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Curr Biol 2003 Feb 18;13(4):333-8

Notch/RBP-J Signaling Regulates Epidermis/Hair Fate Determination of Hair Follicular Stem Cells.


Notch signaling is involved in the cell fate determination of various cell lineages. Notch interaction with its ligand induces the cleavage of its intracellular domain (IC), and the Notch IC translocates to the nucleus and binds to RBP-J to transactivate transcription of target genes. All four Notches in mammals bind to RBP-J to exert their transactivation activities. Notch is expressed in developing or differentiating epidermis and hairs, inhibits the terminal differentiation of the epidermis, and regulates hair differentiation. The common stem cells that reside in the upper portion of hair follicles (the bulge) contribute to epidermal and hair cell formation. However, it is unknown what determines whether hair follicular stem cells will become hairs or epidermis. Here we report that conditionally disrupting the mouse RBP-J gene in a mosaic pattern to avoid embryonic lethality of RBP-J-deficiency caused hair loss, epidermal hyperkeratinization, and epidermal cyst formation. Cyst formation is probably due to a combination of the aberrant fate determination of RBP-J-deficient stem cells to epidermal progenitors and their accelerated differentiation into epidermis. These results suggest that Notch/RBP-J signaling regulates the cell fate determination of hair follicular stem cells at the bulge region.


J Dermatol 2002 Jul;29(7):419-22

Frictional hair loss in Iraqi patients.


A total of 50 Iraqi male patients with frictional hair loss were studied. Their ages ranged from 27-55 years with a mean +/- SD of 40.60 +/- 7.82 years. The age of onset ranged from 26-50 years with a mean +/- SD of 38 +/- 7.3 years. The duration of disease was 1-5 years, mean +/- SD 2.2 +/- 1.3. Middle age was the most common age group affected. Patterns of hair loss were as follows; bilateral thighs & legs 13 (26%), bilateral thighs alone in 9 patients (18%), bilateral shins & calves (legs) in 4 patients (8%), abdomen alone in 8 patients (16%), thigh and abdomen 4 (8%) patients, legs & abdomen 4 (8%) patients, and all sites in 12 patients (24%). The pattern of patchy hair loss showed some etiological preference. It was found to be due to continuous pressure from socks, trousers and bed. Skin biopsies from five patients showed apparently normal histology. Twenty-six (52%) of the cases were healthy. There were no important medical or dermatological associations, such as alopecia areata or peripheral neuropathy in any patient although unrelated medical conditions were seen in 24 (48%). To the best of our knowledge, this type of patchy hair loss has attracted very little attention in the past, and the literature appeared to be deficient in references to this problem.


Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2001 Sep;10(3):147-63

Hair and cancer chemotherapy: consequences and nursing care--a literature study.


Hair is a body appendage that throughout history has been a symbol of the social, cultural and political climate, in addition to connoting religious affiliation. Hair loss on the other hand has been associated with a loss of attractiveness, individuality, a state of disgrace and illness, in addition to the ageing process, death and a loss of sexuality. One of the most common side-effects of chemotherapy is hair loss (alopecia). Alopecia can range from sporadic thinning of the hair to complete baldness. Several factors may contribute to the severity of hair loss including drug, dose and schedule as well as hair care practices. Prevention of alopecia has been a focus in the medical and nursing literature since the late 1960s. Mechanical, physical and biological measures have been used with varying success. The goal of prevention is primarily the reduction of patient distress caused by chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Patient reactions to alopecia vary and may be dependent on the individual importance of hair, prognosis, degree of expected hair loss, the amount of information and preparation given, and physical and psychological coping mechanisms. Nurses play an important role in assisting the patient to cope with alopecia by giving the needed information and teaching self-care strategies to minimize alopecia, cope with alopecia, and protect the skin and eyes following alopecia. These interventions are aimed at helping the patient move through a potentially devastating experience to a renewed sense of well-being.


Am J Clin Dermatol 2000 May-Jun;1(3):151-8

Management of androgenetic alopecia.


Androgenetic alopecia is by far the most common cause of hair loss. It affects approximately 50% of men by the age of 50 and 20 to 53% of women by the age 50. Although it is a medically benign condition, it is a significant psychosocial issue for many patients. Various different treatment options are now available for androgenetic alopecia. The best treatment option for women with androgenetic alopecia Ludwig stage I and II is minoxidil 5% solution. If it is not effective after 1 year, antiandrogens can be tried, but there are no large studies showing their efficacy and they have considerable adverse effects. Also, for patients with alopecia that is unresponsive to treatment or with Ludwig stage III, hair transplantation can be offered if the occipital donor area is sufficient. For men, we always offer minoxidil or finasteride therapy and leave the choice of therapy to the patient. Some patients may prefer a systemic agent, whereas others may favor a topical agent. If the condition is not stabilized after 1 year or if the patient wants greater hair density, hair transplantation can be discussed. There have been tremendous advances in the treatment of hair loss in recent years and the future is very encouraging. As our knowledge of androgenetic alopecia pathophysiology increases, novel targeted treatments will potentially be developed.


Since hair growth is a complicated biological process, modern science has yet to grasp a complete picture. A number of traditional and alternative therapeutic methods that include drugs, surgery, and suppelements have been developed to help those who are losing hair. Unfortunately, none of these approaches are perfect for all hair loss problems due to the complexity of the phenomenon and diverse nature of the causes underlying hair loss. Also, most of chemical drugs and hair transplantation surgeries are accompanied by undesirable side effects.

DreamPharm offers Hair Million (have you heard?) to help treat hair loss problems. Numerous anecdotal cases have demonstrated that this herbal formula based on traditional Chinese herbs actually improves hair thinning and hair loss, a condition often associated with aging, for a significant fraction of people who take the formula regularly. It is not yet understood how Hair Million can stop hair loss and promote hair growth. No scientific research or placebo controlled clinical analysis has been performed on these herbs. Lack of scientific/clinical research is not uncommon in herbal arena. Nonetheless, there are two merits in this hair restoration herbal formula: Firstly, Hair Million is relatively inexpensive, and secondly, it is made of edible herbs that are known to be safe when consumed in regular quantities. Propecia is a clinically tested prescription medication.










DHEA has been suggested to provide numerous potential benefits. DHEA (or dehydroepiandrosterone) is converted into androgens (male hormones) or estrogens (female hormones) in the cells.





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