Drugs Targeting Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Molecules for Treatment of Lichen Planopilaris

    Jessika Sanz, Deborah Lin, Mariya Miteva
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    TLDR Drugs targeting EMT molecules show promise for treating lichen planopilaris.
    Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a subtype of primary cicatricial alopecia that causes permanent hair loss by destroying hair follicles. Recent research has identified that follicular stem cells in LPP undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This study aimed to find drugs targeting EMT molecules to treat LPP. Eight molecules and 15 drugs were identified, with four drugs (pioglitazone, tofacitinib, barcitinib, and apremilast) previously reported in individual cases or series but lacking controlled studies. The paper highlights the potential of these EMT-targeting drugs for future clinical trials in LPP treatment.
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      If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

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      in Research  830 upvotes 7 months ago
      Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

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      in Research/Science  54 upvotes 1 week ago
      Prostaglandin balance affects hair loss, particularly in conditions like Lichen Planopilaris, where an imbalance can lead to hair follicle damage. Treatments mentioned include prostaglandin analogs and Pioglitazone HCL, with a focus on maintaining prostaglandin equilibrium for potential hair regrowth.

      community Losing Hair on Dutasteride? You might have LPP

      in Research/Science  96 upvotes 3 weeks ago
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      community Testosterone and hair loss seeming irrelevance

      in Research/Science  82 upvotes 1 year ago
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