Age-associated thin hair displays molecular, structural and mechanical characteristic changes.

Hair thinning occurs during normal chronological aging in women and in men leading to an increased level of thinner hair shafts alongside original thicker shafts. However, the characteristics of age-associated thin hairs remain largely unknown. Here we analyzed these characteristics by comparing at multiscale thin and thick hairs originated from Caucasian women older than 50 years.

An anti-hair loss treatment in the management of mild androgenetic alopecia: Results from a large, international observational study.

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a common and chronic condition. It may impact self-esteem, self-image and quality of life. Benefit, tolerability, cosmetic acceptance and patient satisfaction are key to ensure good treatment outcome.

A jasmonic acid derivative improves skin healing and induces changes in proteoglycan expression and glycosaminoglycan structure.

Background: Jasmonates are plant hormones that exhibit anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties and have therefore raised interest for human health applications. The molecular basis of these activities remains poorly understood, although increasing evidence suggests that a variety of mechanisms may be involved. Recently, we have reported that a jasmonate derivative (JAD) displayed anti-aging effects on human skin by inducing extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling.

Multiphoton microscopy of engineered dermal substitutes: assessment of 3-D collagen matrix remodeling induced by fibroblast contraction.

Dermal fibroblasts are responsible for the generation of mechanical forces within their surrounding extracellular matrix and can be potentially targeted by anti-aging ingredients. Investigation of the modulation of fibroblast contraction by these ingredients requires the implementation of three-dimensional in situ imaging methodologies. We use multiphoton microscopy to visualize unstained engineered dermal tissue by combining second-harmonic generation that reveals specifically fibrillar collagen and two-photon excited fluorescence from endogenous cellular chromophores.

Expression of NAD+ dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase and protection of prostaglandins in human hair follicle.

NAD(+) dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenate (15-PGDH) catalyses oxidation of 15(S)-hydroxyl group of prostaglandins and as a result inactivates their physiological potential. Positive effects of prostaglandins or prostaglandin analogues were reported on terminal hair, vellus hair or eyelash growth and a complex prostaglandin network was recently described in human hair follicle. In the present study, we showed that 15-PGDH was expressed in human hair follicle mainly in melanocytes and keratinocytes, which brought us to consider this enzyme as a possible target to sustain local prostaglandin production.

Prostanoid receptors in anagen human hair follicles.

Prostanoid pathway in hair follicle gained closer attention since trichogenic side-effects on hair growth has been observed concomitantly with prostaglandin F(2alpha) receptor (FP) agonist treatment of intraocular pressure. We thus investigated prostanoid receptor distribution in anagen hair follicle and different cell types from hair and skin. Using RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC), we found that all receptors were present in hair follicle.

Prostaglandin metabolism in human hair follicle.

Prostaglandins regulate a wide number of physiological functions. Recently PGF(2alpha) analogue such as latanoprost was shown to have a real impact on hair regrowth. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the expression profile in human hair follicle of prostaglandin metabolism key enzymes, i.