The prevalence of androgenic alopecia (AGA) increases with age and it affects both men and women. Patients diagnosed with AGA may experience decreased quality of life, depression, and feel self-conscious. There are a variety of therapeutic options ranging from prescription drugs to non-prescription medications. Currently, AGA involves an annual global market revenue of US$4 billion and a growth rate of 1.8%, indicating a growing consumer market. Although natural and synthetic ingredients can promote hair growth and, therefore, be useful to treat AGA, some of them have important adverse effects and unknown mechanisms of action that limit their use and benefits. Biologic factors that include signaling from stem cells, dermal papilla cells, and platelet-rich plasma are some of the current therapeutic agents being studied for hair restoration with milder side effects. However, most of the mechanisms exerted by these factors in hair restoration are still being researched. In this review, we analyze the therapeutic agents that have been used for AGA and emphasize the potential of new therapies based on advances in stem cell technologies and regenerative medicine.
Background: Lichen Sclerosus (LS) is a debilitating disease that causes chronic inflammation most commonly noted in the anogenital region. Many patients with genital Lichen Sclerosus report unsuccessful results with standard treatment options including steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and/or hormone therapy. These patients presented to our clinic seeking autologous adipose-derived stem cell treatment (AASCT). Methods: Data was collected through questionnaires regarding disease symptoms on a daily basis and quality of life indicators. Questionnaires were completed by patients before and three months post AASCT. One hundred and eleven consecutive women who presented to our clinic from 2011 to 2015 with symptomatic, clinically apparent or biopsy proven genital Lichen Sclerosus were given the questionnaires and 100 of these patients completed both questionnaires. Results: The questionnaires were statistically analyzed to compare improvement in symptoms before and three months after AASCT. The improvement in every symptom was statistically significant (P<0.001). These symptoms included: itching, burning, pain, discomfort, blisters, ulcers, fusing, tearing, and fissures. Improvement in ability to carry out daily activities (such as voiding, bowel movements, exercising, intercourse, and wearing pants/ underwear) also showed substantial improvement that was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: Given the results, we can confidently say that AASCT is a promising new alternative treatment for patients suffering from Lichen Sclerosus. Additional AASCT may provide patients with further improvement in their symptoms. At present, long term follow-up is being conducted by our clinic to evaluate the course of the disease and the duration of improvements achieved from this treatment.
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