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Stem Cells and Balding
TweetThe answer to a problem for many men may soon be solved by the modern miracles of science. Male balding patterns are linked to various different biochemical pathways. The most probable and most researched pathway is that of sterol containing molecules catabolized to create DHT. Testosterone immediatly comes to mind. Testosterone is reduced to DHT though the use of a enzyme titled 5-alpha reductase. "DHT is thought to promote hair loss in three ways: 1) Healthy follicles grow hair for a time, usually for 2-5 years, and then take a break before starting to grow hair again. DHT shortens the hair growth time and increases the follicle's hair growth holiday. This results in fewer new hairs and shorter ones at that. 2) Immediately before a healthy follicle stops hair growth, it shrinks and the hair it produces is thin and weak (vellus hair). DHT causes the follicle to shrink prematurely which is why bald people have peach fuzz on their heads. 3) Follicles need a blood supply to be nourished. DHT may cause less blood to flow to the follicles." [1]
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Now for the good news. Stems cells have been found in adult mice hair follicles a site previously unknown for being a harbor to these non-morphilogically challenged cells.
"The researchers took individual cells and grew them up into hundreds of thousands of identical copies, then grafted them into a wound on the back of a hairless mouse. The cells grew to form patches of fur, including skin, follicles, hair, and oil-producing glands."[2]
This work "...is the first to prove that the cells are true stem cells, with the capacity to form new tissues. It's hoped the discovery will lead to treatments for baldness and burns." [2]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------Referrences:
1. Rosner, D. Male Baldness Patters - Do bald men get all the girls. World Wide Web, 2004.
2. Hair-raising stem cells confirmed in mouse skin." By Helen Pilcher. News@Nature, 02 Sep 2004, writing about Blanpain C., Lowry W. E., Geoghegan A., Polak L. and Fuchs E. (2004). Cell, 118: 635 - 648.
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