Topical odorant application of the specific olfactory receptor OR2AT4 agonist, Sandalore®, improves telogen effluvium associated parameters.
Jimenez. F et al., J Cosmet Dermatol, 2020
Excess hair shedding called telogen effluvium is one of the most common complaints in women yet there are few clinically demonstrated cosmetic solutions available. In this randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial, we show that 1% Sandalore ® increased hair volume and the percentage of growing hairs, providing evidence that a topically applied cosmetic odorant acting through olfactory receptors can be an effective therapeutic alternative to treat hair shedding.
Non‐neuronal kappa‐opioid receptor activation enhances epidermal keratinocyte proliferation, and modulates mast cell functions in human skin ex vivo.
Cheret. J et al., J Dermatol, 2020
Kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) activation elicits anti-inflammatory responses by reducing neuropeptide release from sensory nerve fibers. We asked whether KOR activation could act directly on mast cells (MC) to explain anti-itch benefits of KOR agonists. Using a clinically relevant human skin organ culture model we showed KOR expression on MCs and a KOR agonist dependent reduction in MC progenitors, suggesting KOR activation is a promising route to modulate MC‐dependent neurogenic skin inflammation for the management of inflammatory dermatoses. Finally, we observed an intriguing effect of KOR activation on the epidermis, suggestive of dynamic remodelling with potential relevance to wound healing.
Mitochondrial energy metabolism is negatively regulated by cannabinoid receptor 1 in intact human epidermis.
Olah. A et al., Exp Dermatol. 2020
The mitochondrion is the energy centre of the cell but also a source of damaging free radicals that contribute to skin ageing. Therefore, we investigated negative regulators of mitochondrial function using a robust ex vivo organ culture model. We explored the endocannabinoid (CB) system and the response of keratinocytes respond to CB ligands. We found CB receptors are expressed in the mitochondrial membrane (mtCB1) and that activation negatively regulates mitochondrial activity. Selective mtCB1 activation could be a promising strategy for reducing excess mitochondrial ROS production during skin ageing or photo damage.
