in hair growth is still unknown. OBJECTIVE:To review the current research progress and application value of autophagy in hair growth and regeneration,to understand the role of autophagy in hair growth,to explore the pathogenesis of autophagy in pathological hair loss,and to provide new ideas for the study of drugs for hair loss. METHODS:Using"hair follicle growth,hair growth,hair regeneration,autophagy associated proteins,autophagy activity,autophagy associated genes,autophagy"as Chinese search terms and"hair growth,hair follicle,hair regeneration,autophagy"as English search terms,PubMed and CNKI databases were searched.The research progress on autophagy,hair growth and the role of autophagy in hair growth in and outside China in recent years was reviewed and summarized.Articles incompatible with the subject content of the paper were excluded.Finally,78 articles were included for the result analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Autophagy is a normal metabolic process in eukaryotes with complex molecular mechanisms and functional properties,which is beneficial to cell survival and cell death.(2)Alopecia-related diseases are associated with changes in autophagy activity,which can regulate hair growth cycle.Knockout or overexpression of autophagy-related genes can change the state of hair growth.Multiple autophagy related signaling pathways have been found to be related to hair follicle growth.Activators or inhibitors of autophagy can be used to treat or prevent hair loss.
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AIM To investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on hearing function,cochlear morphology and autophagy-related protein expression in a rat model of presbycusis.METHODS Forty-five rats were randomly divided into the control group,the model group and the low,medium and high dose G.biloba extract groups(10,20 and 30 mg/kg),with 9 rats in each group.The rat model of presbycusis was established by intraperitoneal injection of 500 mg/kg D-galactose(D-gal).Eight weeks after the corresponding administration,the rats had their changes of hearing threshold detected by the auditory brainstem evoked potential(ABR);their morphological changes of cochlear hair cells,stria vascularis(SV)and spiral ganglion cells observed by HE staining;their number of hair cells inside and outside the cochlea detected by immunofluorescence staining;their ultrastructure changes of cochlear hair cells observed by transmission electron microscopy;and their expression of autophagy-related proteins in cochlea tissue detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the model group displayed increased ABR threshold(P<0.01);more severely damaged inner and outer hair cells,spiral ganglion cells and SV,decreased SV thickness and numbers of spiral ganglion cells,inner and outer hair cells and autophagosomes(P<0.01);decreased protein expressions of Beclin1 and LC3 Ⅱ and ratio of LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ in cochlear tissue(P<0.01),and higher P62 protein expression(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the medium and high dose G.biloba extract groups shared decreased ABR thresholds(P<0.01);improved morphology of inner and outer hair cells and SV in the cochlea,normalized,morphology of spiral ganglion cells,and increased SV thickness and the numbers of spiral ganglion cells,inner and outer hair cells and autophagosomes(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased protein expressions of Beclin1 and LC3 Ⅱ and the ratio of LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ in the cochlea(P<0.01),and decreased P62 protein expression(P<0.01).CONCLUSION The protective effects G.biloba extract on hearing function and cochlear cells in the rat model of presbycusis may be associated with the up-regulated expression of Beclin1 and LC3 Ⅱ proteins and down-regulated P62 protein expression in cochlear tissues.
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Microneedling is a simple, safe, effective, minimally invasive, and economical treatment technique with a wide range of indications. Studies in China and other countries have showed that microneedling plays a role in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Compared with traditional therapies, combined microneedling has better therapeutic efficacy, shorter treatment course and a better safety profile. This review summarizes the therapeutic efficacy, mechanisms of action and safety of combined microneedling, and describes prospective trends in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia with combined microneedling based on recent relevant Chinese and international literature.
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Objective:To analyze the clinical efficacy of electrolysis of depigmented hair using a trichiasis electrolyzer combined with hair follicle transplantation in the treatment of vitiligo-associated leukotrichia.Methods:Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 25 patients with stable vitiligo-associated leukotrichia in the Department of Dermatologic Surgery, Hangzhou Third People′s Hospital from January 2019 to January 2021. All the patients received electrolysis of depigmented hair using a trichiasis electrolyzer combined with hair follicle transplantation. Outpatient follow-up visits were conducted in the first week, as well as the first, third and sixth months after surgery. The texture and growth status of transplanted hair were observed, and the survival rate of transplanted hair follicles and the proportion of newborn white hair in white hair in the original lesions were recorded.Results:Among the 25 patients with stable vitiligo, there were 14 males and 11 females, and their disease duration ranged from 2 to 15 years, with the average duration being 5.8 years. A total of 30 white patches accompanied by leukotrichia were included, including 9 on the scalp, 7 on the eyebrows and 14 on the eyelashes. One week after surgery, the transplanted hair survived well in all patients, without obvious shedding or local infection. Six months after surgery, repigmentation was observed in most hair in the original lesion area, and only a small amount of white hair grew out, without obvious scarring; the survival rate of transplanted hair follicles was 76.5% ± 10.0%, and the proportion of newborn white hair in white hair in the original lesions was 16.7% ± 7.8%.Conclusion:Electrolysis of depigmented hair using a trichiasis electrolyzer combined with hair follicle transplantation was effective in the treatment of vitiligo-associated leukotrichia, with a simple treatment process and few postoperative complications, which provided a reliable choice for the clinical treatment of vitiligo-associated leukotrichia.
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Objective Based on the theory of"lung governs the skin and hair"in"Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic",this paper analyzes the medication rules of whitening and freckle-removing.The aim of this study is to provide reference for the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)theory and the medication in TCM cosmetics.Methods"Chinese Medical Classics"was used to search the records of whitening and freckle-related drugs.The frequency,nature,flavor,meridian tropism and compatibility laws of TCM for whitening and freckle-removal were analyzed by statistics and association rules.The network pharmacology research was used to analyze the whitening and freckle-removing effects and mechanisms of high-frequency drugs.Then,the potential active ingredients were analyzed.The whitening and anti-freckle effect was verified through cytotoxicity experiments and melanin content detection.Results A total of 171 external prescriptions were selected in eligible articles,including 261 Chinese medicinals,most of which were pungent and belong to the lung meridian.The most frequently used Chinese medicinals was"Erbai Yixin"(EBYX,Angelicae Dahuricae Radix,Typhonii Rhizoma,Asari Radix et Rhizoma).Network pharmacological analysis showed that the core targets of EBYX for whitening and removing freckles are TP53,EGFR,ALB,etc.,which are mainly involved in oxygen perception and response,skin immune regulation,skin cell growth,differentiation,stress,inflammatory response,and other biological processes.Based on the results of molecular docking,biological analysis proved that the active ingredients of EBYX are chrysophanol,gallic acid and caffeic acid,which have inhibitory effects on the proliferation of melanoma cells and melanin production.Conclusion Most of the ancient prescriptions for whitening and removing freckles are pungent and belong to the lung meridian,which embodies the theory of"lung governs the skin and hair".The high-frequency drug EBYX may play a role by regulating skin redox,immunity and inflammation.The active ingredients of EBYX have an inhibitory effect on melanin formation.This study enriches the scientific connotation of TCM whitening and freckle-removing prescriptions based on the theory of"lung governs the skin and hair",realizes interdisciplinary integration and provides support for the modernization of TCM.
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ObjectiveHair is an essential skin appendage, primarily composed of keratins and keratin-associated proteins. The protein composition and proportion of hair samples vary among different races and sexes. Currently, there is a lack of efficient methods to extract hair proteins. This study aims to explore the application of quantitative hair proteomics in distinguishing individual hair characteristics. MethodsBased on the exploration of sample processing and lysis buffer using three hair samples, we developed a stable and efficient hair protein extraction method, named PLEE (PTM lab for protein extraction from hair with high efficiency). We used the PLEE method to extract seven human hair samples and performed proteomic experiments on them using in-gel digestion method to produce data for analyzing hair protein composition and proportion among individuals. ResultsA total of 274 proteins were identified, among which 107 proteins were commonly present, and the number of non-common proteins ranged from 57-119, with some samples having unique identification proteins. Using the 107 commonly identified proteins for quantitative protein fractionation analysis, various samples were distinguished by clustering and principal component analysis, and technical repeated samples were merged, indicating the stability of the process. In addition, 10 key proteins (KRT33A, KRTAP9-6, KRT83, KRTAP7-1, KRT32, BLMH, KRT38, KRTAP11-1, NPAS1, KRTAP4-3) with large differences between individuals and stable protein identification within the same individual were screened. ConclusionThe protein composition of hair varies among different individuals, and the 10 selected proteins are expected to be key proteins for distinguishing individual hair characteristics and have significant potential applications in individual identification and criminal investigation.
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Hearing loss has become increasingly prevalent and causes considerable disability, thus gravely burdening the global economy. Irreversible loss of hair cells is a main cause of sensorineural hearing loss, and currently, the only relatively effective clinical treatments are limited to digital hearing equipment like cochlear implants and hearing aids, but these are of limited benefit in patients. It is therefore urgent to understand the mechanisms of damage repair in order to develop new neuroprotective strategies. At present, how to promote the regeneration of functional hair cells is a key scientific question in the field of hearing research. Multiple signaling pathways and transcriptional factors trigger the activation of hair cell progenitors and ensure the maturation of newborn hair cells, and in this article, we first review the principal mechanisms underlying hair cell reproduction. We then further discuss therapeutic strategies involving the co-regulation of multiple signaling pathways in order to induce effective functional hair cell regeneration after degeneration, and we summarize current achievements in hair cell regeneration. Lastly, we discuss potential future approaches, such as small molecule drugs and gene therapy, which might be applied for regenerating functional hair cells in the clinic.
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Infant, Newborn , Humans , Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner/physiology , Ear, Inner/physiology , Hair Cells, Auditory/physiology , Regeneration/genetics , Stem CellsABSTRACT
Objective To develop a method for the determination of ketamine analogues in hair samples by liquid chromatography quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry(QTRAP LC-MS/MS).Methods 20 mg of washed and dried hair was added to 1 mL extracting solution and then prepared using an ultrasonic extraction with frozen pulverization method.After centrifugation and purification with membrane,the supernatant was separated in a ACQUITY UPLC? HSS T3 column with gradient elution,finally tested with multiple reaction monitoring for the detection of 10 ketamine analogues.The above method was applied for quantitative analysis of ethylfluamine,F-norketamine and tiletamine in 20 positive samples.Results When the concentration ranged from 0.01 to 2.00 ng/mg,there was good linearity for 10 ketamine analogues with the correlation coefficients over 0.99.The recoveries ranged from 89.1％to 106.1％,and the matrix effects were between 88.3％and 106.0％.Among the 20 positive samples,the contents of ethylfluamine,F-norketamine and tiletamine in hair ranged between 0.02～8.35 ng/mg,0.01～0.94 ng/mg and 0.02～10.93 ng/mg,respectively.Their mean values were 1.59 ng/mg,0.28 ng/mg and 2.69 ng/mg.Their medians were 0.40 ng/mg,0.19 ng/mg and 2.11 ng/mg.Conclusion The established method was simple,efficient,reliable and suitable for the determination of ketamine analogues in hair.The data provided reference for the drug control and forensic science practice.
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According to the World Health Organization's world report on hearing, nearly 2.5 billion people worldwide will suffer from hearing loss by 2050, which may contribute to a severe impact on individual life quality and national economies. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) occurs commonly as a result of noise exposure, aging, and ototoxic drugs, and is pathologically characterized by the impairment of mechanosensory hair cells of the inner ear, which is mainly triggered by reactive oxygen species accumulation, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Though recent advances have been made in understanding the ability of cochlear repair and regeneration, there are still no effective therapeutic drugs for SNHL. Chinese herbal medicine which is widely distributed and easily accessible in China has demonstrated a unique curative effect against SNHL with higher safety and lower cost compared with Western medicine. Herein we present trends in research for Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of SNHL, and elucidate their molecular mechanisms of action, to pave the way for further research and development of novel effective drugs in this field.
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BACKGROUND: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) poses a major threat to both physical and mental health; however, there is still a lack of effective drugs to treat the disease. Recently, novel biological therapies, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their products, namely, exosomes, are showing promising therapeutic potential due to their low immunogenicity, few ethical concerns, and easy accessibility. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of MSC-derived exosomes remain unclear. RESULTS: Exosomes derived from MSCs reduced hearing and hair cell loss caused by neomycin-induced damage in models in vivo and in vitro. In addition, MSC-derived exosomes modulated autophagy in hair cells to exert a protective effect. Mechanistically, exogenously administered exosomes were internalized by hair cells and subsequently upregulated endocytic gene expression and endosome formation, ultimately leading to autophagy activation. This increased autophagic activity promoted cell survival, decreased the mitochondrial oxidative stress level and the apoptosis rate in hair cells, and ameliorated neomycin-induced ototoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our findings reveal the otoprotective capacity of exogenous exosome-mediated autophagy activation in hair cells in an endocytosis-dependent manner, suggesting possibilities for deafness treatment.