Hair loss in Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is due to altered cell sensitivity to hormones, not increased hormone levels. Hair growth periods shorten over time, causing hair to become thinner and shorter. This is linked to miscommunication between cell pathways in hair follicles. There's also a change in gene expression related to blood vessels and cell growth in balding hair follicles. The exact molecular causes of AGA are still unclear.
31 citations
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August 2021 in “Stem Cell Research & Therapy”
The conclusion is that understanding how hair follicle stem cells live or die is important for maintaining healthy tissue and repairing injuries, and could help treat hair loss, but there are still challenges to overcome.
Hair loss treatments still rely heavily on minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841, with little innovation. Future treatments like stem cell therapy and RNA technology show promise but are not yet available.
DHT may inhibit hair growth by affecting mitochondrial function, leading to hair follicle miniaturization. Treatments like minoxidil and PP405 may promote hair growth by altering metabolic pathways, potentially counteracting DHT's effects.
Hair loss theory suggests imbalance between Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and Androgen Receptor (AR) activation. Proposed treatment includes upregulating VDR, downregulating AR, and improving mitochondrial health.
HMI-115, a newly discovered hair loss treatment that could potentially be effective for those with diffuse thinning and telogen effluvium. It is based on prolactin receptor antagonist signaling and has already undergone Phase I trials in women, with potential commercialization by 2027.
Creatine may counteract minoxidil's hair growth effects by closing potassium ATP channels, potentially leading to hair loss in predisposed individuals. Despite anecdotal reports, there is no conclusive evidence linking creatine to hair loss.