Male Pattern Baldness and Hair Loss Inhibitor Discovered

By Kai Colvin - Senior Medical Research Editor | September 28th, 2012

Millions of individuals are affected by hair loss. Male pattern baldness, medically termed as androgenetic alopecia attributes for more than 95 percent of hair loss in men.

Male pattern baldness typically beholds a distinguishing pattern starting at the hairline. The hairline slowly regresses and forms an “M” shape. As the hair becomes shorter and thinner at the crown, a horseshoe pattern is formed around the sides of the head further resulting in partial or complete baldness.

In a study published in the Science Translational Medicine, researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania have recently identified an uncharacteristic amount a protein known as Prostaglandin D2 in the balding region of men with male pattern baldness.

Breakthrough Discovery

This breakthrough detection could lead researchers directly to innovative treatments for the most collective cause of hair loss in men.

Test results indicated that prostaglandin (PGD₂) and its derivative 15-dPGJ₂ impede hair growth. These results conclude an encouraging tonic target for androgenetic alopecia in both men and women with hair loss or thinning.

"Although a different prostaglandin was known to increase hair growth, our findings were unexpected, as prostaglandins haven't been thought about in relation to hair loss, yet it made sense that there was an inhibitor of hair growth, based on our earlier work looking at hair follicle stem cells," stated George Cotsarelis, MD, chair and professor of Dermatology, and senior author on the studies.

Prostaglandins play a key role in fleshly functions—guiding cell growth, compressing muscle tissue and are highly intricate in organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, increase blood flow in kidneys, and helps promote constriction of bronchi associated with asthma.

The prostaglandin (F2alpha) is identified to intensify hair growth.

Factors related to MPB

Heredity— Some men are genetically inclined to male pattern baldness. DHT is produced as a result of the conversion of testosterone. DHT acts on the hair follicle and slows down the rate of hair production as well as promotes the generation of weaker and shorter hair.

Inflammation— Inflammation damages the hair follicle and inhibits hair from growing. This type of hair loss is often connected with conditions as lupus or lichen planus.

Autoimmune disorder— Alopecia areata is thought to be an autoimmune disorder.

Emotional or physical stress— Stress is an ever-present part of life; it can be a hindrance to not only our minds but our bodies as well. Stress will restrict the blood supply to capillaries, inhibiting oxygen and nutrient uptake to hair follicles further inhibiting hair growth.

Poor Nutrition— Nutrition and diets high in meat and refined foods can affect male pattern baldness. These contain biotin, protein or zinc and human iron metabolism.

Medications or medical treatments— Certain drugs used to treat gout, arthritis, depression, heart problems and high blood pressure may cause hair loss. Additionally, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also cause temporary hair loss.

With new treatments at the disposal of researchers, hair loss specialists today can provide patients with the ability to make fully informed decisions on hair loss treatment options, whether it be medications or hair transplant procedures.

To learn more about hair loss treatments, find a hair transplant clinic in your area.