One of the things men fear most is hair loss. After all, it has been estimated that nearly 50 percent of all men will experience hair loss during their lifetime. But there is hope as advances in the science of hair loss have spurred the evaluation of a class of drugs that targets an enzyme that plays a major role in this condition.

Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is a hereditary condition characterized by the miniaturization of follicles so that they produce vellus-like (short, fine, soft) rather than terminal (large, pigmented) hairs. This process is known as miniaturization. MPHL is by far the most common form of hair loss.

The process of miniaturization is a function of androgen metabolism in patients who are genetically predisposed to hair loss. Men who develop hair loss may have genetic differences that lead to an increased sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Looking for that perfect cure for hair loss has been driven by strong consumer demand. The reason is simple: hair loss can be distressing. For many, it is a reminder of lost youth that can generate fear, pain and emotional vulnerability.

Recently, however, the scientific understanding of hair loss has made important advances, heralding the potential development of new therapies. The landmark science report on pseudohermaphrodites that did not suffer hair loss noted that their reduction in DHT was due to an unusual genetic defect – the lack of a particular enzyme, 5a-reductase. Conversion of testosterone to DHT in certain cells depends on the presence of 5a-reductase. These findings suggest that selective inhibition of the enzyme could interrupt the process of hair loss.

Finasteride, a specific inhibitor or II 5a-reductase, has been on the market for some years for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In men with male pattern hair loss, a new dose of finasteride has been found to have an effect in preventing hair loss and in stimulating hair growth in some men.

No related posts.

Tags: Hair Loss Problem, Hairloss, Male Pattern Hair Loss, Men Hair Loss