Research
In May 2009, researchers in Japan identified a gene, SOX21, that appears to be responsible for hair loss in humans and a researcher in India found the missing link between androgenic hormone and hair loss. Androgenic alopecia is said to be a counterproductive outcome of the anabolic effect of androgens.
In March 2012 a study conducted by Dr. George Cotsarelis, chair and professor of Dermatology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania discovered a casual link between elevated levels of Prostagladin D2 (PDG2) and androgenic alopecia. Abnormally high levels of PDG2 (a nearly three-fold increase) were discovered in tissue samples of balding areas compared to haired areas of the scalp. During the course of the research a PDG2 binding receptor GPR44 was also discovered. Clinical trials to assess compounds aimed at targeting the GPR44 receptor are currently underway.
Read more about this topic: Alopecia
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