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ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School found the short activation of a certain protein may induce new hair growth.
That protein, called -catenin, induced new hair growth in mice. Researchers studied mice with an inactive version of the protein. Then, researchers shaved the backs of those mice along with the backs of mice that had an active version of the protein. A topical treatment called 4-OHT was applied once.
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The treatment activated -catenin. Within 15 days, the mice with the active protein did not grow any hair but the mice that had an inactive version of the protein grew new hair. Furthermore, the new hair was indistinguishable from normal hair and continued to grow as usual.
Researchers caution the activity of -catenin needs to be precisely controlled. Authors of the study write, "In contrast to the effects of transient and regulated beta-catenin activation, prolonged activation of -catenin leads to uncontrolled growth and gross distortion of the hair follicle structure."
Approximately two out of every three men lose excessive hair. In the United States, 40 million men and 20 million women are affected by hair loss. Excessive hair loss can be caused by factors such as genetics, disease, injury, or old age, all of which affect the normal growth cycle of hair. Current treatments include medication to reduce hair loss, hairpieces, or hair transplant surgery to cover bald areas.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers a searchable archive of its medical reports written since 1995. To search, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/search/.
SOURCE: Genes & Development, 2003;17:1219-1224
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
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