pubmed:
J Dermatolog Treat. 2017 Jun 29:1-3. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2017.1341610. [Epub ahead of print]
A preliminary study on topical cetirizine in the therapeutic management of androgenetic alopecia.
Rossi A1, Campo D2, Fortuna MC1, Garelli V1, Pranteda G1, De Vita G3, Sorriso-Valvo L3, Di Nunno D1, Carlesimo M1.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Androgenetic alopecia (Androgenetic Alopecia) is a common form of scalp hair loss that affects up to 50% of males between 18 and 40 years old. Several molecules are commonly used for the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia, acting on different steps of its pathogenesis (Minoxidil, Finasteride, Serenoa repens) and show some side effects. In literature, on the basis of hypertrichosis observed in patients treated with analogues of prostaglandin PGF2a, it was supposed that prostaglandins would have an important role in the hair growth: PGE and PGF2a play a positive role, while PGD2 a negative one.
OBJECTIVE:
We carried out a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of topical cetirizine versus placebo in patients with Androgenetic Alopecia.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
A sample of 85 patients was recruited, of which 67 were used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment with topical cetirizine, while 18 were control patients.
RESULTS:
We found that the main effect of cetirizine was an increase in total hair density, terminal hair density and diameter variation from T0 to T1, while the vellus hair density shows an evident decrease. The use of a molecule as cetirizine, with no notable side effects, makes possible a good compliance by patients.
CONCLUSION:
Our results have shown that topical cetirizine 1% is responsible for a significant improvement of the initial framework of Androgenetic Alopecia.
KEYWORDS:
Androgenetic alopecia; PGD2; PGE2; cetirizine; prostaglandin
Mechanism of action of herbs and their active constituents used in hair loss treatment.
Herman A1, Herman AP2.
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Abstract
This article discusses the mechanisms via topically applied products containing herbs and their active constituents affect the hair growth process. It was reported that the mechanisms involving (1) insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), (2) vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), (3) epidermal growth factor (EGF), (4) fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), (5) endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), (6) Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, (7) prostaglandin E (PGE), (8) prostaglandin F (PGF) stimulate hair growth, whereas the mechanisms engaging (1) 5α-reductase and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), (2) transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β
, (3) fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF-5), (4) prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) inhibit hair growth. The knowledge summarized in the paper may be an inspiration to create new preparations for the treatment of hair loss.