Search Results (825)

Collagen VI-related myopathies (COL6-RM) are rare hereditary disorders characterized by skeletal muscle dysfunction and skin manifestations, including keratosis pilaris, hypertrophic scars, and keloids. We recently found that alopecia is a novel and previously unrecognized scalp phenotype in COL6-RM; however, the precise pathogenetic mechanisms underlying hair follicle dysfunction in these patients remain incompletely understood. We performed a comprehensive immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and proteomic characterization of scalp biopsies from six COL6-RM patients presenting with hair loss and scalp itching. We found structural alterations in the hair follicle extracellular matrix architecture, particularly in the inner fibrous sheath surrounding the hair follicle. In addition, the analysis of the perifollicular adipose tissue and derived cell cultures showed changes in lipid droplet size consistent with a tendency toward cell hypertrophy. Strikingly, proteomic profiling of adipokines revealed a pro-inflammatory and extracellular matrix-remodeling signature. Consistent with inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling, CD68 macrophages and MMP2 expression were increased in the dermis of COL6-RM patients, particularly around the perifollicular adipocytes. Overall, these data indicate a complex pathological signature involving ECM and adipose tissue remodeling. In this context, collagen VI emerges as a potential regulator of the hair follicle microenvironment. Full article

Background: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) are primary cicatricial alopecias with no FDA-approved treatments and a limited evidence base for any intervention. Alopecia areata (AA), while better studied, similarly lacks a well-tolerated, locally acting non-pharmacologic option. The 308 nm excimer laser is established in inflammatory dermatoses, yet its role in hair loss conditions has not been systematically characterized. This review provides an updated appraisal of the AA evidence base and the first systematic appraisal of excimer therapy in LPP and FFA. Methods: We searched PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL and synthesized findings narratively, given substantial heterogeneity across included studies. Results: In total, 33 studies reporting 634 unique patients met the inclusion criteria across AA subtypes (patchy/localized, totalis, universalis, ophiasic, and pediatric), LPP, and FFA. Most evidence (30/33 studies, 613/634 patients) pertains to AA, where excimer therapy produced meaningful hair regrowth in a large proportion of patients. Cicatricial data was more limited (3/33 studies, 21/634 patients). LPP data suggest improvement in inflammatory symptoms; FFA results were mixed. Adverse effects were mild and transient, primarily erythema and hyperpigmentation. Conclusions: The use of 308 nm excimer therapy may be a well-tolerated non-pharmacologic option when pharmacologic therapy is contraindicated, poorly tolerated, or inadequately effective, though limited evidence, especially for LPP and FFA, warrants further investigation across these and other conditions not yet studied. Full article

Background: Gestational iron requirements may lead to maternal iron deficiency, increasing susceptibility in offspring. In mice, maternal iron deficiency induces hair loss in pups, but mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Objective: This study investigates mechanisms underlying maternal iron deficiency-induced abnormal hair growth and the impact of iron supplementation on pups’ hair development. Methods: Pregnant C57BL/6J mice (nine-week-old, second week of gestation) were randomly assigned to a standard AIN-76 diet (control, CTRL) or an iron-deficient AIN diet (ID) until parturition and weaning. Offspring were maintained on the same diet as their mothers. At six weeks, hair loss was examined in one set (CTRL1 and ID), while the remaining were transitioned to an iron-replete AIN-76 diet (CTRL2 and IDN) for two additional weeks. An in vitro study with human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC) via deferoxamine (DFO) treatment was performed. Results: ID offspring exhibited truncal hairlessness, reduced body size, and abnormal follicular morphology compared to CTRL1, while IDN demonstrated hair regrowth comparable to CTRL2. ID skin tissues had reduced Wnt/β-catenin signaling, elevated oxidative stress markers, and activation of caspase-3, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling, all reversed by iron supplementation. DFO-treated HFDPCs demonstrated increased cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), diminished Wnt/β-catenin signaling, activation of caspase-3, NF-κB, and TGF-β signaling pathways. N-acetylcysteine pretreatment abrogated DFO-induced alterations in Wnt/β-catenin signaling and apoptosis, suggesting ROS mediates iron deficiency-induced hair loss. Conclusions: Early iron deficiency may have impaired hair growth through increased ROS production, reduced Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and enhanced apoptotic signals, while postnatal iron supplementation could reverse these abnormalities. Full article

At present, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Current treatments for cervical cancer, most notably chemotherapy, can induce various adverse side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue, among others. Therefore, alternative therapies are being developed. Intravaginal drug delivery systems based on biopolymers are the subject of extensive research for the treatment of this condition. Some of the most sought-after qualities in these systems are mucoadhesiveness, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, while ensuring controlled and prolonged drug release. Taking these aspects into consideration, this study develops hydrogel ovules composed of O-carboxymethyl chitosan (OCMC) and gelatin, crosslinked with genipin, containing retinyl palmitate at various concentrations, as well as curcumin. The characterization of functional groups and potential interactions between the polymeric matrix and the drugs was carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Physicochemical tests, including swelling, contact angle, and in vitro degradation assays, were also performed to determine the system’s hydrophilicity and its potential duration of use. In vitro release assays for both curcumin and retinyl palmitate were conducted to investigate the release kinetics of these two substances. To assess the mucoadhesiveness of the ovules, a sliding analysis was conducted using porcine uterine tissue. Finally, cell viability studies were performed using mouse fibroblasts and HeLa cells to evaluate the system’s specificity. The results of this study demonstrate that the system, composed of gelatin, OCMC, retinyl palmitate, and curcumin, is mucoadhesive, hydrophilic, and exhibits controlled swelling behavior. In vitro assays demonstrated that the system maintains control of both degradation and drug release for up to 72 h; moreover, it proved non-toxic to healthy cells, with the incorporation of curcumin shown to enhance the selective cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. Based on the foregoing, this drug delivery system containing retinyl palmitate represents a promising potential intravaginal treatment for cervical cancer. Full article

Dermatophytosis is a cutaneous mycosis caused by keratinolytic fungi, classified as dermatophytes, affecting 20–25% of the global population and representing a significant public health concern. The disease manifests as circular, erythematous, pruritic, and desquamative skin lesions, hair breakage and loss, and nail degradation, leading to considerable morbidity. In addition, dermatophytosis can markedly impair patients’ quality of life. Despite the high global prevalence of dermatophytosis, the causative agents are often misdiagnosed, and there is limited data on the epidemiology and genomic surveillance of dermatophytosis worldwide. This review aims to update the global epidemiology of dermatophytosis and dermatophytes while addressing their taxonomy, pathogenesis, virulence factors, clinical manifestations, and antifungal therapy. Consistently, Trichophyton spp., particularly T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and T. interdigitale, remain the predominant pathogens worldwide. Recently, T. indotineae has gained prominence due to its global dissemination, significant terbinafine resistance, extensive lesions, therapeutic failure, and recurrence. Furthermore, studies have reported endogenous cases of T. indotineae infections in Asia and Europe, and exogenous reports in the Americas and Oceania. Among non-Trichophyton dermatophytes, Microsporum canis and M. audouinii stand out as relevant pathogens, particularly in endemic regions and specific clinical settings, such as scalp infections. Overall, these factors emphasize the importance of global vigilance regarding dermatophyte dissemination. This review also highlights a discrepancy between accurate fungal identification and global reporting, raising concerns regarding epidemiological surveillance and underscoring the need for improved strategies to manage dermatophytosis worldwide. Full article

Ischemia plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of sensorineural hearing loss through the induction of severe cochlear apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Exosomes derived from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC-Exo) have robust protective effects under non-otologic ischemic conditions. However, their otoprotective effects remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of human ADMSC-Exo against cochlear damage and mitochondrial dysfunction under oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD), an in vitro and ex vivo model of cochlear ischemia. ADMSC-Exo attenuated OGD-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in HEI-OC1 cells and reduced the OGD-induced loss of cochlear hair cells in the organ of Corti explants. OGD caused a decrease in mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization and impaired mitochondrial respiration in auditory cells. ADMSC-Exo preserved mitochondrial integrity and improved mitochondrial bioenergetic function following OGD exposure. These effects were accompanied by increased LC3-II conversion and formation of autolysosome-like structures and elevated expression of PINK1 and Parkin, indicating the activation of autophagy and mitophagy-related protective mechanisms. Importantly, 3-methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor, attenuated the cytoprotective effect of ADMSC-Exo, supporting the involvement of autophagy in ADMSC-Exo-mediated protection. Collectively, these findings suggest that ADMSC-Exo protect against OGD-induced cochlear injury by promoting autophagy-associated mitochondrial protection. Full article

Rabies is a universally fatal viral disease that affects a wide variety of mammalian species, including carnivores and herbivores. While testing and confirmed reports in wild carnivores are common, comparatively less is known about this disease in wild herbivores. Between 2022 and 2024, nine white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Pennsylvania, USA were diagnosed with rabies. Eight (89%) presented with erratic neurologic signs and one was found dead. Evidence of chronic self-mutilation characterized by hair loss and thickened, hardened, and hyperpigmented skin was present on the head in seven cases (78%) and/or body or legs in two cases (22%), while two (22%) did not have any evidence of external lesions. Microscopically, lesions were like those in other mammalian species, with variably severe inflammation and abundant cytoplasmic inclusion bodies with associated antigen immunoreactivity. This case series highlights a common and characteristic gross lesion that can prompt caution and testing for rabies in deer and further expands understanding of this disease in an uncommonly diagnosed species. Full article

Collagen is a key structural protein of the skin, essential for maintaining its mechanical strength, elasticity, and hydration. Oral collagen supplementation, particularly in the form of collagen peptides, has recently gained significant interest as a nutritional strategy to support skin health and overall wellbeing. However, the evidence regarding its effectiveness in supporting skin health and improving hair, nail, and wound-healing outcomes remains heterogeneous. The aim of this review is to summarize and critically evaluate the current human evidence on oral collagen supplementation and its potential role in supporting skin health, hair and nail quality, and wound healing. A targeted literature search was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science to identify clinical trials and relevant studies assessing the effects of collagen supplementation on skin aging parameters, including elasticity, wrinkles, hydration, and barrier function, as well as hair loss, nail disorders, and wound healing. Collagen-derived peptide supplementation has been associated with improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, wrinkle appearance, and dermal extracellular matrix organization, while also supporting hair thickness and strength, modestly enhancing nail growth, and promoting wound healing. Benefits are most consistent with low-molecular-weight hydroxyproline-rich peptides, with peptide characteristics appearing more important than collagen source. Evidence is limited by short study durations, heterogeneous designs, multi-ingredient formulations, and industry funding, which reduce confidence in the magnitude and consistency of the reported effects. Nevertheless, high-quality, long-term, independently funded trials with standardized outcomes are still required to confirm these findings. Full article

Hair loss is closely associated with oxidative stress, which impairs the function of human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and disrupts hair follicle homeostasis. Current pharmacological treatments, such as minoxidil and finasteride, are effective but may cause adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. In this study, we utilized a patented high-pressure processing method to produce black ginseng concentrate (BGC), which is significantly enriched with rare bioactive ginsenosides, including Rg3, Rg5, and Rk1, through optimized chemical transformation. We aimed to elucidate the protective effects of BGC against oxidative stress-induced damage in HFDPCs. BGC significantly reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. BGC also improved mitochondrial function, including an increased oxygen consumption rate (OCR). In addition, BGC activated hair growth-related signaling pathways by upregulating Wnt/β-catenin and increasing the phosphorylation levels of ERK and AKT. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that BGC protects HFDPCs from oxidative stress, improves mitochondrial function, and supports key signaling pathways associated with hair growth. This study suggests that BGC has potential as a natural agent for preventing oxidative stress-induced cellular dysfunction related to hair loss. Full article

Background/Objective: Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric symptoms. As the disease progresses, weight loss, cachexia, and musculoskeletal atrophy are common, reducing quality of life, decreasing their autonomy in their activities of daily living (ADLs), and increasing morbidity and mortality risk. To describe and compare energy expenditure (EE) during ADLs and resting conditions in individuals with HD and healthy controls, and to examine its associations with quality of life, cognitive status, motor function, and functional capacity. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 16 people with manifest HD and 10 healthy controls. Participants completed five ADLs: resting, dressing, combing hair, feeding, and walking under laboratory conditions. EE during ADLs was measured using a portable indirect calorimetry system. Results: Statistically significant between-group differences in EE were found only during feeding, with individuals with HD showing higher EE than controls (p = 0.021). In the exploratory correlation analysis, cognitive status was significantly associated with EE during dressing (p = 0.033). Conclusions: This exploratory study contributes to the limited evidence on EE during ADLs in adults with HD. The findings suggest that individuals with HD may expend more energy than healthy controls during specific daily activities, particularly feeding. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size and preliminary nature of the study. Larger, multicenter, and longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine their clinical relevance. Full article

Brucellosis negatively impacts animal and human health and causes major economic losses. The present study examined the relationship of husbandry system (insufficient, acceptable, optimal) and cortisol status on the response of buffalo calves to vaccination with the brucellosis vaccine RB51. Primary vaccination (1st) was at 6 months and secondary vaccination (2nd) at 12 months. Cortisol was ascertained in samples of hair and the antibody response to vaccination was measured in blood. Excretion of the bacterium Brucella abortus was determined in urine and feces. Buffalo calves in the insufficient system had greater (p < 0.05) cortisol (4.7 ± 0.5 pg/mg) at 1st vaccination than calves in the optimal system (2.8 ± 0.3 pg/mg). Cortisol was lower at the 2nd vaccination for all three systems which did not differ. Anti-RB51 antibodies were present in 28/30 buffalo after 2nd vaccination. The conditional R² of 0.689 indicated that both husbandry system and cortisol status strongly influenced the response to vaccination with RB51. No shedding of Brucella spp. was observed. The study has shown that husbandry system and cortisol status influence the response of buffalo calves to vaccination with RB51. Full article

Current treatment options for hair loss remain limited. Therefore, this study compared a botanical extract derived from multiple plants with the pharmaceutical agent minoxidil for topical application. The evaluated parameters included inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), growth factors (TGF-β, VEGF, KGF), and 5α-reductase type II (SRD5A2) expression in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT, as measured by ELISA. Both the botanical extract and minoxidil reduced IL-6 levels by 21% and 35%, and TNF-α levels by 13% and 35%, respectively. Treatment with the botanical extract and minoxidil increased VEGF expression by 50% and 85%, and KGF by 16% and 31%, respectively, while reducing SRD5A2 expression by 21% and 28%, respectively. Overall, the results of this in vitro study suggest that the botanical extract exhibits a response pattern similar to that of minoxidil, characterized by the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and SRD5A2, along with enhanced expression of growth factors VEGF and KGF in HaCaT cells. These results provide a promising basis for further in vivo studies. Full article

Background: Nutrition is a key determinant of skin barrier function and coat quality in cats, but controlled studies comparing commercial diets are limited. Methods: Eighteen healthy adult cats (3.44 ± 0.69 years) were randomly assigned to receive either a standard commercial chicken-based diet (ORI, Instinct Petfood, Visalia, CA, USA, n = 9) or a nutrient-enriched formula designed for skin and coat health (ULT, Instinct Petfood, Little Falls, MN, USA, n = 9) for 12 weeks. Body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were recorded weekly. Visual coat scoring, quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), and skin biophysical parameters (hydration, sebum, transepidermal water loss) were assessed on days 0, 21, 42, 63 and 84. Results: Both diets maintained stable BW and BCS. Visual scoring showed skin and hair remained within the normal healthy ranges in both groups throughout the study. QDA revealed significant improvements in coat glossiness, softness, and overall scores over time in both diet groups (p < 0.05). Back hydration increased over time, and in the ORI group, values at days 42, 63, and 84 were higher than baseline (44.96, 43.10, and 41.26 vs. 33.85; p < 0.05). Ear hydration showed a significant time × group interaction (p < 0.05). In the ULT group, ear hydration was higher at days 21, 42, 63, and 84 than at baseline (24.17, 35.21, 28.69, and 34.19 vs. 17.87; p < 0.05). Ear TEWL also showed a significant time × group interaction (p < 0.05) and displayed a biphasic pattern in the ULT group, with values at days 63 and 84 higher than at day 42 (15.51 and 14.48 vs. 11.77 g/m²/h; p < 0.05). Compared with the ORI group, the ULT group showed a smaller change in ear TEWL from baseline at day 42 (−2.54 vs. 2.98 g/m²/h; p < 0.05) and a greater increase in ear hydration from baseline at day 84 (16.32 vs. 9.31; p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings indicate that both diets supported healthy skin and coat conditions in cats, while the nutrient-enriched formula may provide additional benefits for skin hydration. Full article

Cisplatin is a widely used platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent that often causes irreversible hair cell loss, leading to hearing impairment. To date, effective strategies for preventing cisplatin-induced ototoxicity remain limited. Corchorus olitorius L. (COL) is rich in bioactive phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, the protective role of COL stem against cisplatin-induced hearing loss has not been explored. This study aimed to determine whether COL stem extract treatment could mitigate cisplatin-induced hair cell damage in the lateral line system of zebrafish. Herein, we use 7-day post-fertilization (dpf) transgenic zebrafish larvae as a high-throughput screening platform to assessed COL stem extract against cisplatin-induced hair cell injury. Endpoints included mechanotransduction (MET) function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptotic and inflammatory responses, and locomotor behavior. Antioxidant capacity and acute toxicity were also evaluated. Pretreatment with COL stem extract preserved hair cell viability, restored MET function, reduced ROS accumulation, upregulated Nrf-2-dependent cytoprotective genes, suppressed apoptosis, and attenuated macrophage infiltration. The recovery of swimming behavior correlated with hair cell protection, confirming the phenotypic relevance. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that COL stem exerts potent otoprotective effects through antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, contributes to maintain mechanosensory function and swimming behavior. The findings support COL stem as a promising candidate for otoprotection and validate zebrafish-based high-throughput screening for novel therapeutic discovery. Full article

Controlled degradation of genomic DNA is a hallmark of programmed cell death (PCD) in plants and animals. In plants, nucleic acid degradation during PCD enables nutrient redistribution. S1/P1 nucleases are established participants; however, the staphylococcal-like (SNc) nucleases, represented in Arabidopsis thaliana by plasma membrane-localized AtCAN1 and AtCAN2, have not been characterized in this context. Using promoter-driven GUS reporter assays, we show that AtCAN1, and to a lesser extent AtCAN2, are expressed in three tissue categories: (i) tissues described in the scientific literature as classical examples of PCD-associated structures; (ii) cells at the plant–environment interface susceptible to pathogen attack, root hairs, guard cells, and hydathodes; and (iii) endoreduplicated structures: stipules, trichomes, and basal hypocotyl. Expression patterns were independently confirmed using publicly available microarray and RNA-seq datasets. Loss of AtCAN1 function reduces rosette growth. AtCAN1 is highly tissue-specific; AtCAN2 shows a broader, weaker pattern, consistent with subfunctionalization. Overlapping expression with S1/P1 nucleases in PCD tissues suggests complementary nucleolytic roles. Unlike S1/P1 nucleases, which are nuclear, SNc nucleases localize to the plasma membrane, implying distinct yet cooperative pathways. The expression of SNc nucleases in endoreduplicating organs suggests their potential involvement in an unidentified process of polyploid DNA recycling. Full article