Hope through new therapy for hair loss

US researchers developed a new therapeutic approach to hair loss

03/28/2012

It affects about eight out of ten men and yet researchers have so far found no effective antidote. Hereditary hair loss is often not only a visual problem, but also has a negative impact on the psyche of those affected. American scientists have now discovered a messenger substance that inhibits hair growth and raises hope for new, effective treatment options.

Messenger inhibits hair growth
Researchers discovered in men in bald spots on the scalp unusually high levels of a messenger, which inhibits the growth of hair. The same could be observed in cell cultures. The discovery of the so-called prostaglandin D2 can be hoped for new improved therapeutic options, the scientists write in the journal „Science Translational Medicine“.

About eight out of ten men are affected by hereditary hair loss. More specifically, the hair follicles shrink with them until they are only miniature editions of themselves. These mini-hair follicles then develop only very small, thin hairs that are barely visible. In addition, the growth period of the follicles shorten from several years to a few weeks, the researchers report. The term hair loss is therefore misleading, since the problem is actually that only microscopic hair is produced.

Block the docking of prostaglandins D2 and prevent hair loss
Researchers have known for some time that the male sex hormone testosterone plays a crucial role in this process. However, only a few of those affected have demonstrated a genetically determined hypersensitivity of the hair follicles to testosterone, the researchers explain. Other factors and effective therapies for plant-related hair loss were previously unknown. „Our findings are likely to lead directly to new treatments for the most common cause of hair loss in men“, report Luis Garza from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia and his colleagues. There are now at least ten substances known that could block the docking site of the messenger prostaglandin D2. Some would already be tested in clinical trials. By blocking hair loss could possibly be prevented. „Our discovery was unexpected, as prostaglandins have not previously been linked to hair loss“, explains George Cotsarelis, head of the study.

Prostaglandins form a large group of tissue hormones that perform different functions. For example, they play an important role in pain, blood clotting or inflammation. F2Alpha, also a prostaglandin, even contributes to hair growth, the researchers report.

In bald scalp three times higher concentration of prostaglandin D2
The researchers discovered that the scalp of men who had hereditary hair loss had varying levels of prostaglandin D2. The areas where sufficient hair grew were characterized by a normal concentration, while the bald spots contained three times as much of the hormone.

As a cause, the scientists could identify a gene. In the bald areas of the scalp, the gene is more productive, which encodes an enzyme that is important for the formation of the hormone, they report. This would have been confirmed even in laboratory mice, which formed by genetic manipulation of larger amounts of this enzyme. They also showed the typical symptoms of hereditary hair loss.

Loss of 100 hairs per day is normal
Losing 100 hairs per day is considered normal. The scalp and hair follicles renew themselves from within and the hair grows evenly. However, if increased or persistent hair loss (effluvium, defluvium), this can lead to baldness (alopecia). In addition to a genetic disposition, hormonal changes, medications, metabolic disorders and nutritional deficiencies are among the possible causes. The infestation pattern can in some cases provide clues to the cause.

Among the more common forms is the diffuse hair loss, which shows no specific pattern of involvement. The causes can be very different. He often accompanies, for example, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, liver disease and chronic infections. Even during and after pregnancy, temporary hair loss often occurs. Drug treatments that can lead to hair loss are drugs to lower blood lipids, chemotherapy for cancer, or the use of contraceptive anti-ovulation drugs. Allergies, heavy metal poisoning - especially mercury, arsenic, thallium - a lack of minerals and vitamins through unhealthy diet or a reduced absorption capacity of nutrients (Malasimilationssyndrom), too much alcohol or other drugs and a poor circulation of the scalp as a cause in question. Even physical and emotional stress can lead to hair loss.

A special form is the circular hair loss (alopecia areata) dar. He shows up in almost circular areas with stubby-like residual hair. He often appears in adolescence and family heaped up. Circular hair loss is often associated with thyroid disease. However, it is also considered as an expression of larvierten depression. (Ag)

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Hair loss as an indicator of prostate cancer risk

Picture: Duxschulz