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Articles Tagged with: hair loss research

October 3, 2013

Hair Cloning

From nano-scale biomedical robots to prosthesis that can be controlled by thoughts, contemporary medicine is brimming with new and innovative solutions to some of the world’s most challenging mental, physical, and emotional issues. In the field of hair restoration, equally exciting advances are being made toward hair cloning, an advanced treatment protocol that experts hope will someday be able to reverse the signs of androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) in men and women.

Can Surgeons Clone Hair?

Presently, hair cloning is not available as a treatment for hair loss. As noted by researchers at Columbia University, follicular units present a unique challenge because they are complex and difficult to duplicate in vitro (in a laboratory). Nevertheless, researchers are resolute in their pursuit of a procedure that will effectively clone hair to mask the signs of loss.

To accomplish this, researchers turn to the small nipple-like structures that channel blood, oxygen, and nutrients into hair follicles, called derma papilla (DPs). In a paper titled Follicular Cell Implantation: An Emerging Cell Therapy for Hair Loss, Drs. Jeffrey Teumer and Jerry Cooley explain that these structures have an inductive property that might enable them to produce additional hair follicles when cultivated in vitro.

4 Hair Cloning Techniques

Although science has a ways to go before hair cloning procedures are available, there are at least 4 experimental cloning methods that researchers hope will someday be used to reverse hair loss. Each involves the extraction, manipulation, and implantation of the dermal papilla (DP) cells. These methods include (i):

1. Dermal Papillae Implants (alone)

In this technique, cultivated DPs are implanted in the patient’s scalp. Ultimately, the goal of this procedure is to transform the overlying skin cells into hair follicles. If successful, DP implants have the potential to spur new hair growth in areas where hair follicles have become dormant, miniaturized, or otherwise incapable of sustaining natural hair growth.

2. Dermal Papillae Implants (close proximity to miniaturized follicles)

This technique involves stimulating a pre-existing hair follicle with cultivated DPs, making it significantly different from the DP implant method described above. Scientists believe this method has the potential to produce very natural results, as it capitalizes on follicles that already have the foundational alignment and structure needed to produce a natural look.

3. Proto-Hair Implants

This particular approach has the advantage of producing better hair direction, and thus a more natural look, according to researchers. Proto-Hair implants are created by first cultivating DPs with other skin cells (keratinocytes). Then, the groupings are left until partial hair formation occurs. Finally, the resulting cells are implanted into the scalp.

4. Collagen Matrix Implants

Similar to the Proto-Hair implants described above, this approach to hair cloning implements a collagen matrix to further assist in the cultivation of hair follicles with a healthy and natural orientation. Once cultivated, the follicles are transplanted to restore areas of balding scalp.

Schedule a Hair Loss Evaluation

Our team proudly represents South Florida’s top surgeons, registered nurses, technicians, and technologies. We understand the agony and frustration that accompanies hair loss, and we are committed to helping you develop a customized plan that will create natural results. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of thinning, shedding, or balding, contact the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami to schedule a comprehensive hair loss evaluation.

Sources:

(i) Teumer J. “Strategies for Follicular Cell Implantation.” Hair Transplant Forum International. Published 2008.

August 26, 2013

Hair loss and Lou Gehrig’s Disease: Are They Related?

A new study has early hair loss sufferers looking in the mirror with added caution. According to a new study of more than a half million men who ranged in age from mid 40s to early 80s, signs of early balding or hair loss might be tied with the onset of Lou Gehrig’s disease.

For men, the new study provides a much needed wake-up call to be proactive in monitoring their own scalp for signs of early balding, as well as seek the guidance of a certified medical professional should signs of hair loss be detected. As for researchers, the team behind the new study says their findings might provide valuable insight for Lou Gehrig’s disease research, a relatively mysterious neurodegenerative condition that adversely affects an estimated 30,000 Americans (i).

Exploring the Link Between Lou Gehrig’s Disease and Hair Loss

The link between Lou Gehrig’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and hair loss was discovered after researchers performed a longitudinal study that compared the hair lines of men at two distinct stages in life: Mid-forties (age 45), and early sixties (age 61).

The study began with researchers asking men to describe the state of their hair at age 45. After polling more than 500,000 men, researchers found that men exhibited hair loss in the following proportions:

44% of men reported no balding at age 45.
42% of men reported moderate balding at age 45.
14% reported extensive balding at age 45.

Sixteen years later, researchers examined the same group of participants for signs of ALS. The results were as follows:

11 of those who reported extensive balding at age 45 had developed ALS.
13 of those who reported no balding at age 45 had developed ALS.
As a result of these findings, researchers were able to determine that individuals who experience early signs of balding are up to 3 times more likely to develop ALS.

Researchers are quick to warn that there is no need to panic, however.

“This doesn’t mean that bald people should worry,” explains Elinor Fondell, the author of the study and a researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health (ii).

Despite the correlation, it’s important to note that at least 13 individuals who were surveyed had “no balding” at age 45 yet developed ALS by age 61. In light of these outliers, researchers believe a thorough series of follow-up studies are needed to more conclusively determine how hair loss might be related to Lou Gehrig’s disease, if at all.

How to Detect Male Hair Loss

Hair loss affects an estimated 20 million or more American men. While researchers need more time to determine how hair loss and Lou Gehrig’s disease are related, there is compelling evidence suggesting that hair loss might lead to hypertension and other cardiovascular system issues.

To detect hair loss, men as early as 20 years of age can do the following:

Monitor for signs of hair accumulation in the shower (along the rim of the tub, drain, and personal hygiene products)
Examine hair accumulation on combs and hairbrushes. Some accumulation is normal, however extensive accumulation could be a sign of thinning, shedding, or pattern baldness.
Check your pillow for hairs in the morning.
Familiarize yourself with the Norwood Classification to better understand what each stage of male pattern baldness looks like.

This health report has been produced by the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. For additional information on our Institute, including hair loss evaluation and consultation services, readers are invited to contact our office directly at 1-877-443-9070.

Sources:

(i) “Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Fact Sheet.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed 23 August 2013.

(ii) “Early Balding Might be Linked with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” Live Science. Accessed 23 August 2013.

August 5, 2013

Surgeons Review Viviscal® Hair Supplement, Recommend Alternatives

Viviscal® Extra Strength has been released, and promoters of the new hair supplement claim it has the ability to put an end to thinning, shedding, and balding in men and women. Dermatologists, surgeons, and other health professionals remain wary of the new supplement’s claims, however.

Although the makers of Viviscal® claim the product is “supported by a combination of over 20 years of research,” further investigation reveals that its history in clinical trials and testing is actually quite shallow. In short, the product has seen very few trials when compared to leading treatments like Rogaine® (Minoxidil). Moreover, the trials that have been conducted involved very few test subjects.

4 Reasons to Choose an Alternative to Viviscal®

Whether choosing a surgical or non-surgical approach, men and women no longer have to suffer with signs of thinning, shedding, or balding. There are several alternatives to Viviscal®, most of which are backed by many years of successful clinical trials and research. Here are 4 reasons to choose a better-known, and thus more reliable method of hair loss treatment.

Viviscal® is Backed by Little Research

One Viviscal® study involved just 20 subjects, 3 of which withdrew from the control group prior to completion (i). Concern for the effectiveness of Viviscal® only rises in the wake of such limited clinical testing and evaluation, causing many medical professionals to question the product’s efficacy in treating hair loss in men and women.

Other Non-Surgical Options Are Proven Effective*

One of the most heavily researched and trusted alternatives is Minoxidil, known by the brand name Rogaine®. A topical treatment, Rogaine is a foam product that is applied to the hair and scalp twice daily. Extra strength formulas are also available for patients with more pronounced hair loss.

*Rogaine® is proven to be effective in slowing or stopping hereditary hair loss (pattern baldness) in 4 out of 5 patients. At a cost that averages just $30-40 per month, Rogaine is a non-surgical alternative that is as affordable as it is effective.

Surgical Hair Restoration is Better Than Ever

When considering an alternative to Viviscal® hair supplements, it’s exciting to know that surgical hair restoration is now faster and more comfortable than ever. Today, hair transplant surgery is a simple, comfortably, and minimally invasive procedure that effectively restores areas of balding scalp with your own natural hair.

The days of hair plugs are long gone. Today, hair transplants are performed via follicular unit extraction (FUE), a highly refined process that transplants follicular grafts of about 1-3 hairs at a time. Such precision enables surgeons to restore the scalp by hand, artfully and skillfully reconstructing hairlines with natural characteristics. So natural, in fact, a reported 85% of people cannot recognize when a transplant procedure has been performed, according to the ISHRS (ii).

Speak to a Professional About Hair Loss

If you or a loved one suffers with hair loss, contact the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami today. Our team is comprised of South Florida’s finest hair transplant surgeons, registered nurses, microscopists, and technicians. We hold your pursuit of a fuller head of hair in the highest regard, providing only the most widely studied treatments that have been proven effective in treating hair loss in men and women.

The ARTAS® Generation. Our Institute is now 1 of fewer than 20 clinics to offer the revolutionary ARTAS® System for hair transplant. To learn more about the first ever FDA-approved transplant robot, visit our ARTAS System page.

Sources:

(i) “A comparative study of a new food supplement, ViviScal, with fish extract for the treatment of hereditary androgenic alopecia in young males.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, PubMed.gov. Accessed 5 August 2013.

(ii) “2010 Hair Transplant Challenge Survey.” International Society for Hair Restoration Surgery. Accessed 17 June 2013.

July 9, 2013

New Study: Oxidative Stress Might Cause Pattern Baldness

Have you eaten any blueberries lately? If so, hair surgeons say you might be less likely to suffer from androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness. According to a new study, certain vitamins and bioflavonoids could enhance the health and functionality of hair follicles, creating long and beautiful hair that will last long into adulthood.

Free Radicals, Oxidative Stress, and Balding. The idea that antioxidant super foods could hold the key to preventing hair loss comes from leading research institutions in the United Kingdom. The Centre for Cutaneous Research at the Queen Mary’s University of London, along with the Farjo Medical Centre and Unilever R&D, have published the findings in an abstract titled Oxidative Stress and Cell Senescence in Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA).

In the report, researchers contrast two separate cultures of hair follicle dermal papilla (DP): One from scalp that has experienced pattern baldness, and one from scalp that exhibits normal hair growth. By contrasting these two selections of DP, researchers were able to make a number of fascinating discoveries:

1. The derma papilla (DP) of balding scalp exhibited higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

ROS molecules are a special type of free radical that is sometimes produced when the body metabolizes oxygen. As professor of nutrition at Tufts University, Dr. Jeffrey Blumberg has dedicated his professional career to the study and science of free radicals, oxidation, and cell damage. He explains:

“While the body metabolizes oxygen very efficiently, 1% or 2% of cells will get damaged in the process and turn into free radicals,” (i).

Once produced, free radicals are known to swarm the body in search of an extra electron. Numerous studies suggest that this process causes damage on the cellular level, referred to as free radical damage. According to health experts at the Harvard School of Public Health, free radical damage may contribute to cardiovascular disease, vision loss, and other chronic conditions (ii). Now, according to researchers in the UK, it seems free radicals might also lead to pattern baldness by damaging hair follicles.

2. Higher levels of ROS corresponded to decrease cell motility.

Cell motility refers to the ability of body cells to naturally reproduce in a dynamic fashion. Motility is vital for wound healing, tissue regeneration, a number of other important biological functions. When comparing DP cultured from balding scalp to that of normal scalp, researchers found cell motility to decrease as oxygen levels increased, indicating that increased ROS might significantly impair the DP’s ability to support healthy long-term hair growth.

3. DP from balding scalp exhibits higher levels of cell senescence.

Cell senescence occurs when a cell is alive but no longer able to divide and proliferate. As cell senescence increases, the ability of the hair follicle to support natural hair growth decreases.

As a result of the 3 main findings above, researchers now believe “oxidative stress may exacerbate the onset of androgenetic alopecia [pattern baldness],” (iii).

This exclusive health report has been published by the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. For additional information or appointment requests, please call toll-free 1-877-443-9070.

Sources:

(i) “How Antioxidants Work.” WebMD. Accessed 8 July 2013.

(ii) “Antioxidants: Beyond the Hype.” Harvard School of Public Health. Accessed 8 July 2013.

(iii) “Oxidative Stress and Cell Senescence in Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA)”

June 28, 2013

Take Rogaine® or Aspirin, Never Both

A new study has shown that men and women who take Rogaine® (Minoxidil) to treat hair loss might want to consider keeping the aspirin bottle capped. A research team at the University of British Columbia has found evidence that the popular anti-inflammatory medication may suppress the same enzymes that Rogaine seeks to stimulate, thereby negating the effect of the popular hair loss treatment. This discovery is potentially alarming for many Rogaine users, as daily Aspirin use is widely promoted by physicians as a safe way to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the chance of heart attack and stroke.

In light of this recent finding, men and women who regularly use Rogaine may wish to find alternative methods of improving cardiovascular health. Alternatively, hair loss sufferers may elect to continue taking Aspirin and choose to restore areas of balding scalp via hair transplant. Unfortunately, evidence suggests one can no longer do both.

How Rogaine® Works

Minoxidil, available by the brand name Rogaine, is one of the most widely used non-surgical treatments for hair loss. Though it is still unclear exactly how the topical foam suppresses hair loss, many studies indicate that Rogaine stimulates the production of a very special enzyme called cyclooxygenase1, or COX-1. As the production of COX-1 increases, so too does the production of prostaglandin E2, or PGE2.

Increased levels of PGE2 has a very positive impact on the overall health and functionality of hair follicles, and in some cases may reverse the process of hair miniaturization. Hair miniaturization is characterized by the inability of hair follicles to sustain natural hair growth, a phenomenon that may eventually lead to pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia. In this way, Rogaine is thought to reverse the signs of hair loss by stabilizing hair follicles through increased production of PGE2.

How Aspirin May Hinder the Effects of Rogaine

Unfortunately, a ground-breaking new study released by the Department of Dermatology and Skin Science at the University of British Columbia demonstrates that Aspirin may negate the effects of Rogaine, simply by acting as an anti-inflammatory. Specifically, Aspirin suppresses the synthesis of certain prostaglandins by actively shutting-down cyclooxygenase enzymes like COX-1.

Just as Rogaine seeks to stimulate COX-1 production to improve hair growth, Aspirin disables COX-1 to fight inflammation.

Alternative Hair Loss Treatments

Fortunately, there are alternatives to Rogaine that may restore areas of balding scalp with all-natural hair. Two leading methods include follicular unit extraction (FUE) transplant, and a robotics-assisted transplant with the all-new ARTAS® System.

FUE Hair Transplant. FUE transplants are conducted by highly qualified surgeon. The scalp is anesthetized prior to the procedure, so almost no pain is experienced by the patient. Individual clusters of hair follicles are then removed from the patient’s own scalp, using a minimally invasive “punch” instrument that measures only a few millimeters in diameter. The surgeon then separates the clusters into pairings of 1-3 hairs and expertly transplants them to the area of balding scalp, by hand.

ARTAS® System Transplant. The Hair Transplant Institute of Miami has recently become 1 of fewer than 20 clinics to offer the revolutionary new ARTAS System, the first ever FDA approved robotics technology for FUE transplant procedures. Using the ARTAS, our surgeons are able to perform FUE transplants with more quickly, with greater accuracy and precision. Recovery time is faster than ever, and the end-result is incredibly natural in appearance. Learn more about ARTAS hair transplants in Miami.

This exclusive health report has been published by the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. For additional information or appointment requests, please call toll-free 1-877-443-9070.

June 3, 2013

Losing Hair? You Could Have Hypertension

Hair transplant surgeons often encourage patients to monitor their hair for signs of thinning, shedding, and loss. Keeping tabs on hair health is about more than preserving appearance, however. An ever-growing body of research indicates that hair health is intricately tied to overall mental, physical, and emotional wellness. From stress-related shedding to loss caused by overzealous styling, there are a number of well-documented ways in which lifestyle can negatively (or positively) affect hair health.

Most recently, researchers have identified a new connection between hair and heart health. A Japanese team of scientists has found a convincing correlation between hair loss and hypertension, a condition more commonly referred to as high blood pressure. The findings are the result of a study of nearly 38,000 men and women in which participants who suffered with hair loss, specifically pattern baldness, were about 32% more likely to also exhibit signs of hypertension (i).

Hair Loss & Health: Why Consulting a Physician is a Big Deal

Researchers say their findings are important for at least two reasons. First, the study provides a serious word of caution to young men and women who first begin to lose their hair. With such a strong correlation between hair loss and hypertension, individuals who experience hair loss are wise to consult a physician about their physical health. Hypertension causes blood pressure to rise, which also causes the heart to work harder to circulate blood. Over time, this can make a patient more prone to heart attack and stroke. Hypertension is also associated with arterial diseases, kidney disease, and shorter life expectancy. In addition to consulting a physician about these conditions, individuals who experience hair loss may also wish to have blood analysis conducted to assess hormonal health.

Second, researchers say this study, along with others, helps to spread awareness for the way in which hair can be an external barometer for internal health. Lead researcher Dr. Erling Thom explains (ii):

“Through our research with Nourkrin and female hair loss, we have discovered that there are many health issues for men and women that can actually be identified at an early stage through looking for hair loss and thinning hair […]”

In this way, monitoring one’s hair for signs of thinning or shedding can ultimately provide an early alert that a larger health issue exists. In turn, patients who understand the risks associated with hair loss are more likely to consult a physician when it occurs, prompting early diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Erling elaborates:

“Losing hair is one of these very early signs [that your body is under stress from a disease], which up till now has not been treated with the respect it deserves, as a precursor to a more serious condition.”

Sources:

(i) “Hair Loss Could Be a Sign of Hypertension.” Maidenhead Online. Accessed 1 June 2013.

(ii) See above.

May 31, 2013

Timing of Radiation Therapy May Influence Hair Loss

More than 12 million Americans suffer with cancer, according to reports by the American Cancer Society. For many, radiation therapy is an effective method of preventing the spread of cancerous cells while also working to eliminate them entirely. Radiation therapy is known to harm healthy cells, however, which may cause a variety of side effects including hair loss.

For patients who experience hair loss during radiation therapy, new research suggests administering the treatment later in the day might mitigate such side effects. Scientists hope the study will provide a foundation for future research on further managing the toxic side effects of radiation therapy. For patients, the study provides hope that the unwanted side effects of cancer treatment, like hair loss, can be mitigated.

Managing the Toxic Effects of Radiation Therapy

Nearly half of all cancer patients will encounter radiation therapy as part of their treatment protocol, according to the National Cancer Institute (i). For some, radiation therapy is an effective means of managing, and ultimately killing, cancerous cells. Radiation therapy comes with a price, however.

Radiation therapy exposes the body to large amounts of high-energy radiation like x-rays, gamma rays, and other charged particles. These particles course through the patient’s body, seeking to shrink and kill cancer cells. Radiation cannot distinguish between cancer cells and healthy ones, however, and modern medicine has not yet developed a way to effectively hyper-target radiation to specific malignant cells. As a result, healthy cells are often killed along with cancerous ones.

Researchers from USC, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, and the University of California, Irvine (UCI) believe the toxic side effects of radiation therapy can be managed, however. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, their study evaluated the hair loss experienced by laboratory mice following radiation therapy at different times of day. Specifically, mice that received early morning radiation therapy lost approximately 85% of their body hair, whereas those treated later in the day lost as little as 17% (ii).

Researchers say the difference in hair loss is due to the circadian rhythm of the hair cells themselves. Most commonly referred to as an internal clock, the circadian rhythm of individual cells determines when biological processes are active (awake) or subdued (asleep). In the study above, researchers found the hair circadian rhythm of the mice to be inactive in the mornings and active in the evenings, a pattern that might account for the substantial difference in the hair loss exhibited by each test group.

Satchidananda Panda, co-lead investigator and associate professor in Salk’s Regulatory Biology Laboratory, explains (iii):

“Delivering a drug to an organ while it is largely inactive is not a good idea. You could do more damage to the organ than when it is awake, repairing and restoring itself. If you know when an organ is mending itself, you might be able to deliver more potent doses of a drug or therapy. That might offer a better outcome while minimizing side effects.”

Sources:

(i) “Radiation Therapy for Cancer.” National Cancer Institute. Accessed 30 May 2013.

(ii) “Timing of Radiation Therapy May Minimize Hair Loss.” Health Canal. Accessed 30 May 2013.

(iii) See above.

May 14, 2013

Scientists Have Success with ‘Vampire Treatments’ for Baldness

Researchers have announced success in re-growing patients’ hair with a special solution of their own blood. These so-called vampire treatments for baldness involve strategically injecting areas of balding scalp with solutions of platelet rich plasma, or PRP, derived entirely from the patients’ blood.

The research is the product of scientists from the International Hair Research Foundation and University of Brescia, Italy. Just fewer than 50 patients were observed, and while many received PRP injections, a control group received only a placebo. Three total injections were administered to each patient, after which hair growth was measured. Researchers observed significant hair re-growth in patients treated with PRP injections, showing a strong correlation between PRP therapy and hair growth. Follow-up studies are to be conducted by teams at the Hebrew University Medical Centre in Israel, according to sources familiar with the matter.

“Alopecia is known to lead to overwhelming effects on the patient’s quality of life and self-esteem,” says Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists, commenting on the importance of the research findings. “This could offer hope to thousands,” (i).

And while each patient in the study was treated for alopecia areata, researchers believe the injections may also help individuals suffering with pattern baldness.

“We think it can help to regrow hair on people with androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness),” explains Dr. Fabio Rinaldi. “We believe it is the best treatment available, apart from surgery.”

Use of PRP in Hair Transplant Surgery

Cosmetic surgeons are no strangers to PRP injections, which already used in procedures to reduce the effects of aging on the face and hands (i). At our Institute, PRP injections are likewise used to enhance the effectiveness and natural end-result of hair transplant procedures.

How it Works. Research suggests PRP injections may play a critical role in stimulating stem cell activity and growth beneath the surface of the skin. The corresponding increases in blood flow, nutrient/ oxygen delivery, and cellular growth may in turn support healthy hair follicle function. For patients undergoing a transplant procedure, PRP injections may ensure that transplanted follicular units [hairs] receive the nutrition and support necessary to grow, immediately.

Learn More About Our Institute

Our friendly staff includes South Florida’s finest hair transplant surgeons, microscopists, technicians, and registered nurses. We understand the agony and frustration that accompanies hair loss, and we are committed to helping you develop a customized plan that will create natural results.

To learn more about hair evaluations, treatments, and procedures at the Hair Transplant Institute, please contact us online or call us directly at 1.877.443.9070.

Sources:

(i) “Scientists ‘Vampire Treatment’ for Baldness.” The Telegraph. Accessed May 10^th, 2013.

(ii) See above.

December 4, 2012

A Decade in Review: Exciting Achievements in Hair Loss Research

The past decade has seen a number of exciting discoveries that have led to a fuller and richer understanding of hair loss. And while the availability of a hair loss cure is still many years away, physicians and patients alike are excited with these recent achievements in the study of hair growth, loss, and replacement.

Certainly, there are far too many hypotheses, studies, and research initiatives to list in a single health report. Even greater are the number of studies that are currently underway, the outcomes of which will remain largely unknown until each study is concluded, analyzed, re-tested, and published. Nevertheless, we would like to take a moment to highlight a few of the decade’s most exciting achievements in hair loss research.

We invite our readers to browse the studies below and follow the Read More link for the original full-coverage reports, previously published on the Miami Hair Blog.

Vitamin D and Hair Growth

The first researcher to theorize about vitamin D’s role in promoting normal hair growth was Mark Haussler, a University of Arizona College of Medicine professor. In 1969, Mr. Haussler explained that the vitamin D receptor in hair follicles is “crucial for the generation of hair,” (i).

Nearly 3 decades later, American culture was swept by a catchy advertising campaign that spread awareness for vitamin D, calcium, and osteoporosis prevention. With the help of A-list celebrity endorsements and clever advertising language, the Got Milk? campaign successfully penetrated the minds of America’s youth, reminding them that milk is a fundamental part of healthy bone development.

Unfortunately, the link between hair health and vitamin D was never part of the advertising campaign and received little notice from mainstream media. Until now.

Hair Loss and Heart Disease

The idea that body health is holistic in nature is nothing new. Anyone who has experienced a common cold shortly after a time of great stress is well attuned to the concept that mental, emotion, and physical health are interrelated. The aforementioned example illustrates how emotional health can affect physical health, as stress (an emotional state) may lead to the breakdown and impairment of the immune system (a physical system), resulting in a cold.

In this way, health professionals believe that a specific illness may manifest itself in a number of different ways. Most recently, researchers have found that hair loss could be an outward-sign of serious cardiovascular issues.

Treatment for Individuals with Alopecia Areata is ‘Favorable’

In Japan, researchers at the Tokyo Medical University have released new research indicating that individuals with alopecia areata have a ‘favorable’ prognosis across a variety of different treatment options. Researchers evaluated 1,030 patients for a 3-year period, taking note of the severity, improvement, and cure rate of the hair loss. At the end of the study, the research team found that patients who exhibited regeneration of vellus hairs also showed a significantly higher improvement in the reversal of general alopecia areata symptoms.

According to lead-researcher Dr. Masaki Uchiyama, M.D., the study provides strong evidence that the course of treatment for the patients did not have a “statistically significant influence” on the regeneration of their body hair (ii).

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Sources for this hair loss research report include:

(i) Wang, Shirley S. “The Search for a Baldness Cure.” 12 September 2012.

(ii) “Rapidly Progressive Alopecia Shows Favorable Prognosis.” Published on Medicalxpress.com. Accessed November 26^th, 2012.

November 28, 2012

Treatment for Individuals with Alopecia Areata is Promising

Researchers in Tokyo have just recently reported that patients who suffer with alopecia areata (AA), a specific type of hair loss, show a “favorable prognosis” when it comes to hair regeneration. The new study was conducted at Tokyo Medical University and was recently published online via the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in late September of this year.

Dr. Masaki Uchiyama, M.D., led the Japanese research team at Tokyo Medical University as they surveyed 1,030 alopecia areata patients over the course of 3 years. During that time, researchers evaluated the improvement or cure rate of the participants as they engaged in different hair loss treatments for alopecia areata symptoms. Specifically, researchers noted the following:

1. Severity: The degree to which hair loss affected the body was measured, including the number of affected areas as well as their size and proximal location on the body.

2. Treatment: The method of treatment was noted for each patient, giving researchers a cross-section of different treatment modalities to analyze.

3. Improvement: During the 3-year period, researchers assessed the regrowth of body hair for each participant, specifically by noting the regeneration of vellus hairs.

4. Cure Rate: Instances in which symptoms of alopecia areata were “cured” were also recorded.

As the study drew to a close, Dr. Uchiyama’s team found that patients who exhibited regeneration of vellus hairs also showed a significantly higher improvement in the reversal of alopecia areata symptoms. In general, these improvements meant hair regeneration. In some cases, however, improvements translated to the complete reversely of hair loss.

Most noteworthy, however, is the following: The rate of improvement (or cure) was affected by neither the chosen treatment method nor the severity of the patient’s unique condition.

“Our study suggested that there was no statistically significant influence of the initial treatment modalities on the prognosis of AA patients with severe hair loss, including both RPAA and chronic persistent AA,” Dr. Uchiyama and his research team concluded (i).

Understanding Alopecia Areata

To learn more about alopecia areata, readers are invited to review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide below:

1. What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is a unique type of hair loss characterized by rounded patches of concentrated baldness. These patches may occur on the scalp as well as other parts of the body. Concentrated areas of hair loss may occur simultaneously, affecting different parts of the body at the same time.

2. What are the symptoms of alopecia areata?

Symptoms for alopecia areata may differ from patient to patient, however they generally include:

Small, rounded bald patches on the scalp or other areas of the body.
Exposed skin is typically ‘normal’ in appearance, exhibiting no sign of scarring, discoloration, agitation, or irritation.
Hair loss may occur at different areas, at different times.
Hair regrowth may occur at different areas, at different times.
Hairs exhibit an “exclamation” shape, meaning they get narrower towards the base (scalp).
Tingling/ pain may be experienced at the affected area.
Condition may go into ‘remission’ for a period of time, during which symptoms are not noticeable.

3. What are the causes of alopecia areata?

Researchers are still studying alopecia areate to better understand the root causes of the condition. Though research is still ongoing, it appears that the condition may be caused by two main factors:

Heredity: Often times, alopecia areata is more common for individuals whose family members experience symptoms as well. This has led researchers to suggest the condition may be inherited genetically.
Autoimmune disease: Researchers also believe that the underlying cause of alopecia areata may be an autoimmune disease. In this scenario, the individual’s own immune system, specifically the T cells, attack the hair follicles and suppress growth.

4. How is alopecia areata diagnosed?

Alopecia areata is best diagnosed by a licensed dermatologist or skilled hair transplant surgeon. Typically, a simple and painless hair loss evaluation will diagnose the condition while also mapping the proper course of treatment.

Sources for this report include:

(i) “Rapidly Progressive Alopecia Shows Favorable Prognosis.” Published on Medicalxpress.com. Accessed November 26^th, 2012.

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