Based on the headline and worldwide attention of this recent study Dr. Hitzig felt compelled to comment and clarify:
In reviewing the article below and associating it with Dr. Cotsarelis’s prior studies and those out of Yale University in Sept. 2011, it seems clear that the increase in Prostaglandin D2 Synthase occurs after the Stem Cells in the fatty layer of the scalp become faulty and stop producing the active Progenitor Cells necessary to protect the genetically sensitive hairs from DHT in the scalp.
Yes one can try to decrease the PD2 levels to theoretically “save” the hairs once the damage is being done, but it would make more sense to replenish the Progenitor cells first to prevent PD2 from exerting any negative effect (if that is what it is doing). We know from Propecia that decreasing 5DHT can slow down and even reverse hair loss in various cases. We now also know that Progenitor Cells act in both men and women (much like Estrogen in young women with genetic hair loss) to protect the hairs from miniaturizing. We have seen excellent results from the combination of ACell/Enhanced PRP which we employ in the Hair Rescue System to stop and often reverse hair loss. This is and should remain the first line of defense rather than damage control–the Hair Rescue results are exciting both in genetic alopecia and alopecia areata. … Dr. Gary S. Hitzig
Scientists have identified a hair-loss protein in a development that could pave the way for a cure for male pattern baldness.
By Donna Bowater – The Daily Telegraph
The discovery could mean treatments are developed to suppress the protein and to stop baldness, although it would not reverse the effects to reverse hair loss.
Tests were carried out on tissue from the scalps of more than 20 men with male pattern baldness, known as androgenic alopecia (AGA).
The results showed bald areas had levels of the protein PGD2 three times higher than hairy areas.
There are already 10 drugs available that can block the receptor that allowed PGD2 to work, which could help researchers develop a treatment in the form of a cream or ointment.
The research, led by Professor George Cotsarelis from the University of Pennsylvania, was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
“Our findings should lead directly to new treatments for the most common cause of hair loss in men, AGA,” the team said.
“The potential for developing these compounds into topical formulations for treating AGA should elicit great interest moving forward.”
Professor Cotsarelis added: “Although a different prostaglandin was known to increase hair growth, our findings were unexpected, as prostaglandins haven’t been thought about in relation to hair loss, yet it made sense that there was an inhibitor of hair growth, based on our earlier work looking at hair follicle stem cells.”
Future studies are expected to investigate whether a protein inhibitor could also help women with AGA.
Does it last? “At this point, we haven’t had to repeat a treatment for 2 years. We treat our clients on an individual basis and customize their treatments. Keeping your hair from thinning further is in itself a success. Call it a ‘vaccine’ against hair loss.” explains Dr. Hitzig.
