First published December 13, 2017.
A candidate mechanism, not a universal cure
The article describes an experimental approach involving protein signalling. It does not establish that every form of baldness can be reversed or that the compound is ready for routine use.
Evan Agostini / Invision / AP, File
Finally, after a long time, we heard some good news from Korea. For many years, the news of the peninsula revolves around Kim's actions, their consequences on the everyday life of Korea's people and the possibility of the Third World War beginning there.
Despite all that, the good news is that Korean scientists from Yonsei University in Seoul reported an experimental approach to hair regrowth.
Funded by the Korean Ministry of Science, a team of researchers, led by professor Choi Kang-yell has discovered a protein named CXXC-type zinc finger protein 5, that can bind the disheveled protein which triggers hair loss.
Through their findings, the group developed the biochemical substance, PTD-DBM, that prevents CXXC from binding with the protein involved in the signalling pathway described.
Professor Choi made clear that these findings were different from already existing studies such as MSD’s Propecia (finasteride), which merely slows down hair loss and can't be applied to individuals with no hair follicles left.
The team is also aiming to forego common side effects of hair-loss treatments, such as impotence and abnormal ejaculation, which are caused by hormonal imbalances.
The team’s findings were published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology in October.
What the 2017 study tested
The paper, “Targeting of CXXC5 by a Competing Peptide Stimulates Hair Re-growth and Wound Induced Hair Neogenesis” in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, was work in mice. Applied to the bare skin of hairless mice for 28 days, the peptide PTD-DBM produced new follicles, and the strongest effect came when it was combined with skin wounding and topical valproic acid. One detail above needs care: CXXC5 is not itself “the protein which triggers hair loss”. In the researchers’ model, CXXC5 binds to the Dishevelled protein and damps the Wnt/β-catenin signal that drives follicle growth; PTD-DBM blocks that binding. At the time no human trials had been run, and the team said toxicity testing in animals would come first. Results in mice often do not carry over to people, so this remains a research lead rather than a treatment.
Sources: ScienceAlert, 30 November 2017
Identify the experimental stage before calling something a treatment
The protein-signalling work described here concerns a candidate approach to hair regrowth. Its publication does not establish a cure for all forms of hair loss or prove that a product avoids adverse effects. The relevant next questions concern what was tested, in which model, and what evidence would be needed before routine use in people.
penis
ReplyDelete