Daily Archives: 1 August 2024

Potential breakthrough treatment may reverse autoimmune-related hair loss

Researchers at MIT, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School have made significant strides in developing a promising new treatment for alopecia areata. This autoimmune condition causes hair loss, affecting individuals of all ages, including children. The innovative solution devised by the team is a microneedle patch, a potential game-changer that, when painlessly applied to the scalp, delivers drugs that rebalance the immune response directly at the site of the autoimmune activity. This localized treatment has the potential to revolutionize not only alopecia areata but also other autoimmune skin disorders such as vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.

In their study, which was conducted using mouse models, the researchers observed that the treated mice exhibited hair regrowth and a dramatic reduction in inflammation at the application sites, with no adverse effects on the immune system elsewhere in the body. These promising results highlight the patch’s ability to deliver targeted therapy without the broader impacts typically associated with systemic immune suppression. The study, led by senior authors Natalie Artzi and Jamil R. Azzi, affiliated with MIT, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, has been published in Advanced Materials. Nour Younis and Nuria Puigmal, both postdocs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, are the lead authors of this groundbreaking paper.

Alopecia areata affects over 6 million Americans and is characterized by the body’s T cells attacking the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. The current standard treatment involves painful injections of immunosuppressant steroids, which many patients find intolerable. Alternative therapies, which include oral immunosuppressants, broadly suppress the immune system, leading to potential side effects such as increased risk of infections, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Artzi highlights the drawbacks of such systemic treatments, noting their tendency to offer only temporary relief from inflammation while increasing susceptibility to other health issues.

The genesis of this innovative microneedle patch technology came from a serendipitous conversation between Artzi and Azzi at a meeting in Washington. Their subsequent collaboration has been dedicated to developing this technology, initially reported in 2021 for preventing skin transplant rejection and now refined for treating autoimmune skin disorders. Azzi points out the untapped potential of targeted drug delivery to the skin, emphasizing the advantages of local treatment over traditional systemic approaches.

The microneedle patches are made from biocompatible materials like hyaluronic acid and polyethylene glycol (PEG), designed to penetrate the tough outer layer of the epidermis. Artzi explains that this formulation allows for effective skin penetration and provides flexibility in drug incorporation. In this study, the patches were loaded with cytokines IL-2 and CCL-22, which promote the recruitment and proliferation of regulatory T cells. These cells are crucial in reducing inflammation and teaching the immune system to recognize hair follicles as non-foreign, thereby preventing further attacks.

Moreover, the design of the microneedle patches enables them to collect samples following drug release, which can be used to monitor the treatment’s progress. This feature is invaluable in future clinical trials, allowing for detailed treatment efficacy and immune response monitoring. The patches swell to absorb interstitial fluid containing biomolecules and immune cells, providing a novel method for non-invasive monitoring.

As the research team continues to develop this technology to commercialize it for broader use, they are exploring its applications for alopecia and other autoimmune skin diseases. This approach could significantly advance in treating dermatological and autoimmune disorders, offering a new, effective way to manage conditions with limited treatment options.

More information: Nour Younis et al, Microneedle-Mediated Delivery of Immunomodulators Restores Immune Privilege in Hair Follicles and Reverses Immune-Mediated Alopecia, Advanced Materials. DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312088

Journal information: Advanced Materials Provided by Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Phone-Based Psychological Support Proven Effective Against Loneliness and Depression, Major Study Finds

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A major new study led by a team from the University of York, Hull York Medical School, and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust has shown significant reductions in depression levels, surpassing those seen with antidepressants. Participants experienced a 21% decrease in emotional loneliness over three months, with sustained benefits even after the intervention ended. This underscores the lasting impact of the treatment and brings hope for the future.

The Behavioural Activation in Social Isolation trial (BASIL+ trial), initiated shortly after the outbreak of the 2020 pandemic, is the largest trial to address and measure loneliness precisely. Published in The Lancet (Healthy Longevity), the study marks a significant progression in the evidence base for preventing loneliness.

The trial targeted individuals over 65 with multiple long-term conditions who were at high risk of loneliness and depression due to COVID-19 shielding measures. Supported by a £2.6M grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), it was the only mental health trial given priority by the NHS under its Urgent Public Health programme during the pandemic, involving hundreds of older adults across 26 UK sites.

As political and health leaders increasingly recognize the critical issue of loneliness, the World Health Organization has declared it a ‘Global Health concern’ and initiated an international commission to address it. The findings from the BASIL+ trial are expected to contribute significantly to this global effort. The trial’s impact is underscored by its scope and timing, occurring as the Jo Cox Commission highlights that 9 million people in the UK suffer from loneliness, prompting a governmental strategy to tackle the issue, including a ministerial appointment.

The study was co-led by Professor Simon Gilbody and Professor David Ekers, who noted the personal connection many team members had to the issue. They shared stories of their older relatives who faced isolation during the lockdown, which fueled their passion for this research. Their empathy and personal experiences informed the trial’s approach, which has been validated in this large-scale study. Professor Ekers expressed enthusiasm about the UK’s leadership in vaccine development and mental health advancements during the pandemic, enhancing understanding of effective interventions for loneliness based on lessons from this challenging period.

More information: Simon Gilbody et al, Behavioural activation to mitigate the psychological impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on older people in England and Wales (BASIL+): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial, The Lancet Healthy Longevity. DOI: 10.1016/S2666-7568(23)00238-6

Journal information: The Lancet Healthy Longevity Provided by University of York

Study Reveals Impact of Social Media on College Students’ Mental Health Amid Pandemic

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The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the mental well-being of college students, significantly increasing conditions like anxiety and major depression among young adults aged 18-25 compared to pre-pandemic levels. This surge in mental health issues prompted researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to investigate a potential exacerbating factor: the use of social media. Recognizing the growing prevalence of social media among students, concerns have already been raised by the US Surgeon General regarding its potential risks to the mental health of young people.

Economist Jane Cooley Fruehwirth and her team tackled the complex questions surrounding social media’s role in these mental health trends. They collected longitudinal survey data from first-year students at a large public research university before and during the pandemic. This allowed them to observe changes in social media habits alongside other factors such as social isolation, anxiety and depression symptoms, and lifestyle habits, including sleep, exercise, and social interactions.

The findings of the study were quite revealing. While an initial increase in social media usage at the start of the pandemic did not significantly impact students’ mental health, a continued increase 18 months into the pandemic coincided with a negative shift in mental health outcomes. Students who increased their social media usage by an hour daily after 18 months were notably more prone to depression and anxiety. This correlation became more pronounced as students returned to campus life, suggesting that increased social media use may subtract from time spent on beneficial activities like exercise and exacerbate stress from peer interactions.

Interestingly, the adverse effects of increased social media use were most severe among socially isolated students. These students were not using social media to foster connections but engaging with it more harmfully. This observation led Fruehwirth to note that while some students use social media without detriment, others do not, and distinguishing between these behaviours was a vital focus of the study.

Fruehwirth emphasized the importance of resilience and social support in protecting students from social media’s negative consequences. She pointed out that the narrative isn’t that social media is inherently bad but that its impact can vary significantly among individuals based on their usage patterns and social contexts.

The research also highlighted the significant role that college environments can play in reducing feelings of isolation, with about one in five students feeling isolated on campus. This suggests that factors beyond social media contribute to student isolation, and universities could actively work to reduce this by enhancing physical and social spaces, fostering connections through clubs, and establishing peer support networks to build resilience among students. These measures could mitigate the negative impacts of social media and promote a healthier, more connected student community.

More information: Jane Cooley Fruehwirth et al, The effect of social media use on mental health of college students during the pandemic, Health Economics. DOI: 10.1002/hec.4871

Journal information: Health Economics Provided by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Integrate Mindfulness and Physical Activity to Enhance Mental Well-being in 2024 – Research

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An academic journal publication, “Mental Health and Physical Activity,” suggests that lifestyle changes combining physical activity and mindfulness significantly enhance mood and overall well-being. This research is among the first to demonstrate the synergistic benefits of integrating these practices, which are known to have psychological advantages. The findings reveal that mindfulness facilitates the initiation of exercise by helping individuals overcome common barriers, such as minor pain or discouragement, during challenging moments.

The study meticulously analyzed existing literature and found that mindfulness effectively reduces stress, anxiety, and worry, contributing to healthier, happier lives. These benefits were evident in individuals with and without existing health issues. Masha Remskar, a psychologist specializing in behaviour change, mindfulness, and exercise at the University of Bath, led the research. The Medito Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to promoting mindfulness, supported it.

In collaboration with the University of Bath, Medito has developed a mindfulness meditation app, providing a free alternative to paid services like Headspace and Calm. This initiative aims to enhance mental well-being and encourage physical activity. As part of their findings, the research team has launched the first of two mindfulness audio courses designed to help individuals establish and maintain exercise routines, with a second guide expected to be released in 2024.

Masha Remskar from the University’s Department of Health explains that exercising more can offer significant physical and mental health benefits, though beginning and maintaining such a routine can be daunting. Mindfulness, she emphasizes, enhances the psychological resilience needed for regular exercise, making the process more engaging and helping individuals appreciate its benefits. It promotes a lifestyle shift, encouraging a more accepting and less judgmental attitude towards oneself, which is a critical factor in forming healthy habits.

Steven Yorke, co-founder of Medito, underscores the importance of accessibility in mindfulness practices. He criticizes the common practice of monetizing mindfulness through paywalls and advocates for free access to mindfulness resources. This commitment aligns with Medito’s mission to make meditation available to everyone at no cost. By offering a wide range of free mindfulness meditations, Medito is broadening its reach and leading the way in mindfulness research.

Building on this foundation, the team is preparing to conduct a larger trial to evaluate the effectiveness and determine the optimal times for combining exercise with mindfulness. This next step will explore how this integrated approach can improve mental and physical health, continuing the innovative work at the intersection of physical activity and psychological well-being.

More information: Masha Remskar et al, Effects of combining physical activity with mindfulness on mental health and wellbeing: Systematic review of complex interventions, Mental Health and Physical Activity. DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100575

Journal information: Mental Health and Physical Activity Provided by University of Bath