Treatment of female pattern hair loss

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) as a distinctive entity was first described about 30 years ago. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of all randomized controlled trials for treatment of FPHL. A preliminary search was carried out in several databases up to August 2008 to identify all randomized controlled trials on nonsurgical interventions for treatment of FPHL. Studies reporting fewer than 10 patients and non-English articles were excluded. Additionally, references of relevant articles and reviews were checked manually in search for additional sources. Among 238 citations found in the preliminary search, 12 fulfilled all criteria to be included in the systematic review. Topical minoxidil 1 to 5 for 24 to 48 weeks was shown to be effective in FPHL and its effect was not related to age or androgen level of patients. In addition, it may be effective in women with FPHL, both with and without hyperandrogenism, and in young and old premenopausal or postmenopausal. In patients with increased serum androgens, oral flutamide but not finasteride or cyproterone acetate was more effective than no treatment. Topical minoxidil is effective in patients with FPHL, with or without hyperandrogenism, but there is limited evidence for the efficacy of antiandrogens. © 2012 Pulse Marketing & Communications, LLC

Nitric oxide and renal protection in morphine-dependent rats

Morphine treatment for 5days protects heart against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. This study evaluated the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in morphine-induced renal protection. Three weeks after right nephrectomy, increasing doses of morphine were administered (20-30mgkg-1day-1, 5days) to develop dependence in rats. The left kidney underwent 45-min ischemia and 24-h reperfusion. Some rats were pretreated with naloxone (5mgkg-1) or L-NAME (20mgkg-1). In one group, IR was induced 24h after the last dose of morphine during the withdrawal period. Plasma nitrite/nitrate levels and serum creatinine and BUN were measured. Creatinine clearance and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) were calculated. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression were determined and histopathology was studied in the left kidney. IR increased serum creatinine and BUN, plasma NO (p<0.01), FENa, iNOS expression (p<0.001), MPO activity, MDA level, and tissue damage and decreased creatinine clearance. Morphine decreased plasma NO (p<0.05 vs IR), serum creatinine and BUN (p<0.01), FENa, MPO activity, MDA level, iNOS expression, and tissue damage (p<0.05), but increased creatinine clearance (p<0.05). Pretreatment with naloxone significantly increased NO production and iNOS expression in morphine-treated rats after IR (p<0.01 vs morphine dependence+IR). Pretreatment with L-NAME in morphine-treated rats decreased NO production (10.7±1.9, p<0.01 vs morphine dependence+IR) but could not change iNOS expression after IR. Both naloxone and L-NAME significantly abolished the protective effects of morphine dependence on functional and histological factors. The protective effect of morphine dependence on serum creatinine, BUN, FENa, and creatinine clearance persisted during the withdrawal period, whereas iNOS expression decreased. NO production was not decreased during the withdrawal period (p>0.1 vs morphine dependence+IR group). Morphine dependence provided renal protection in the acute phase and during withdrawal. Excessive increase or decrease in NO production abolished the effects of morphine, which suggested a role for balanced NO production and iNOS expression. © 2010 Elsevier Inc

Effects of diphencyprone on expression of Bcl-2 protein in patients with Alopecia areata

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) development is attributed to a T cell involved autoimmune process. Apoptosis is one of the suspected culprits in pathogenesis of this disorder. This disorder can be treated by contact sensitizers like diphencyprone (DPCP). We investigated the effects of treatment with DPCP on the expression of Bcl-2 protein in hair follicle epithelial cells of AA patients and its relation to clinical response to treatment. Materials and Methods: Patients with chronic and extensive AA who had not received any treatment for at least 6 months were included. Furthermore, 3-mm punch biopsies were obtained from the affected areas before starting the treatment, and, six months after DPCP application, punch biopsies of the same size were taken from the following groups of patients: Group 1: six patients with complete hair regrowth, Group 2: six patients with partial regrowth, and Group 3: six patients with no regrowth. The samples were studied by immunohistochemistry to detect and compare the rate of Bcl-2 expression. Results: Level of Bcl-2 expression in respondent patients (Group 1) was significantly higher after DPCP treatment (36.50±4.23) compared to pretreatment state (3.67±1.406, P0.05). Conclusion:The results of this study indicate the positive effect of DPCP on regulation (inhibition) of apoptotic process in patients with AA. © 2010 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc

Combination of azelaic acid 5 and erythromycin 2 in the treatment of acne vulgaris

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a common problem, particularly among adolescents, which is usually resistant to monotherapy. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a combination of azelaic acid (AA) 5 and erythromycin 2 gel (AzE) compared with AA 20 or erythromycin 2 gels in facial acne vulgaris.Methods: We conducted a 12-week, multicenter, randomized double-blind study on 147 patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Four treatment group were determined (placebo, erythromycin, AA and AzE) and followed in 4-week intervals for 12 weeks, except the placebo group which was changed to routine treatment after 4 weeks.Results: The combination of AA 5 and erythromycin 2 gel significantly reduced the number of papules, pustules and comedones compared with placebo (p <0.001), erythromycin 2 (p <0.01) or AA 20 (p <0.05). The incidence of adverse effects observed in patients treated with AzE (27) was less than that with erythromycin 2 (54) and AA 20 (45).Conclusions: The combination of AA 5 and erythromycin 2 produced more potent therapeutic effects in comparison with erythromycin 2 or AA 20 alone, and with fewer side effects. © 2010 Informa UK Ltd

Supportive Oncodermatology practices in Europe and the USA

Sin financiación9.2 Q1 JCR 20221.686 Q1 SJR 2023No data IDR 2023UE