Steroidogenic isoenzymes in human hair and their potential role in androgenetic alopecia.

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Dermatology 2003;206(2):85-95

Steroidogenic isoenzymes in human hair and their potential role in androgenetic alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss. The relatively strong concordance of the degree of baldness in fathers and sons is not consistent with a simple Mendelian trait, and a polygenic basis is considered to be most likely. So far, the predisposing genes for AGA are unknown and we do not understand the molecular steps involved in androgen-dependent beard growth versus androgen-dependent hair loss, but AGA can be defined as a dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-dependent process with continuous miniaturization of sensitive hair follicles. The type 2 5alpha-reductase plays a central role by the intrafollicular conversion of testosterone to DHT. However, due to the increasing knowledge in this field, we now know that there are many more steroidogenic enzymes involved in the onset and development of AGA, and this article shall provide a critical overview of recent discoveries.

J Invest Dermatol 2002 Jul;119(1):32-7

Defolliculated (dfl): a dominant mouse mutation leading to poor sebaceous gland differentiation and total elimination of pelage follicles.

Defolliculated is a novel spontaneous mouse mutation that maps to chromosome 11 close to the type I keratin locus. Histology shows abnormal differentiation of the sebaceous gland, with the sebocytes producing little or no sebum and undergoing abnormal cornification. The hair follicles fail to regress during catagen leading to abnormally long follicles. In contrast the hair shafts are shorter than normal, suggesting altered differentiation or proliferation of matrix cells during anagen. The shafts emerge from the follicle with cornified material still attached. The dermis contains increased numbers of immune cells, including T cells (CD4-positive), macrophages, and mast cells, at all time points examined. Complete elimination of all pelage and tail follicles occurs after two to three hair cycles, apparently by necrosis. Defolliculated may be a useful model for determining further functions of the sebaceous gland, and for understanding the regulation of catagen and hair follicle immunology.

Ther Umsch 2002 May;59(5):211-6

Androgenetic alopecia in the man

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) occurs in approximately 40% of men at the age of 40 and 50% at 50, respectively. Especially for young men progressive hair loss can be distressing. Therefore, understanding of these patients' concerns is important for appropriate management. Current understanding of the pathophysiology of AGA mainly focuses on androgen metabolism as it affects hair growth. As a result, pharmacologic treatment has made considerable progress through the introduction of selective 5 alpha-reductase inhibition with finasteride. In placebo-controlled clinical trials in men with AGA, treatment with oral finasteride proved to be effective. Minoxidil is the only pharmacological substance for topical application with proven efficacy. So far, other treatment modalities have no proven efficacy in clinical trials, so that their use cannot be recommended. Options for advanced AGA not amenable to pharmacologic treatment are autologous hair transplantation and hair replacement, both of which have recently also made progress in terms of cosmetic appeal.

Lasers Surg Med 2002;30(2):127-34

Hair removal with the long pulsed Nd:YAG laser: a prospective study with one year follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the efficacy, side effects, and the long-term results of a long pulsed Nd:YAG-Laser for hair removal in different hair colors and skin types. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective clinical study with 29 volunteers. Treatment was performed on the lower leg with a long pulsed Nd:YAG-Laser. Five test areas were treated 1-5 times in monthly intervals; one served as control. Follow-up investigations were performed at each session, and 3, 6, and 12 months after the last therapy. No depilatory treatment except shaving was allowed during the time of follow-up. Percentual hair loss, short- and long-term side effects, and pain during the treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: After one month, a hair loss of greater than 50% was found in 44.9% of the areas treated once. With up to five treatments, this percentage increased up to 71.5%. One year after therapy, a greater than 50% hair reduction was still present in 40% of the five-treatment-areas and in 0% of the areas treated only once. There were no permanent side effects despite one small scar after a folliculitis. CONCLUSIONS: The long pulsed Nd:YAG is suitable to remove hair for more than 12 months effectively, although 4-5 sessions are necessary for these results. Blond hair can also be removed, although much less effective. No lasting side effects could be seen. Darker skin types or tanned skin can also be treated without side effects. A cooling may be advisable due to the pain reported by the volunteers.

Being such a complex biological process, hair growth biology is still a work in progress. Noetheless, several therapeutic methods, including drugs, surgery, and suppelements have been in use to help those who attempt to restore their hair. None of these approaches are perfect due to the diversity in the causes underlying hair loss. Also, most of chemical drugs and hair transplantation surgeries are accompanied by undesirable side effects.

DreamPharm offers Hair Million to address hair loss problems. Numerous anecdotal cases have demonstrated that this herbal formula based on authentic Chinese herbs actually improves the age-related hair thinning and hair loss among a significant fraction of people who take it regularly. We still do not understand the mechanisms of action as to how Hair Million works to stop hair loss and promote hair growth, despite all the positive anecdotal observations. Neither scientific research nor placebo controlled clinical analysis has been conducted because it will cost dearly. Lack of scientific/clinical research is quite common in herbal arena. Just because science hasn't scrutinized we should not stop taking daily food and herbal supplements altogether: our life must go on until we have better understandings of food and herb. 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. For scientifically proven prescription medication, check Propecia.

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