Minoxidil adjuvant therapies

Abstract

Compositions and methods are disclosed herein for inducing (up-regulating) the expression of sulfotransferases in the hair follicles, e.g., the scalp. Increasing sulfotransferase is beneficial for metabolizing pro-drugs that require sulfonation to be activated, e.g., minoxidil sulfate is the active metabolite of minoxidil. A method for combining the compositions described herein with topical minoxidil to enhance minoxidil treatment for androgenetic alopecia is described. Additional methods and compositions include the use of retinoid X receptor agonists, retinoic acid receptor agonists, and nuclear receptor agonists in an RXR-NR heterodimer. Additional methods and compositions include the use of a topical solution containing an alkalinizing agent or an alkalinizing agent used with a penetration enhancer for up-regulating the sulfonating capacity of hair bearing skin, hair follicles, and/or keratinocyte cells. In addition, compositions and methods for increasing or decreasing the growth rate of hair follicles is disclosed by altering the intracellular pH.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A composition for inducing expression of sulfotransferase, comprising an inducer of sulfotransferase and a carrier, the composition formulated as any one or combination of a shampoo, a foam, ointment, spray, solution, gel, slow release capsule, oral tablet, dry shampoo, hair styling product, exfoliating agent. 
     
     
         14 . A composition for inducing expression of sulfotransferase, comprising an inducer of sulfotransferase and a carrier, the composition formulated as a cosmetic product. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A kit for inducing expression of sulfotransferase, comprising an applicator and an inducer of sulfotransferase. 
     
     
         17 - 139 . (canceled) 
     
     
         140 . The composition of  claim 13 , wherein the sulfotransferase is SULTlAl. 
     
     
         141 . The composition of  claim 13 , wherein the inducer of sulfotransferase comprises an agent that increases hair follicle stem cell intracellular pH. 
     
     
         142 . The composition of  claim 141 , wherein the agent that increases hair follicle stem cell intracellular pH is an alkalinizing agent. 
     
     
         143 . The composition of  claim 142 , wherein the alkalinizing agent comprises a an alkaline solution comprising a buffer. 
     
     
         144 . The composition of  claim 142 , further comprising a penetration enhancer. 
     
     
         145 . The composition of  claim 143 , further comprising a penetration enhancer. 
     
     
         146 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein the sulfotransferase is SULTlAl. 
     
     
         147 . The composition of  claim 15 , wherein the inducer of sulfotransferase comprises an agent that increases hair follicle stem cell intracellular pH. 
     
     
         148 . The composition of  claim 147 , wherein the agent that increases hair follicle stem cell intracellular pH is an alkalinizing agent. 
     
     
         149 . The composition of  claim 148 , wherein the alkalinizing agent comprises an alkaline solution comprising a buffer. 
     
     
         150 . The composition of  claim 148 , further comprising a penetration enhancer. 
     
     
         151 . The composition of  claim 149 , further comprising a penetration enhancer. 
     
     
         152 . A kit for inducing expression of sulfotransferase, comprising an applicator and a composition according to  claim 13 . 
     
     
         153 . A kit for inducing expression of sulfotransferase, comprising an applicator and a composition according to  claim 14 . 
     
     
         154 . A kit for inducing expression of sulfotransferase, comprising an applicator and a composition according to  claim 142 . 
     
     
         155 . A kit for inducing expression of sulfotransferase, comprising an applicator and a composition according to  claim 148 .