Latest Research
The following news stories concern the very latest hair loss research and possible new hair loss cures:
Hair loss research suggests diets with soy protein may help prevent baldness
Posted: 22/04/09
Latest hair loss research has discovered a potent by-product produced when soy protein is digested in humans blocks the hormone that leads to both prostate cancer and hair loss.
A molecule called equol is formed in the intestine when two chemicals found in soy protein, genistin and daidzin, are digested to form genistein and daidzein. Daidzein is subsequently broken down, creating equol.
Researchers found that equol blocked the cancer-forming activity of male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), without inhibiting testosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). As DHT has also been linked to hair follicle loss, hair loss researchers say the results may have implications for a new hair loss cure.
Compared to men of European descent, early baldness is rare among Japanese men, as is prostate cancer incidence, leading many researchers to conclude that a diet of soy is the difference.
Scientists find an enzyme which plays a vital role in maintaining healthy hair
Posted: 09/04/09
Latest research of fat synthesis in the body at the Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease inadvertently turned into hair loss research when scientists found that an enzyme called DGAT1 is closely linked to healthy hair and hair loss. When the enzyme was deleted in mice greatly increased levels of retinoic acid resulted which caused hair loss. Retinoic acid is synthesised naturally from vitamin A. It has also been used to treat skin conditions, such as acne, but its levels must be carefully controlled. It appears that DGAT1 is a regulator of vitamin A since it converts excess vitamin A to a relatively inert storage form. Without DGAT1, this ability is lost, and any excess vitamin A in the skin can be converted to retinoic acid which can contribute to hair loss. These findings may have implications for the future treatment of hair loss and even a new hair loss cure.
EditBodyRight