Doctors To Offer New Genetic Test For Baldness

HairDX Enters Agreement With George Tiemann & Co. As Prominent Doctors Offices Begin Offering Test To Patients

Biotech startup HairDX (www.HairDX.com), providers of the first consumer genetic test for the likelihood of developing male baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia), today announced that George Tiemann & Co. (Hauppauge, NY), a supplier of surgical instruments since 1826, will distribute the test to doctors' offices nationwide.

This will enable doctors to provide the genetic testing directly to their patients. The results provided by the HairDX test can be of tremendous use to both the patient and their physician when considering an effective course of treatment.

HairDX tests for a genetic variant found in more than 95% of bald men. 60% of patients with this variant experienced male pattern baldness before the age of 40, thus it is a marker for a significant increased risk of pattern baldness.

This is in contrast to the less common genetic variant of the same gene, present in about one in six people, which indicates a greater then 85% likelihood that a person will not experience early onset pattern baldness.

George Tiemann & Co is the oldest US surgical instrument distributor, established in 1826. In the past 10 years, it has acquired Bernsco Surgical Supply and A to Z Surgical, giving the company a complete line of products for the dermatology and hair transplant industries.

One of the first doctors to provide the test for patients is Dr. Craig L. Ziering, a leading hair transplant authority. With over 16 years of experience as a preeminent hair transplant surgeon, Ziering has provided help to countless men and women from all over the world who suffered from hair loss.

"Because hair loss is progressive condition, the sooner you begin treating it the better," said Dr. Ziering. "This is an exciting development for our patients to help them better understand the cause of their hair loss quicker in a convenient, affordable manner.

It's a painless medical service I can provide my patients that gives them trustworthy results and helps them make informed decisions."


Dr. Ziering is board certified by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery as well as the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology. He received his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Nova Southeastern Univ., Miami, FL and completed his residency at Ohio University's Grandview Medical Center, Dayton, OH. Ziering completed a Fellowship in Hair Restoration Surgery with Medical Hair Restoration in Orlando, FL, and serves on Advisory Boards for Merck, Pharmacia, Lexington International and Sunetics.

He is also the author of numerous published articles on hair loss and hair restoration surgical techniques. Ziering was chosen to perform the very first hair transplant on the popular ABC show, Extreme Makeover, and has been featured on NBC's Today Show, CBS KTLA, VHI, E! , The Hair Loss Forum Radio program and many other media outlets.

About HairDX

HairDX was founded by leading researchers and specialists in genetic analysis and hair therapies. The company is dedicated to helping people make the right decisions about hair care, treatment and restoration by providing accurate and accessible personalized scientific information.

Among HairDX founders is William V. Murray former Division President of the Molecular Biology Division of Applied BioSystems, Inc., who formerly served in various executive leadership positions within Medtronic, Andy Goren former CEO of MobileWise, Inc. and GeePS, Inc., Eran Goren, CEO of enCircle Media, Inc., Professor Doron Lancet, PhD, Head of the Crown Human Genome Center at the Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Dr. Peter Novak, a Neurologist at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Elliott J. Stein, an intellectual property attorney and co-founder of GeePS, Inc., and Mace Wolf. HairDX, LLC is a subsidiary of myGenopedia, Inc. More information is available at www.hairdx.com.

Is Hair Loss caused by zinc deficiency?

One of the reasons that contribute to your hair loss problem may be insufficient nutrients. If our bodies lack the necessary vitamins, then it is not possible to expect that they will be functioning optimally and healthily. In fact, one of the major nutrients that prevents and treats hair loss is zinc. By understanding how this nutrient relates to hair loss, you can ensure a diet that is helpful in stopping hair loss.

It is known that zinc will add the extra proteins into your system that will then affect hair growth, as well as healthy skin and nails. If you do not have enough in your system, it will cause your hair to stop growing and fall out. Zinc works in relation to the several proteins that are located throughout your body in order to create a support system for your body. Zinc is needed for cell division, in the growth and maintenance of muscles, helps to control oil glands, and is also required for the synthesis of protein and collagen - which is great for wound healing and a healthy skin.

Zinc deficiency not only produces problems with hair loss, but also with changes in the scalp. The scalp may become too dry or flaky and may often times be irritated because of the lack of nutrients. Many have reported that zinc has been shown to be effective in stopping their hair from turning gray. Even when hair is already gray or becoming thinner and balding, zinc can reverse the effects when taken in proper amounts. It is not surprising that many suffer from zinc deficiency since zinc is destroyed in the milling process and is also lost in cooking. In addition, a zinc deficiency can result in a poor immune system, heightened sensitivities and allergies, night blindness, loss of smell, white spots under finger nails, skin problems, sleep disturbances etc.


Men with zinc shortage may have a problem with fertility, while women may experience irregular periods. Children with too little zinc may have stunted growth and slow sexual maturity.

Thus, zinc deficiency is a problem that you do not wish to have. In your diet, include a variety of foods that contain this nutrient. Wheat germ, yeast, muscle meat, fish and egg yolks are all known for having a high amount of zinc in them. From here, the proteins will be stimulated in the several areas of your body. It is best to have zinc from natural sources.

If, however, you find that you are not able to consume zinc through natural sources, then you can always buy zinc supplements. Instances where consuming zinc from natural sources is not possible include if you have certain food allergies or intolerances. Zinc supplements are readily available in health stores. They can be effective when you take between fifty to one hundred milligrams a day.

Definitely whether you are having adequate sources of zinc in your diet, is an important factor to consider with regards to your hair loss. This is one vitamin supplement that may just work wonders for your receding hair line.

Kathlene Capelle writes on hair loss solution, female hair loss, male hair loss, cause of hair loss, natural hair loss treatment and hair care tips. Her blog also includes home made recipes for hair loss. For hair loss remedy information and news updates, please visit http://www.hair-loss-remedy-central.com

Hair Loss Study

Hair Loss Treatment Study - courtesy of Dr. Klein

Breakthrough in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia—

Local Application of Combination of Minoxidil and Finesteride

Introduction

Alopecia or hair loss is a chronic skin disorder characterized by loss of some or all of the hair from the scalp and sometimes from the other parts of the body as well. It occurs in various patterns and affects both males and females. The most common type of baldness is male-pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia. It is characterized by a defined pattern of hair loss from the top of the scalp and regression of the hairline. It affects a large proportion of the population. It might start as early as adolescence and increase with age. In the white population, males in their fifties have a 50% chance of exhibiting some degree of androgenetic alopecia as against an overall average of 66%.1

Genetic and endocrinal factors play an important role but the exact cause and mechanism of hair loss is not clearly understood.2

Alopecia, except for mild itching in some cases, is not a painful or life threatening condition. It may affect the psychological wellbeing of the victim. Studies in this regard are not very exhaustive. They suggest that baldness is psychologically damaging and can cause intense emotional disturbance. It can lead to personal social and job-related problems.3 Hair has always been an important aspect of one’s image or identity particularly for women.4 Among the women suffering from alopecia, around 40% experienced marital problems and 63% suffered career related problems.5 Over all such people feel more social discomfort, and suffer from low self-esteem. In more than 30% of the cases specific problems are attributed to hair loss.6

A study revealed that males who had more profound hair loss were more dissatisfied with their appearance and were more concerned with their older look than those with minimal hair loss. This effect cut across all age groups but was more prominent in the younger age group.7

Difficulties in treatment

Androgenetic alopecia is a poorly understood progressive condition. Androgenic hormones are involved in its pathophysiology. This renders treatment difficult and complex. The androgen receptor antagonists used to treat women are not suitable for men because of the potential risks of gynaecomastia, feminisation, and impotence. In the absence of an understanding of the pathophysiology, it is not possible to attack specific areas.

There are four options for androgenic alopecia available to the patient: 8

1. no treatment
2. medical therapy
3. using a wig
4. surgical treatment

Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages. As far as medical treatment is concerned, the two that are approved by the FDA in the USA for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men are:

1. Topical minoxidil
2. Oral finasteride

Minoxidil is an oral antihypertensive drug which has a side effect of excessive hair growth. It is used topically to treat baldness. Though it results in hair growth in most patients, the hair grown is generally indeterminate rather than true terminal hair. The hair sheds when treatment is stopped.9 Its main benefit is in arresting the progression of balding.

Finasteride is a potent 5á­reductase type 2 inhibitor.10 Its main action is to lower circulating dihydrotestosterone by inhibiting its production by the prostate, rather than affecting the metabolism of the androgen in the hair follicle. Loss of libido is one of the important side effects of this oral therapy.

Synergistic effect of the local application of minoxidil finasteride

1.

1. In view of the different mechanisms of action, it was hypothesized that the simultaneous administration of both the molecules should have a synergistic action.

2. The side effects associated with the oral administration would also be reduced.

3. If the dosage of the individual drug could be reduced, it will further improve the safety profile of the therapy.

Clinical Study

The effect of the novel combination was observed in a study. The subjects were divided into three groups.

Group I (Placebo Group) plain lotion was applied

Group II (Minoxidil Group) 5% Minoxidil lotion was applied

Group III (Combination Group) 5% Minoxidil lotion, 0.025% Tretinoin and 0.1% Finesteride were applied.

The important aspect of the study was the fact that none of the parties involved viz. the clinical / research staff, the study sponsors or the subjects in the three groups were aware of the various groups until the data was collected in the verified database.

The subjects were evaluated every six months with the help of a subjective questionnaire, objective examination and close-up photographs.

Results

In the Placebo Group, there was neither any improvement nor deterioration. In the Minoxidil Group 25% of the subjects showed hair growth. In the Combination Group as much as 75% of the subjects showed improvement. Further, the quality of the newly grown hair was also better in the combination group.

This study indicates that topical application of Minoxidil and Finasteride leads to better hair growth. Combination therapy was thrice as effective as any one of them. These results were documented in a triple-blind clinical trial using a subjective questionnaire, objective examination and close-up photographs. The findings are statistically significant. The study design and objective evaluation rule out observer bias, a common source of error in clinical trials. The two drugs have different route of action and combined use allows for a dual action. It may also be possible to reduce the dose of each drug, decreasing their individual side-effects.

Conclusion

A combination therapy of Minoxidil and Finasteride shows great promise in the treatment of hitherto difficult condition Alopecia androgenetica. It may potentially become the main stay therapy in this condition.

More Info

More info available at Dr. Klein's website

References

1. Hamilton JB. Patterned loss of hair in man: Types and incidence. Ann NY Acad Sci 1951; 53:708-11.
2. Anjiki T, Suzuki S. An injection-corrosion study on the angioarchitecture of the rat skin. Jikken Dbutsu. 1991; 40(4):439-46.
3. Hunt N, McHale S. Reported experiences of persons with alopecia areata. J Loss Trauma 2005;10: 33-50.
4. Weitz R. Rapunzel's daughters: what women's hair tells us about women's lives. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2004.
5. Hunt N, McHale S. Understanding alopecia. London: Sheldon, 2004.
6. Passchier J, Donk JV, Dutree-Meulenenberg PO, Verhage F. Psychological Characteristics of Men With Alopecia Androgenetica and Effects of Treatment With Topical Minoxidil An Exploratory Study. International Journal of Dermatology.1988:27(6):441-446.
7. Girmana CJ, Rhodesa T, Lillyb FR, Guob SS, Siervogelb RM, Patrickc DL, Chumleab WC. Effects of Self-Perceived Hair Loss in a Community Sample of Men. Dermatology 1998;197:223-229
8. Sinclair R. Fortnightly review: Male pattern androgenetic alopecia. BMJ. 1998;317;865-869
9. Olsen EA,Weiner MS. Topical minoxidil in male pattern baldness: effects of discontinuation of treatment. J Am Acad Dermatol 1987;17:97­101.
10. Olsen E. Finasteride (1 mg) in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men . Aust J Dermatol 1997;38;A316.