New discoveries from researchers at the Los Angeles-based University of Southern California reveal hair regeneration treatment possibilities. Published in three studies in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Stem Cells, the new findings provide potential for future innovations in hair restoration and hair generation treatments.

HAIR LOSS CAUSATIONS FACTORS IN MEN AND WOMEN

Androgenic alopecia, or pattern baldness, is the most common hair loss causation factor in both men and women. This genetic-based, chronic condition makes some people more sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Those with genetically weak androgen receptors thus suffer hair loss since DHT miniaturizes hair follicles.

Nearly 40 million men in the U.S. suffer from some degree of hair loss, according to the American Health Journal. For partial or complete baldness in men, 95 percent of them have pattern baldness as the cause. Two-thirds of men will suffer from it by the age of 35, 85 percent by the age of 50. In women, pattern baldness is also the leading causation of hair loss. Approximately 21 million women in the U.S. experience a form of hair loss, according to the American Health Journal. It affects 50 percent of women over the age of 40.

hair restoration information — New discoveries could lead to hair regeneration treatment possibilities but follicular unit extraction (FUE) is currently the most effective for hair loss.

HAIR RESTORATION AND HAIR REGENERATION TREATMENT POSSIBILITIES

Some key factors uncovered in the three studies include specifics for the determination when hair grows, when hair stops growing and when hair falls out. These important elements could lead to new hair regeneration treatment possibilities. Currently, follicular unit extraction (FUE) is the most effective hair transplantation as a solution to hair loss.

FUE is gaining in popularity regarding other hair transplant options. Hair surgeons harvest follicular units one at a time with about 1-millimeter punches rather than removing a strip of scalp. FUE is an innovative and refined hair transplant technique. It does take longer and is usually more expensive than more traditional methods. Surgeons who only perform FUE tend to be more experienced with the technique, plus typically have a higher level of artistic and technical approach.

HAIR REGENERATION TREATMENT POSSIBILITIES AND RESEARCH RESULTS

Dr. Krzysztof Kobielak of USC led the researchers in the studies on hair regeneration treatment possibilities. The first study reveals the discovery of a series of genes — including the Wnt and BMP signaling pathways. Both contribute to influence hair growth cycles.

Increased signaling of the Wnt pathway and decreased signaling of the BMP pathway triggered hair growth. However, reduced Wnt signaling and increased BMP signaling caused hair follicle stem cells (hfSCs) to adopt a “resting state.”

The second hair regeneration treatment possibilities study focused on the function of two key proteins found in the BMP signaling pathway — Smad1 and Smad5. These two proteins trigger signals that are critical for the regulation of stem cells during new hair growth.

The latest study reveals the analysis of Wnt7b. Researchers first came across it in the first study and further investigated how the gene activates hair growth. It was determined that impairment of Wnt7b stunts hair growth.

Overall, their research suggests that hfCS are able to regenerate hair follicles. They are a key element in new hair regeneration treatment possibilities. BMP and Wnt signaling pathways control hfSCs and combine to control cell functions, including cycles of hair growth.

These findings could lead to new hair regeneration treatment possibilities, according to Dr. Kobielak. Additionally, these possibilities go beyond baldness and include new treatment for many human diseases.