TLDR The flutamide-loaded hydrogel is a promising, skin-friendly treatment for acne and hair loss, potentially requiring less frequent application.
In 2018, researchers developed a flutamide (FLT)-loaded zein nanocapsule (ZNC) hydrogel for treating pilosebaceous unit disorders like acne and androgenic alopecia. The ZNCs, made using a nanoprecipitation method, showed suitable particle size, negative surface charge, and increased skin retention of FLT with lower permeation flux compared to other formulations. The study confirmed the follicular localization of the nanocapsules and found that Carbomer® hydrogel enhanced skin retention of FLT more effectively than chitosan gel. The FLT-loaded ZNC hydrogel, particularly with Carbomer® 934 at 0.8% concentration, demonstrated good spreadability, high drug retention, and was well-tolerated in vivo without skin irritation. The study concluded that this hydrogel system could be a promising, cost-effective, and biocompatible option for localized therapy of PSU disorders, potentially improving patient compliance by reducing application frequency. The significance of the findings was supported by a p-value ≤0.05.
17 citations,
June 2017 in “Journal of pharmaceutical sciences” Researchers developed a nanomedicine for acne treatment that delivers medication with less irritation and is non-irritating for oily skin.
9 citations,
April 2015 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Hormonal therapies, like flutamide and cyproterone acetate, are safe and effective for treating adult women's acne, especially those with hormone imbalance or resistant acne.
16 citations,
August 2014 in “Archives of Pharmacal Research” Special nanoparticles increased skin absorption of hair loss treatments with fewer side effects.
5 citations,
September 2012 in “Springer eBooks” Nanoparticles can be used to deliver drugs to hair follicles, potentially improving treatments for conditions like acne and alopecia, and could also be used for vaccine delivery and gene therapy.
42 citations,
April 2011 in “Annals of Pharmacotherapy” Flutamide effectively treats female pattern hair loss with low doses showing good liver tolerance.
180 citations,
September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Hair loss affects self-esteem and quality of life; treatments can help.
8 citations,
January 2019 in “Nanomedicine” Egyptian researchers are advancing in pharmaceutical nanotechnology, potentially improving health outcomes and the economy.
14 citations,
July 2021 in “Reviews in endocrine and metabolic disorders” SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, can affect all endocrine organs and systems, altering their function and potentially leading to disorders. Factors like diabetes and obesity increase infection risk and severity. Understanding these effects is key for effective treatment.
14 citations,
January 2018 in “Advances in Clinical Chemistry” The document concludes that hormonal biomarkers are key for diagnosing hyperandrogenemia in women and hypogonadism in men.
165 citations,
February 1994 in “Fertility and Sterility” Flutamide is more effective and has fewer side effects than spironolactone for treating hirsutism.
143 citations,
August 1991 in “Endocrinology” Androgens, like testosterone, are crucial for early testicular descent in rats.
