Health
New hair loss treatments may be on the way after major discovery, researchers say
A major discovery in hair growth research could pave the way for future medications, a San Diego biopharmaceutical company has announced.
Researchers from the University of California have identified a molecule called osteopontin that is linked to faster hair growth, according to a press release from Amplifica Holdings Group.
The findings were published in the journal Nature last month.
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The molecule, which is found in higher levels in hairy moles, was shown to stimulate hair follicle stem cells when injected into the skin.
When the researchers administered a dose of osteopontin to human hair follicles in skin grafts, it generated new growth.
Maksim Plikus, PhD, Amplifica’s chief scientific officer, noted that for this study, the researchers drew inspiration from “Mother Nature’s own experiment.”
“Millions of people have small and large moles that grow long hair,” he explained to Fox News Digital. “Thus, molecules that are increased in such human skin moles might hold an answer for hair stem cell stimulation.”
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“Right now, for people with hair loss, there are treatments available, but no solution,” Plikus said. “This research points to a potential real solution for hair loss that physicians and patients have been searching for.”
This finding of a naturally occurring process for hair growth could lead to the treatment of hair loss, with clinical trials on the horizon, the release stated.
The reasons behind hair loss are complex, noted Plikus, who is also a professor of developmental and cell biology at the University of California, Irvine.
HOW MANY TIMES A WEEK SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR HAIR? IT DEPENDS, EXPERTS SAY
“Hair loss is underlined by a decrease in essential signaling proteins inside of hair follicles that normally stimulate hair stem cells,” he explained. “For common forms of hair loss, hair stem cells remain dormant for very long stretches of time, despite being intact.”
One efficient strategy for combating hair loss would be to inject signaling proteins into the scalp to activate dormant hair stem cells, a common approach used in medical aesthetics, Plikus said.
“Previous hair studies have recognized that such an approach can prove to be very efficient, but which signaling proteins constitute a good candidate for hair stem cell stimulation in humans remained largely unknown.”
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The discovery of osteopontin as a hair growth stimulant is the result of a decade of research, noted Plikus.
While the Amplifica team is excited about the potential for finding a treatment that will work for both men and women, Plikus emphasized that additional clinical studies are required to further evaluate these findings in humans.
Amplifica’s initial study, which will focus on the “safety and tolerability” of osteopontin, is slated to begin this summer.
Health
7 important health stories you might have missed this week: Catch up here
Every day of the week, Fox News Digital publishes a range of health pieces to keep you up-to-date on the most important wellness news.
We cover cutting-edge medical research, breakthrough medications, mental health challenges, personal medical dramas and more.
In case you missed them, here are a few of our biggest health stories from this week.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
You can see a full list of recent health pieces at http://www.foxnews/health.
1. Hunger could be tied to sleep, expert says
If you’re feeling hungrier than usual lately, your sleep routine could be the culprit. A nutritional biologist offers tips for regulating sleep and curbing unhealthy cravings. Click here to get the story.
2. Health agencies issue bird flu update: ‘Alert, not alarmed’
The CDC and WebMD teamed up this week to deliver an hour-long update on Thursday about the current bird flu outbreak. Fox News Digital breaks down the most important points. Click here to get the story.
3. Melanoma patients share their stories
For Skin Cancer Awareness Month, two melanoma patients are speaking up about their symptoms, treatment and prevention tips to help others avoid the potentially deadly disease. Click here to get the story.
4. Report reveals staggering discrepancy in health care costs
Patients with private health insurance could be charged up to 300% more than those with Medicare, a new report reveals. Doctors explain the reasons for the sticker shock. Click here to get the story.
5. Pastor shares important message about depression
A Dallas pastor who fought his own depression battle shares how he overcame the disease – and why it’s so important for those in church leadership to seek help when they need it. Click here to get the story.
6. Nurse’s depression is cured through breakthrough tech
A Chicago nurse struggled with COVID-19-related PTSD and depression for years until electrical brain tapping therapy finally gave her a new lease on life. Click here to get the story.
7. Young vaper shares warning after nearly dying
A 22-year-old man in Nebraska required a double lung transplant due to vaping. Jackson Allard shares his story as a cautionary tale. “I had a 1% chance to live,” he said. Click here to get the story.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
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