Is There a Gut-Brain-Skin Axis?

January 2010 in “ Experimental Dermatology ”

Petra Arck, Bori Handjiski, Evelin Hagen, Maike Pincus, Christian A. Bruenahl, John Bienenstock, Ralf Paus

gut-brain-skin axis microbiome Lactobacillus probiotics neurogenic skin inflammation hair growth inhibition hair follicle cycling skin health inflammation stress responses

Studysummary This study introduces the concept of a "gut–brain–skin axis" where ingesting a specific Lactobacillus strain in mice may reduce stress-induced skin inflammation and hair growth inhibition.

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Neuronal Plasticity of the Brain-Skin Connection: Stress-Triggered Up-Regulation of Neuropeptides in Dorsal Root Ganglia and Skin via Nerve Growth Factor-Dependent Pathways

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This study in mice demonstrated that stress or nerve growth factor injection increases sensory neuron activity related to skin innervation, suggesting a strong connection between stress perception and neurogenic skin inflammation.

research Neuroimmunology of Stress: Skin Takes Center Stage

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research Neuroimmunoendocrine Circuitry of the Brain-Skin Connection

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This study indicates that stress in mice recruits specific neuroimmunoendocrine elements, leading to neurogenic skin inflammation that inhibits hair growth and highlights the skin's role in stress response research.

research Neurogenic Inflammation in Stress-Induced Termination of Murine Hair Growth Is Promoted by Nerve Growth Factor

108 citations , July 2004 in “American Journal of Pathology”

This study suggests that nerve growth factor plays a crucial role in the stress-induced termination of hair growth in mice, and its antagonism might offer a therapeutic approach to mitigate stress-related hair loss.

Stress Inhibits Hair Growth in Mice by Inducing Premature Catagen Development and Harmful Perifollicular Inflammatory Events via Neuropeptide Substance P-Dependent Pathways

research Stress Inhibits Hair Growth in Mice by Inducing Premature Catagen Development and Harmful Perifollicular Inflammatory Events via Neuropeptide Substance P-Dependent Pathways

194 citations , March 2003 in “American Journal of Pathology”

This study found that psychoemotional stress disrupts hair growth in mice by terminating anagen and suggests a potential pathway for pharmacological management of stress-related hair loss in humans.