2023-07-15 12:00:00
Haidak Medical Journalist Director Yongwook YongㅣSource: Haidak
Male pattern baldness is very common. According to statistics, two-thirds of adult males over the age of 35 in Korea experience hair loss, and the number increases even more from the age of 50. There are many people who suffer from hair loss like this, but unfortunately, hair loss treatments are limited. Therefore, various studies are being attempted to overcome hair loss, and a very interesting study has recently been published.
According to the study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) by Northwestern University researchers, stimulating the production of certain types of microRNAs helps hair grow and regenerate. In fact, when the research team conducted animal experiments using this microRNA called miR-205, hair growth was observed in just 10 days in all mice regardless of age. In addition, miR-205 softened the hair follicle cells and showed a great effect in preventing hair loss. Hair follicle cells are known to harden with aging and cause hair loss.
The findings are encouraging because the new findings are completely different from conventional hair loss treatments. Minoxidil, currently most often used to treat hair loss, shortens the resting phase and prolongs the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. It also works by reversing hair follicle miniaturization and stimulating circulation around the hair follicle. However, side effects such as skin atrophy and capillary dilation may occur, and it takes several months to see the effect.
In addition, finasteride, which is well known as an oral drug, works by suppressing the male hormone DHT, which is the cause of male pattern baldness, but requires semi-permanent use and is costly.
However, miR-205 discovered this time is effective and restores hair, so if it is commercialized, it seems to complement the shortcomings of existing hair loss treatments. However, it is still only in the animal testing stage, so more research is needed to know if it actually works for humans, so it seems that we need to pay attention to the prospects in the future.
Written = Director Yong-wook Ko, medical journalist at Haidak (family medicine specialist)
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